Recent Obituaries and Guest Books

John Allen Cook III, 45, of Hemphill, Texas, passed away in his sleep on May 4, 2013. John Allen was born Feb. 18, 1968, in Bad Cannstatt, Germany, to Ret. Lt. Col. John Allen Cook, Jr., and Ila Kyle Cook. John Allen attended schools in Pirmsens, Germany; Magnolia, Ark.; and Honolulu, Hawaii. He graduated from Moanalua High School in Hawaii. John Allen furthered his education at the University of Houston, graduating with a degree in psychology in 1994. John Allen was Senior Territory Manager at Yon-Ka Paris Skincare USA.
John Allen enjoyed spending time at the ranch in Waller, Texas, and at the lake house in Hemphill, Texas. John Allen's love, caring and compassion touched many, and he will be truly missed by those who knew and loved him.
He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Jack A. Kyle, Sr., and Cora Belle Scott Kyle; and his paternal grandparents, John Allen Cook Sr. and Ann Simpson Cook. John is survived by his parents, John and Ila Cook of Leesville; two brothers, Lane Cook of Leesville, and Scott S. Cook (Jennifer Boyett Cook) of Fairhope, Ala.; nieces, Kylee A. Cook, Belle Cook, Lila Jane Cook and Brianna Redden; nephews, Harrison Cook and John David Redden; and aunts, uncles, cousins, and many close friends.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on May 25 at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Leesville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in John's name to or to (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105).

Funeral services for Mollie Elane Shackelford will be held at 1 p.m. on May 24 at the First United Pentecostal Church of Rosepine, with Rev. Gary Bankston officiating.
Private burial services will be held at a later date.
Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m. on May 21 at the Jeane's Funeral Service Chapel in Leesville. Visitation on May 22 will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 23 at First United Pentecostal Church of Rosepine.
Mrs. Shackelford, 66, of Pickering, passed away on May 20, 2013 at a residence.
She was a lifelong resident of the Leesville/Pickering area, and worked in the gaming industry.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mollie Moore.
Her survivors are four sons, Robbie Shackelford of Leesville, David L. Shackelford and wife Stephanie, Kevin L. Shackelford and wife Amanda, Jamie Shackelford and wife Amy, all of Leesville; brother, David Moore; sister, Bobby Gehron of DeRidder; and nine grandchildren, Dylan, Austin, Matthew, Katlyn, Riley, Dawson, Rebekah, Joshua, and Emily.
Services under the care of Jeane's Funeral Service, 100 East Union St., Leesville, LA, 71446.

Funeral services for Lyndon N. Smith of Leesville will be held at 11 a.m. on May 22 at the Castor Baptist Church near Leesville, with Rev. Amos Ezell officiating.
Burial will follow in the Castor Cemetery under the direction of Jeane's Funeral Service of Leesville.
Visitation will be from 6-10 p.m. on Tuesday, and from 9 a.m. until time of service on Wednesday at the church.
Mr. Smith, 77, of Leesville, passed away on May 19, 2013 in Leesville.
He was a lifelong resident of Vernon Parish, and a 1954 graduate of Leesville High School. He joined the United States Air Force, where he served for 20 years and one day, and he was a Vietnam veteran.
After retirement he worked as a master mechanic for Cain Motor Company and McRae Ford of Leesville.
He also served as Fleet Maintenance Supervisor for the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office.
He was a Deacon and member of Castor Baptist Church. He was a very talented lead guitar player, and loved to play gospel and country music.
Mr. Smith was preceded in death by a son, James Lynn Smith; and his parents, Lyndon F. and Bernice Cavanaugh Smith.
Survivors are his wife of 57 years, Dorothy Cavanaugh Smith of Leesville; one daughter, Sharon K. Smith Price of Rochell, Ill.; son, Steven Smith and wife Mary of Leesville; one brother, Shelby and wife Mary Lee Smith of Todelo Bend; grandchildren, Josh Smith, Nicholas Price, Melissa Price, Jessica Price, Christopher Molleda, Justin Peacock, Sarah Peacock, and a number of great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Beatrice Dalme Toney, 86, of Leesville were held at 1 p.m. on May 21 at the Labby Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Leesville with Revs. Morris D. Goins and Dale Poe officiating.
Burial followed in the Castor Cemetery, under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville.
Visitation was held from 6-9 p.m. on May 20, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 21 in the chapel.
Beatrice, the daughter of Antoine Joseph Dalme, Sr., and Eva Cecila Self Dalme was born Aug. 30, 1926, in Natchitoches. She passed away May 19, 2013 in Leesville.
Beatrice Toney worked for 30 years as head cook for Leesville Junior High School. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She will be deeply missed. She loved to cook for her family and friends. She never wanted anyone to go hungry. After retiring from Vernon Parish School Board she ironed for family and friends.
She was preceded in death by husband, Lawrence Toney; daughter, Patricia Haymon; son-in-law, J. C. Haymon; father, Antoine Joseph Dalme, Sr.; mother, Eva Cecila Self Dalme; seven brothers and one sister.
She is survived by her son, James "Spanky" Dalme and wife, Mary; and granddaughter, Carla Haymon Lawrence and husband, Anthony.
Words of comfort may be expressed to the Toney Family at www.labbymemorial.com.