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Obituaries published in the August 2022 edition of The Texas Press Messenger.

Elmer Davidson
GRAND PRAIRIE – Elmer Davidson, 99, a lifelong resident of Grand Prairie and former publisher of the Grand Prairie Daily News, a subsidiary of The Dallas Morning News, died June 9.
Davidson served in the U.S. Army in World War II from 1940-1945 in the 940th Field Artillery Battalion in combat in North Africa, Italy, France, Germany, and Austria. He participated in many historic battles such as the liberation of Monte Cassino, Rome, and the defeat of the German Third Reich at Mannheim, Heidelberg, Nuremberg and the liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp. He was awarded the French Croix de Guerre Silver Star, 5 US stars plus American Defense ribbons.
Following his military service, Davidson joined the Grand Prairie News Texan as an apprentice. He advanced through the newspaper ranks from pressman to business manager. In 1965, the A.H. Belo Corporation purchased the News-Texan and in 1970 he was named publisher of the daily newspaper. Davidson was an active civic leader and advocate for Grand Prairie with memberships in various organizations, including Lions International, Chamber of Commerce, Rock Creek BBQ Club, and Wrangler Club. He received multiple civic awards, including Citizen of the Year from the City of Grand Prairie.
At age 65, he retired with 43 years service. He and his wife enjoyed a long retirement.
He survived by his wife of 80 years, Frankie Robinett Davidson, a daughter, grandson and three great grandchildren.
Interment at the DFW National Cemetery on June 20 was followed by a memorial service at the Veteran’s Park Event Center, Grand Prairie. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Stephen Wentworth Sullivan
DALLAS — Stephen Wentworth Sullivan of Dallas, whose long career included serving as publisher of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and as vice president of E.W. Scripps newspaper division, died June 26. He was 76.
A native of Atlanta, Georgia, he grew up in Corpus Christi. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University – Commerce).  He also attended the University of Texas at Austin for graduate studies in marketing.
Sullivan began his career in the newspaper business in 1970 with Harte Hanks, served as general manager of the San Angelo Standard Times in 1980, and as general manager of the Corpus Christi Caller Times in 1982 before becoming publisher in 1987 and president in 1991. He later served as vice president for the E.W. Scripps newspaper division in Cincinnati, Ohio, before retiring in 2004.
He received the 1995 Corpus Christi Area Distinguished Citizen Award from the Boy Scouts of America, and the 1997 Pat Taggart Texas Newspaper Leader of the Year Award. He was named a 2014 Distinguished Alumni of Texas A&M University – Commerce.  He served on the University of Texas at Austin School of Communication Board of Advisors, as chairman of the Media Advisory Board at East Texas State University, and a member of the President’s Advisory Council at Texas A&M Corpus Christi.  He was deeply involved with the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, the Corpus Christi Area Economic Development Corporation, CHRISTUS Spohn Health Care system, the Texas State Aquarium, and the United Way.  He was a member of the Corpus Christi King’s Men organization and was elected to the Philosophical Society of Texas in 1994.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Janis. He is survived by two daughters, two grandchildren and other relatives.
Memorial Mass was held July 7 at Corpus Christi Cathedral of Dallas. Interment followed at Seaside Memorial Park in Corpus Christi.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the University of Texas at Austin, or Texas A&M University – Commerce.

Doris DeBrock Smith House
CARTHAGE – Doris DeBrock Smith House, former owner of the Panola Watchman, died July 20. She was 96.
A native of Groesbeck, House attended Hills Business College in Oklahoma City and Kilgore College. In later years, she attended computer classes at Panola College.
She worked in civil service in Oklahoma City until 1945, when she was employed by the Kilgore News Herald. With her husband James Smith she moved to Carthage in August 1956 to join the staff of the Panola Watchman. Before his death in 1973, they purchased half interest in the newspaper. She later purchased full interest and operated the newspaper until selling it in 1981. She also owned Watchman Office Supply and Printing company and was co-owner of Hawthorn Funeral Home in the late 1970s.
She married William Herbert House in 1978.
She served on the Texas Press Association board of directors for eight years. She was also a member of the North and East Texas Press Association and the National Newspaper Association. NETPA honored her with the Sam C. Holloway Award in 1975.
Following the death of her second husband in 1985, she served on the board of his company, Carthage Cup Company, a plastics manufacturing firm. She also managed the House Ranch and other business interests. In addition, she served on the board of the Panola County Industrial Foundation.
During retirement, she enjoyed traveling, visiting many areas of the U.S. and other countries.
She is survived by two children, three grandchildren, two great grandchildren and other relatives.
Funeral services were held July 23 at the First United Methodist Church in Carthage, where she had been a member for 66 years, serving in WMU and serving on the administrative board. Interment followed in Westland Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to the First united Methodist Church Foundation, 201 S. Shelby, Carthage, Texas 75633.