John Sayles Masonic Lodge #1408

08/23/2026

Brethren & Ladies All,

This year we will continue our annual Smoked Turkey Fundraising event. It’s our only general lodge fundraiser for the year, and we would really appreciate your support. As you know, we also coordinate the donation of a great deal of these turkeys to local charities in our community.

We are accepting orders sooner than usual so we aren't waiting until the last minute to negotiate our turkey purchase. This also helps us better coordinate with local charities.

10-12 lb Freshly Smoked Turkeys remain $50 this year with Curbside Pickup! or to donate to so many worthy causes! You can even buy it for a friend or neighbor for a wonderful surprise!

Online Order Form available by visiting our website at:
https://abilenemasons.org/annual-turkey-smoke-fundraiser/
2026 Smoked Turkey Fundraiser
Date/Time: November 21, 2026
Location: John Sayles Lodge # 1408, 3201 S. 27th St., Abilene, TX 79605
Phone: (325)268-4024
Email: [email protected]

Last year, with the generosity of the community and our members, we donated over 50 turkeys to many wonderful organizations. This year, we will continue that by not only offering safe curbside pickup of turkeys in Abilene but also offering the ability to donate a turkey to:

Hope Haven of Abilene
Salvation Army of Abilene
Love & Care Ministries
Ben Richey Boys Ranch
Noah Project

If you would like a great smoked turkey, prepared safely and with love by our lodge, fresh from the smoker, or would like to provide one to the many organizations we are accepting donations for this year

Don’t Like Online Order Forms? Click Here for a printable form!
https://abilenemasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Smoked-Turkey-fall-2026-with-QR-codes.pdf

Please SHARE THIS WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW!
https://abilenemasons.org/annual-turkey-smoke-fundraiser/

08/20/2026

Please help us pass the word!!

08/19/2026

08/11/2026

View Francis Anthony Alexandre's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/06/2026

Dear Brethren and Friends,

Over the weekend, Brother Al Alexandre laid down his working tools and entered the eternal rest prepared by the Great Architect of the Universe. While some have already heard of his passing, we now share this formal announcement so that all who knew and loved him may join in honoring his life.

Brother Alexandre was a man of conviction; he was strong in principle, passionate in purpose, and outspoken in truth. His sincerity, his courage, and his unwavering spirit were gifts he shared freely. He lived boldly, cared deeply, and stood firmly for what he believed was right. These qualities were reflections of the light God placed within him.

As we gather to honor his life, may we remember that strength of spirit is one of God’s greatest gifts. Brother Al carried that gift boldly, and it lives on in the memories and lives he touched.

Please see the details below for the services scheduled in his honor:

Service in His Honor

Date: August 13th
Time: 5:30–6:30 PM
Location: John Sayles Lodge No. 1408
Address: 3201 S 27th St, Abilene, TX 79605

Funeral Services:
Date: August 15th
Viewing: 9:30–11:00 AM
Funeral Service: 11:00 AM
Location: Galbreaith‑Pickard
Funeral Chapel
Address: 913 N Elm St, Weatherford, TX 76086

Burial & Masonic Graveside Services
Location: Clark Cemetery
Address: 1338 Friendship Rd, Weatherford, TX 76085

Masonic graveside services will be conducted at the burial site immediately following the funeral.

We ask all who knew Brother Alexandre to keep his family in their prayers. May the Great Architect of the Universe grant them comfort, and may we honor our Brother by carrying forward the strength, passion, and sincerity that defined his walk through this life.

Sincerely,
Viron Smith, WM
John Sayles Lodge No. 1408

08/01/2026

On behalf of John Sayles Lodge No. 1408, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to our Brother Don Reynolds and his family on the passing of his beloved wife, Barbara Lee Reynolds.

Barbara lived a life defined by service, faith, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. Her strength of character, her kindness, and her commitment to others left a lasting mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. She truly made the world better through the way she lived.

As Brother Reynolds and his family walk through this time of grief, may they find comfort in the love of friends, the support of their community, and the peace of cherished memories.

Our thoughts, prayers, and fraternal support remain with them.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at North's Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Wylie Baptist Church, with Mike Harkrider officiating.
Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene.

Read the obituary here:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/barbara-reynolds-obituary?id=62089865

Fraternally, Viron Smith WM
John Sayles Lodge No. 1408

View Barbara Lee Reynolds's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

07/16/2026

Brethren, Family, and Friends of John Sayles Lodge No. 1408,

We have received updated information regarding the funeral services for our beloved Brother Franklin Cozby Jr.

Updated Service Details

- Reserved Seating: Thirty seats will be reserved for masonic family, and additional seating will be available for all attendees.

- Funeral Service: Saturday, July 18th, from 1:00 PM to approximately 2:00 PM at Wylie Baptist Church.

- Procession: Approximately 2:00 PM, the Abilene Police Department will es**rt us to Elmwood Cemetery for the graveside services.

- Graveside Services: Masonic burial rites will be conducted first, followed by military honors.

Brother Cozby served our fraternity faithfully for 64 years, and we honor his legacy through our unity, our service, and our continued commitment to the principles he exemplified.

Fraternally,
Viron Smith
Worshipful Master
John Sayles Lodge No. 1408, A.F.&A.M.

Send a message to learn more

07/14/2026

Franklin Jackson “Frank” Cozby Jr., 99, of Abilene, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Wylie Baptist Church with Mark Harkrider officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park in Abilene. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home.
Frank was born on September 3, 1926, in Lewisville, Texas, to Franklin Jackson Cozby Sr. and Viola Bradley Cozby. He attended Fort Worth Technical High School, where he studied automobile mechanics and participated in ROTC. Because he was drafted into the United States Army during World War II, Frank graduated after completing the 11th grade and answered his nation's call to service.
Frank proudly served for two years in the United States Army, including approximately 14 months overseas in the Pacific. His service took him through the Philippines and into Japan following the war. While serving in the occupation of Japan, he witnessed the aftermath of Hiroshima and helped dispose of stored explosive powder near the devastated city.
Following his military service, Frank held several jobs while establishing his career. He worked for Boswell's Ice Cream and drove one of the company's ice cream trucks, managed a local game room, and operated his uncle's lumber yard before joining Waples-Platter Company as a salesman in 1952. He remained with the business through its transition to White Swan Foods and retired after 35 years of dedicated service. The company later became part of US Foods.
Throughout his life, Frank was blessed with three marriages. He was first married to Betty Ruth Harvey, later to Dura Mae Waldrop, the mother of his two children, and finally to Nelda Mitchell Smith.
Frank was a devoted member of Wylie Baptist Church and was actively involved in the Order of the Eastern Star and Freemasonry. His Masonic journey began when he was initiated as an Entered Apprentice on September 21, 1953. He remained a Master Mason in good standing for more than 60 years. During that time, he held memberships with Mackenzie Lodge No. 1327, John Sayles Lodge No. 1408, and Milam Lodge No. 11, where he formed many lasting friendships through years of service and fellowship.
Frank will be remembered for his love of storytelling, his unwavering faith, his devotion to family and friends, and the countless memories he shared from a life rich with service, laughter, and love.
Frank was preceded in death by his wives, Betty Ruth Cozby, Dura Mae Cozby, and Nelda Cozby; his daughter, Tommie Jean Cozby; his siblings, Ola May Cozby, Emil Franklin Cozby, Margrett Josephine Cozby Elliott, Homer Jesse Cozby, Laurence Cozby, and Ronald Bennett Cozby; and his parents, Franklin Jackson Cozby Sr. and Viola Bradley Cozby.
He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Mary Cozby; his granddaughter, Ashley Swinney and her husband; and his cherished great-grandson, Ryder.
Pallbearers will be nephew Roy Underwood and Brothers of John Sayles Lodge.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made by donating blood through the Hendrick Regional Blood Center in Frank's honor.

07/14/2026

Brethren, Family, and Friends of John Sayles Lodge No. 1408,

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Brother Franklin Cozby Jr. last weekend at the age of 99. Raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on February 23, 1962, Brother Cozby faithfully served our Craft for over 64 years. His long and honorable service stands as a testament to his character and devotion to the principles of Freemasonry.

Brother Cozby lived a life marked by integrity, humility, and brotherly love. His presence in our lodge was a steady reminder of the virtues we strive to uphold: kindness, service, and dedication to God and our fellow man. Though he has passed from our sight, the light he carried remains with us, and his memory will continue to inspire our work.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May they find comfort in knowing that he now rests in the eternal care of the Grand Architect of the Universe.

Service Information
The tentative arrangements are as follows:

- Visitation: Friday, July 17th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hamil Family Funeral Home
- Funeral Service: Saturday, July 18th, at 1:00 PM at Wylie Baptist Church

We will share any updates as they become available.

Let us honor Brother Cozby by renewing our commitment to the virtues he exemplified and by supporting one another during this time of loss.

Fraternally,

Viron Smith
Worshipful Master
John Sayles Lodge No. 1408, A.F.&A.M.

Send a message to learn more