Mr. Earnest Ryals Cole of Dothan passed away Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Southeast Health.. He was 81.
Friends are invited to join the family at Bay Springs Baptist Church Cemetery on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 4 P.M. to celebrate the life of Mr. Earnest. Pastor Don Clark will lead the Graveside Service.
Earnest was born January 4, 1945, to the late Earnest and Ruby Marl Cole. He worked for over 43 years at Smith-Stevenson IGA. Earnest was married to his wife. Jewel Ann for 56 years.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Jewel Ann Cole, and his siblings, Manuel, Tom, Robert, Bud, Pearl, and Catherine.
He is survived by his children, Kim Phillips (Tracy), Greg Cole (Jessica), Angie Anderson (Greg Bongino), brother, Charles Cole, and sister, Sarah Patterson, grandchildren, Daniel Phillips (Katie), Noah Phillips, Scott Cole, Emalee Anderson, Zac Anderson, great-granddaughter, Gracie Phillips, and many nieces and nephews.
Also thank you to Wendy Chestnut for being there for us during this difficult time.
The family would like to thank the ICU on the 4th floor and 2 special nurses, Hannah and Joyce.
Patrick Henry Lapera passed away on March 26, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on November 18, 1948, in the beautiful islands of Hawaii, Pat lived a life full of adventure, love, and dedication. His journey took him from the serene shores of Hawaii to a fulfilling life in Gordon, Alabama, where he moved in 2012. Pat was a man of great courage, humor, and a deep love for his family traits that endeared him to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Pat was a devoted husband to Darnell Lapera, his beloved wife of 56 years. Their love story began when Darnell was 11 years old and Pat was 13, marking the start of a lifelong partnership filled with love and mutual admiration. Together, they built a family that became Pat’s pride and joy. He was a protective and loving father to his daughters, Shyla Crawford, married to James, and Amanda Couch, married to Rodney. Pat’s legacy extends to his five grandchildren, Christopher Norrell, Kirk French, Crystal Dikes, Chelsey Moon, married to Dalton, and Kyle McLendon, engaged to Caitlyn. His family blossomed further with the joy of seventeen great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in his heart. Pat is also survived by his half-siblings, Leolani Valeros, Thomas Lapera, Charlene Hilo, and Susie, who cherished their bond with him.
Pat was preceded in death by his loving parents, Thomas Lapera and Julia Lapera Keahi, as well as his dear sister, Patsy LaDue. Despite these losses, Pat carried the values and memories of his family with him throughout his life, honoring their legacy with every step he took.
A proud veteran, Pat served his country with distinction in the U.S. Army for an impressive 26 and a half years. He was a Vietnam Veteran, a testament to his bravery and dedication to his nation. Following his active service, Pat continued his commitment to the military as a recruiter for the Georgia National Guard, where he inspired many young individuals to serve their country. His dedication to his fellow veterans was evident in his active membership with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), where he found camaraderie and purpose among his peers.
In addition to his military service, Pat held important leadership roles in the hospitality and security industry. He served as the Director of Security for the Las Vegas Club and the El Cortez Hotel and Casino, where he was respected for his professionalism, leadership, and ability to handle responsibility with integrity.
Pat’s interests were as varied as they were passionate. He had a great sense of humor that could light up any room, and he was loved by everyone who knew him. A motorcycle enthusiast, Pat was a member of the GWRRA and enjoyed the freedom of the open road, often riding with the U Crew Motorcycle Club. His passion and commitment to the club were recognized when he and Darnell were honored as the District Couple of the Year in Alabama in 2019. Pat also found solace and joy in fishing, a pastime that allowed him to connect with nature and reflect on life’s blessings.
Throughout his life, Pat was known for his courageous spirit, his loving nature, and his infectious humor. These qualities not only defined him but also inspired those around him. He was a man who lived life to the fullest, embracing every moment with gratitude and enthusiasm. Pat’s laughter, wisdom, and unwavering love for his family will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.
As we reflect on Pat’s life, we celebrate the legacy of a man who gave so much to his family, his country, and his community. His story is one of love, service, and resilience, leaving behind a lasting impression on everyone whose lives he touched. Pat’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of his loved ones a testament to a life well-lived and a legacy that will endure for generations to come.
A celebration of Pat’s life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Ozark Church of Christ, 177 Myrtle Dr, Ozark, AL 36360.
Rita Joyce Minton Wammock passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Wesley Place Nursing Home. She was 62 years old.
Rita was born on October 1, 1963, in Arkansas to Jackie Minton and Sylvia Joyce Higgs Allen. She earned an associate degree in drafting and worked for many years as an administrative assistant.
Rita’s family was her greatest accomplishment in life. She dearly loved being a grandmother and treasured every moment spent with those she loved. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking, traveling, and spending time in nature. Rita loved Jesus and lived with a strong faith. In her free time, she enjoyed cheering for the Georgia Bulldogs, going to the beach, and watching HGTV and The Weather Channel.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jackie Minton.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Aaron Wammock, Dylan Wammock (Celeste Guerra), and Jessica Walker (Areon); her mother, Sylvia Allen; her grandchildren, Adrian Walker and Amelia Wammock; her brother, Randall Minton; and her beloved friends, Cindy Byron and Leah Lutz.
Jerry Lamar Hughes, age 79, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026.
Jerry was born on January 25, 1947. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jonnie Doyal Hughes and Mary Evelyn Clark Hughes.
Jerry lived a full and hardworking life. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was an honored Vietnam, veteran. He then spent many years as a long-haul truck driver. He was also a well known horse trainer and had a deep passion for carpentry, often using his hands to create and build things for those he loved. In his downtime you would find him in his recliner watching old westerns. Jerry will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love for family, and his ability to connect with others through his many talents and stories.
He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 42 years, Shirley Flowers Hughes of Dothan, Alabama. He leaves behind his children: Melissa Tyson of Greenwood, Arkansas; Sherry Bullard of Dothan, Alabama; Angel Reigelsperger (Will) of Niceville, Florida; Ty Tyson of Dothan, Alabama; Steve Lindsey (Aimee) of Grand Bay, Alabama; Kelli Carroll (Clint) of Dothan, Alabama; and Danny Moss of Granbury, Texas. Jerry was a proud grandfather to Anniston, Lynsey (Matt), Brittney (Dennis), Madison (Mason), Chase, Trey, Jon, Jeremy (Rashell), Scarlet (Izick), Jorgia, Haleigh, Kayden (Ashton), Hunter, Kolby, Lacey, Blakely, Nicholas, and Canaan, and a loving great-grandfather to 12 great-grandchildren, Sadi, Wesley, Kaylee Ann, Karson, Karleigh, Kynleigh, Kolson, Blake, Remi, Stella and 2 on the way.
He is also survived by his siblings: Mary Alice Hughes Curl; Jonny Hughes (Carolyn); Wanda Hughes Simmons (Ed); Robin Hughes (Cheryl); Pam Hughes Henderson (Cliff); and Billy Clark (Wendi).
He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.
Jerry also leaves behind cherished friends, including Ronald Hovey, Brent Morris, and Andy Rogers, who will miss him dearly.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Wednesday, April 1, ,2026 at Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Robert Hamilton officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 PM until 2 PM prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory cemetery with Military Honors.
Pallbearers- Josh Bullard, Jon Bullard, Jeremy Bullard, Chase Correll, Jody Ward, Jessie Strickland.
Jerry’s legacy of love, hard work, and dedication to family will live on in all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
We would like to thank the nurses at Gentiva, Cindy, Hannah and Joanne, and the nurses at South East Medical Center third and fourth floor CCU for all you did.
HEADLAND……Maria Angeles Casillas Carrazco, a resident of Headland, passed away Friday morning, March 27, 2026. She was 67.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:30 A.M. Wednesday, April 01, 2026 at St. Columba Catholic Church. The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Wright Funeral Home and Crematory in Headland.
Maria Angeles Casillas Carrazco was born in La Garita, Jalisco, Mexico, to the late Calletano Casillas Contreras and Aurora Torres. She carried with her the values of her upbringing throughout her life, cherishing her roots and the love of her family. In time, she made her home in the United States, where she created a life centered on faith, resilience, and devotion to those she loved. Maria was a faithful and devoted member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Eufaula, Alabama, where her presence and spirit will be deeply missed.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Raymundo Carrazco Lopez; three daughters, Bertha Alicia Carrazco, Griselda Carrazco, and Maria de Lourdes; four sons, Ignacio Carrazco, Armando Carrazco, Alfredo Carrazco, and Fernando Carrazco; nineteen grandchildren; three great grandchildren; several other loving family members and friends.
Mr. Dean Curtis Belden, a resident of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at his home following a short illness.
Interment will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 22, 2026, at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery.
Mr. Belden was born on January 25, 1945, in Lyons, Kansas to Henry and Evelyn Buckles Belden. He was raised in Saxmann, Kansas majority of his early years and then moved to South Hutchinson, Kansas. He attended high school in Nickerson, Kansas where he was a member of the football and track teams. After high school, he obtained an associate degree in fire safety. Mr. Dean made a career as a civil service fire fighter at Grand Forks Air Force Base and retired. He was in the United States Air Force Reserve as a fire fighter for thirty years and retired as MSGT. He was dedicated to his country, his career, and his family. He was a devoted husband and father since March 8, 1966, when he and his wife started their family. His hobbies were hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. He enjoyed admiring and planting cactus. He was a member of Covenant Methodist Church.
Mr. Dean is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gary Belden and Phil Belden; sisters, Betty Dobbins and Ellen Vallijo.
Survivors include his wife of sixty years, Sandy Nester Belden; son, Kevin Belden (Jennifer); daughter, Kimberly Klocek (Paul); grandchildren, Kevin Klocek, Victoria Hooker (Chris), Tyler Belden (Cassidy), Brooke Belden, Jade Belden, and Chloe Belden; great grandchild, Henry Thomas Hooker; sister in law, Sharon Stockham (Terry); brothers in law, Tom Nester (Jeanne) and Gary Nester; nieces and nephews.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888.
