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THE LONGVIEW VOICE — January 24, 2021
OBITUARIES Longview ISD offers our most sincere condolences to our extended Lobo family Capt. Mike Claxton Michael Lewis Claxton, better known as “Mike” started his new life in the kingdom of Heaven January 18, 2021 after a courageous battle with COVID-19. “I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that CLAXTON where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:3 Mike was born on August 26, 1960 in Longview, Texas to Earl and Florence Claxton. A 1978 graduate of Longview High School, Mike soon followed his father’s footsteps into law enforcement when he began working as a jailer for the Gregg County Sheriff’s office under Sheriff Tom Welch. His career would span 36 years under the administrations of three sheriffs as a patrol deputy, patrol sergeant, lieutenant. and concluded when he retired as a captain on the command staff of his good friend, current Gregg County Sheriff, Maxey Cerliano. Mike also was selected to serve on the elite FBI Violent Crime Task Force. Mike will always be remembered for how he lived life. He was truly a man that enjoyed every moment of life and what it had to offer. He was always one to call to check on you and offer a kind word or a story. Mike’s greatest love and treasures was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren who affectionately
William Harris
called him Gran. Whether it was dinner at one of his son’s houses or getting ice cream for one of his granddaughters, he never missed an opportunity to spend time with them. Mike loved to travel and see the world and enjoy all God’s creations. Second to his family, Mike’s greatest passion was hunting or fishing with his sons and longtime friends. His love of the outdoors led him to take many people on their first duck hunt or fishing trip. He was preceded in death by parents, Earl and Florence Claxton, and a sister Gloria and husband Kenneth Whatley. Mike is survived by sons, Brandon Claxton and wife, Laine; Chase Claxton and wife, Susannah; and granddaughters, Kenna Faith, Kessley Hope, Lilly Anderson, all of Longview. The family received friends for a time of visitation in the Garden Court of Welch Funeral Home on Thursday, Jan. 21. A Life Celebration funeral service was held Friday, Jan. 22, in the Worship Center of New Beginnings Baptist Church with Pastor Tom McDaniels officiating, along with longtime friend Hon. Tim Bryan. Interment immediately followed in Rosewood Park Cemetery. The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard will serve as pallbearers. Mike will be remembered most as a loving and supportive father, the best Gran in the whole world, and a devoted friend who always had a kind word to offer and a great story to tell. Service for Mr. Claxton are handled exclusively by R. Blake Cammack and Welch Funeral Home.
children as a Longview Independent School District bus driver, as position he held for over 15 years, and in which he was engaged at the On September 12, 1943, Bill and Francis Harris of St. time of his death. He was loved and respected by his fellow bus drivers, and the children he Louis, Missouri welcomed their first child William Har- transported to and from school, and to special activities. He also put his driving skills to ris. Later, he was joined by five brothers, Edgar, Darrell, good use during a short stint in the Longview Gerald, Russell and Maurice. Regional Hospital’s transportation department. William attended public A dapper gentleman, William enjoyed schools in St. Louis, graduating from Sodan High School. dressing, and helping others dress well. ToHARRIS ward this end, he sold clothing to both men, Although he wasn’t born in and women. Texas, he got here as soon William leaves his family many precious as he could, packing his bags, and arriving in memories to cherish. Those surviving him Tyler in 1971. include his wife of 42 years Elaine Harris; In 1979 he met the love of his life, Elaine his brothers, Edgar [Beverly] Harris, Darrell Campbell, in Gilmer, Texas; they were mar[Angela] Harris, Gerald [Toni] Harris, all ried that same year on June 30. Another of St. Louis, Missouri, and Maurice [Mary] important milestone in his life occurred in Harris of Miami Florida. Also, his daugh1980 when he united with the Cypress Street ters, Carmella Johnson, Felecia Russell Church of Christ in Gilmer, having been encouraged by his wife. For the rest of his life he and Robbie Venters; son, Cedric Campbell; granddaughters, Jessica Johnson, Quateesa would express gratitude to Elaine, whom he affectionately called Baby, for introducing him Venters, Cornesia Henderson, Maklia Campto the church. He remained a faithful member bell, and Jalessa Campbell; grandsons: James Venters, Jeremey Johnson, James Johnson, until the time of his death. He was a member of the Loop 281 Church of Christ in Longview. and Courtney Russell; great-grandsons, Kingston Henderson, Quay Venters, Cortland Several loved ones including his parents Venters, and Kalen Phillips; great-greatBill and Francis Harris, preceded him in death. Others were his brother Russell Brown; grand sons Jakria Johnson and Jalen Sephus; great-granddaughters, Kinzlee Henderson, his uncles William (Bill) Harris and Sam Harris; his sister Patricia and his sister-in-law SariahVenters, Jaymiah Smith, and Mylissa Venters; special nephews: Derez Harris and Sharon Duncan Buchanan. Dwaun Harris: special friends, Alleyne RegWilliam was a professional driver. He ister, Carolyn Bradley and Nina Fisher; and owned an 18-wheeler, and drove all over the country for some 18 years. He transported the brother-in-love Davy Duncan, a host of family most cherished “cargo” in any community—the and friends.
Charles Brewer
Charles Harold Brewer died Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Forney. He was born March 11, 1956. Charles graduated from Magnolia BREWER High School in 1974. He enlisted in the U.S. Army. He later attended mortuary school at Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science, where he received his funeral director license and mortician certification. Charles was the proud owner of Brewer Embalming & Transfer Service. Charles Harold was preceded in death by his mother, Earnestine Brewer; sister, Regina Brewer; and brother, Michael Brewer. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Christine Quibin and daughter, Noey Dilla; three children with Mary Baldwin, Jeryn Baldwin (Arionna), Kiki Brewer Baldwin, D’Marcus Brewer; and one child with Cassandra Bell, Charles Harold Brewer Jr.; four brothers, Johnny R. Brewer of Texarkana, LHS Principal James P. Brewer (Sophia) of Longview, Timothy B. Brewer of Atlanta, GA and Henry E. Brewer of Ramstein, Germany; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation was Thursday, Jan. 21, at Haynes Mortuary; and Friday, Jan. 22, at Marks Funeral Home in Magnolia.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” — MATTHEW 5:4
