Cross Plains Exes

09/04/2026

Brent Wilson, Class of 1982, has passed away. Please pray for his brother, parents and family.

Brent Dewayne Wilson, 62, passed away at his home on September 1, 2026.

Born in Texas on November 8, 1963, Brent was the son of Jimmy Dale Wilson and Carolyn Sue Crisp Wilson. He grew up in the Cross Plains community and graduated from Cross Plains High School in 1982. His life remained rooted in the communities and countryside of Central and West Texas, including the Stephenville and Clairette area.

Brent was formerly married to Sandy Moore Wilson, now Sandy Moore Huffman. Together, they became the parents of two children, Travis Wilson and Brentni Dale Lynette Wilson.

For many years, Brent found freedom and enjoyment on the open road as an avid motorcycle rider. He was also a licensed amateur-radio operator for a time, using the call sign N5NZI. These interests reflected an independent and adventurous side of Brent that remained an important part of his life.

Above all, Brent's enduring legacy is his family. He was a son, brother, father, grandfather and uncle whose passing leaves an absence in the lives of those who knew and loved him. His family will remember the years they shared with him, the experiences that became family stories and the place he will always hold among them.

Brent is survived by his parents, Jimmy Dale Wilson and Carolyn Sue Crisp Wilson, both of Cross Plains, Texas; his younger brother, Vance Wilson of Austin, Texas; his nephew, Ian Wilson; his son, Travis Wilson; his daughter, Brentni Dale Lynette Wilson Rankin and her husband, Ty Rankin; and his grandchildren, Sayde Rayn and Malakai Vander.

Brent will be cremated. A memorial service honoring his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Cottonwood Baptist Church in Dublin, Texas. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Brent and the life he shared with them.

09/02/2026

One hundred years ago, the Cross Plains Review building was expanded and remodeled. The building was 17 years old at the time. And while the building has seen some changes over the years, it's time to make some repairs and remodelling. (Some little nips and tucks as Christine would say.) To keep away from the construction noise and dust (Phyllis hates dust), we have moved into a temporary location. We're still here and we're not going anywhere. You can find us at 117 N Main Street, next to the Bank's Community Room, in the space that once housed Custom Tile, Salamanders and Hey Dudes. Come and see us - we're there Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings and sometimes other times.

08/09/2026

Happy Book Lover’s Day. Here’s book lover, book store owner, and CPHS ex Jake Estes

Just a man who loved books so much he opened his own bookstore. Happy Book Lovers Day!

08/07/2026

Mike Montgomery, Class of 1964, and brother to Randy Montgomery and Cindy Montgomery McCaghran, has passed away. Please pray for Randy, Cindy and the rest of his family.

Dr. Michael (Mike) Davis Montgomery passed away on the morning of July 24, 2026, at 79 years of age. He passed peacefully in Abilene, Texas with his wife Aimee by his side.
Mike was born on August 1, 1946, in Coleman, Texas to John D and Naomi Montgomery. He graduated from Cross Plains High School in 1964 and attended the University of Texas Medical Branch and started practicing as a Doctor of Radiology in Abilene in 1978. Dr. Montgomery was very proud of being a doctor and how it allowed him to make an impact in the lives of others.
Mike loved his family and was very proud of all of them. Mike loved hunting, fishing, UT Longhorns, and his Dallas Cowboys. He will be remembered for his love of life, love of people, being ornery, and making you feel like the most special person in the room.
Mike is survived by his wife Aimee; daughter, Natasha Montogmery; son, Charles Montgomery; brother, Randy Montgomery; sister, Cindy McCaghren and husband Johnny; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Shannon and Clay Martin; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Don and Linda Barnett; granddaughter, Jessica Hoyt and partner Nash Lago; grandson, Sean Hoyt; granddaughter, Deanna Montgomery; and great grandson, Apollo Lago. Uncle Mike had many nieces and nephews that he loved to give a hard time, Stacy and Brenda Montgomery, Melissa and Patrick Hamilton, Heather and John Harris, John Ross McCaghren, Tiffany McCaghren, Brittany Bishop, Grayson Martin, Garrett Martin, Gatlin Martin, many great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, John D and Naomi Montgomery; son, Sean Montgomery; daughter, Katrina Montgomery; father-in-law Sonny Nolen; and sister-in-law, Sharlotte Montgomery.
There will be a brief graveside service in late September.

08/07/2026

This morning, we celebrate the incredible ag teachers who make up the 2026 class of the Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas Hall of Fame. Join us at the Closing Session this morning to honor their impact with us.

These individuals served as agricultural science teachers whose careers, achievements, and contributions stand as exemplary. Congratulations!

07/21/2026

What's Zach Edington, Class of 1999, doing these days? Coaching in Coleman!

Coleman ISD is pleased to announce the appointment of Zach Edington as the Interim Head Football Coach and Boys Coordinator for the 2026-2027 school year.

07/10/2026

Services for Ron Bell -- Memorial Gathering, American Legion Post 423, 701 E. 1st Street; August 1st, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Celebration of Live, Church of Christ, 433 North Main Street, August 2nd, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rondal Earl "Ron" Bell, who entered his eternal home on June 24, 2026, at the age of 80.

Ron was born on September 20, 1945, in Baird, Texas, to Charlie and Jeffie Bell, who preceded him in death. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, a service he carried with honor throughout his life. Following his military service, Ron spent most of his career as a truck driver, where his strong work ethic and unwavering dedication were evident to everyone who knew him. After retirement, he continued serving his community as Commander of American Legion Post 423, a role that brought him great pride and purpose.

To those who knew him best, Ron was much more than his accomplishments. He was a devoted husband, an incredible Daddy, and an adoring Poppy. He had a genuine laugh that filled a room, loved making silly faces and voices to make others smile, and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. His kindness, generosity, and mischievous sense of humor left lasting impressions on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Above all else, Ron treasured his family. His greatest joy came from spending time with those he loved, celebrating life's milestones, sharing stories, and creating memories that will be cherished forever. The love he gave so freely will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Sharelynn Peevy Bell; his daughters, Charalene Mueller and husband Carlin, Sheila Bell-Taylor and husband Curtis, and Tiffany Oden and her husband, Jeremy; his grandchildren, Mackenzie Bell, Sidney Easterling, Sam Taylor-Bell, Avery Oden, Raeleigh Oden, and Koby Oden; his great-grandchild, Emory Chapa; and his brother, Terry Bell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Jeffie Bell, and his siblings, Charlie Bell, Charlene Tucker, Kenny Bell, and Eddie Bell.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to American Legion Post 423, a place Ron proudly served and deeply loved.

Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Ron's legacy of love, laughter, service, and unwavering devotion to his family will live on for generations to come. His was a life well lived, and he will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

07/10/2026

Lee Creamer, Class of 1978, has passed away. Please say a prayer for Tracy and his family.

Cecil Lee Creamer left his worldly body and rejoiced with the Lord on June 29th, 2026. Lee was born on April 9th, 1960, to Jeannette Sue Creamer (Stroud) and Forrest Grady Creamer in Lawton, Oklahoma. He always asked nobody to hold the Oklahoma thing against him; he got to Texas as quickly as he could.

He graduated from Cross Plains High School in 1978. He spent much of his younger years and most of his adult life as a roughneck. From Austin to Vernon, Mineral Wells to Odessa, he punched holes all over the state, proudly pointing out wells he drilled when driving past.

In 1985, Lee married Gayla Albrecht. The pair put down deep roots in Cottonwood, raising 3 kids and creating a lifetime of memories. Later in life, he rekindled a high school love and started dating Tracy Dillard, his loving girlfriend of 7 years.

Lee was what you would refer to as a back row Baptist up until he and Tracy started dating. Tracey showed him the front row wasn’t so bad. If you check the carpet, there may still be heel marks from her dragging him to the front row. Lee loved the Lord and was a faithful member of Cottonwood Baptist Church. Every Sunday, you would find him with his big smile sitting up front with Tracy, giving those great bear hugs afterwards.

Lee loved road trips, enjoying the scenery along the way. He would load the family up on Friday afternoon and pick directions to go. Most of those trips were zig zagged across the hill country, San Saba and Llano being his favorite areas. Many summers were spent camping at Lake Brownwood State Park, a place he loved since he was a kid. If the Creamer household was empty in the summertime, they were gone to the lake.

Lee made the leap from Dad to Granddad, a title he carried well. All of his grandkids were the sparkle to his eyes. The big scary guy turned into a teddy bear when he gained that title. At any family get together, if you couldn’t find him, you just had to look for where the kids were playing. He could be found there, making the kids laugh and giggle. He was the greatest granddad to every kid he met.

Lee is preceded in death by his mother Jeannette Creamer (Stroud), grandmother Isla Stroud, granddad X**a Lee Stroud, aunt Tammie Brown (Stroud), aunt Pat Morris (Stroud), uncle Jimmy Stroud, stepmother Tana Creamer, uncle Frank Hamer, and uncle S***t Creamer.

He is survived by his girlfriend Tracy Dillard, son Forrest Creamer and wife Jessica, grandkids Tyler, Parker, Alec, Isla; son Nathan Creamer and wife Tori, grandson Bastian; daughter Victoria Creamer, sister Lavanda Creamer, niece Star Ford; brother Richard Creamer and wife Amy, nephews Boyd and Kyle, niece Christy; sister Jana Berry, niece Quinn; sister Toni Shingledecker, nephews Rob, Tyler and niece McKenzie; uncle Gerry Brown, nephew Jason Stroud, niece Lindsey Brown, great nephews Trey and Christian, great niece Amy, uncle Wesley Morris, nieces DeDe Morris and Heather Norris, great nephews Isaac, Ethan, Everett, Colby, Cason, Canon.

The family would like to thank Cross Plains EMS, Hendrick’s North ICU team, and Nurse Kaci for doing everything possible for Lee and our family throughout the entire time.

07/10/2026

Vera Lovell, wife of Eric Lovell (who was with the Class of 1965 through the 8th grade, but graduated in Baird), has passed away. Please pray for her family.

View Vera Joyce Lovell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/10/2026

Von Dell Dillard Bailey, Class of 1955, and mother of Sandy, Robby and Tina, has passed away. Please pray for her family.

Von Dell Bailey, age 89, went to be with our Lord and Savior on July 5, 2026, in Cross Plains, Texas. A graveside service for Von Dell will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Wolf Valley Cemetery in May. A visitation will be held at First Baptist Church in Cross Plains on July 9, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:30 PM.

Von Dell was born on August 16, 1936, to May and Lonnie Dillard in Cross Plains. After graduating from Cross Plains High School, she met the love of her life, Travis Bailey, and they married on March 7, 1958, and were married for 67 years.

Von Dell was a valued employee at Higginbotham's for over 30 years. She had an artistic flair and was a talented seamstress. Von Dell was a devoted wife and mother, beloved grandmother and great grandmother. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength and compassion that will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and countless friends. Her family was her greatest joy, and the memories she created with them will be treasured forever.

Von Dell is survived by her daughters, Tina Bailey-Hart of Houston, Sandy Bailey-Low and husband Monty of Abilene, and son Robby Bailey and wife Peggy of Cross Plains, her grandchildren Britt Hart and wife Chae, Clinten Bailey and wife Jessica, Trent Hart and wife Kristin, Chase Hunter and wife Carrie, Candice Bailey-Gebbia and husband Elliot. Kailea Rose and husband Caleb, great-grandchildren; Addison Hart-Laquey and husband Corban, Tyler Hart, Kyla Hart, Rhett Hart, Ainsley Bailey, Caige Hart, Harper Bailey, Hudson Bailey, Madalyn Gebbia, Maddux Gebbia, and Aubrie Hammond. Along with extended family and numerous friends.

Von Dell was preceded in death by her husband, Travis Bailey, her parents, her two brothers and three sisters.