By Doug Loftis
"Here we go! Let's get it over with," was the call to sale this week in the half-full Victory Warehouse. It was something like the last day of school when old friends gather knowing that gatherings like this won't be happening again until next year.
Just more than half dozen buyers, ticket markers, warehousemen and government graders surrounded veteran auctioneer Bob Cage as the stroll down the isles of knee deep golden leaf got underway. Not more than a few feet into the sale, Cage's melodic chant became obviously repetitive, so evident that one of the buyers interrupted with "you got stuck Bob!"
By then the sale had stopped and all had burst into laughter. "Just a little hesitation," Cage explained as he picked up the bid, raised his arm over the last pile of tobacco and called for $1.80, the price that much of the offerings were bringing.
Next week at this time, Cage's rhythmical chant will ring out on Broadway; Broadway in this instance being the name of the street in Kentucky where several of the burley tobacco warehouses are situated.
Today, however, it's the final act of the Old Belt Flue Cured Tobacco Market and the official end of another growing season in Halifax County.
From an official standpoint, South Boston Tobacco Market Sales Supervisor Teresa Pool believes the 1997 season overall has been generally good from both a price and yield perspective.
Unlike most years, there will be no cleanup sale this season.
As for what might happen next year, Pool was reluctant to speculate before the tobacco companies submit their buying intentions by December 1. The USDA will announce by December 15 the 1998 quota that was raised in 1997.
Given the current political climate surrounding tobacco, Pool said that she would not be surprised to see the quota reduced. With the pending litigation and a decline in demand for tobacco products, she feels companies may be reluctant to submit increased buying intentions for next year.
"We'll just have to wait and see," she added.
Thomas McDowell
Thomas McDowell grows about 55 acres of tobacco "up 832 towards Chatham...close to the line." He weighs in tobacco atthe Victory Warehouse and has been in the warehouse business for more than 45 years. He operated his own in Brookneal until the early 1980s.
On his farm where tobacco and cattle share the land, "it was awful dry," this year, so dry that he's been feeding the livestock since July. "I hope we're gonna have enough hay and silage to get through," he said while removing the top from a box of Copenhagen and with two fingers, placed a pinch and the dark brown smokeless snuff beneath his tongue.
McDowell spoke of Senator Charles Robb's latest proposal to include farmers in the tobacco settlement which he simply refers to as a "buy out". Of all the proposed settlements though, he sees Robbs' offer as the most "down-to-earth program." "It takes in the farmers' situation more than anything else."
Robb's proposal, among other things, call for an $8 per pound compensation to tobacco allotment holders, something which McDowell doubts he'll ever take to the bank. He figures by the time Congress finally approves a settlement, allotments will have been reduced to such a low that "it won't amount to nothing!"
The talk now, said McDowell, is to reduce by as much as 20 percent next year's allotment even though he doubts the reduction will be that great.
The Victory Warehouse is expected to sell about 103 percent of its designation quantity this year, an indication of this year's yield. McDowell estimates he will have about 40,000 pounds of carryover tobacco this year despite dry conditions that forced him to pump all his ponds dry.
He says farmers appear to be satisfied with the results of this year's results. "They haven't complained." he added.
Renee White
"It hasn't sold as well as it did last year," said Renee White who, with her husband and two young sons, grow about five acres of tobacco near Oak Level. In addition to farming, he works at Sunshine Mills in Halifax and she's a pianist.
But the Whites made their pounds this year with "a little bit over," she adds. "It took a lot of hard work irrigating and just sweat and tears!"
Unlike larger acreage holders who hire Mexican migrant laborers, the Whites depend on relatives and neighbors for help. And they still cure their tobacco in stick barns with the hope, perhaps, of getting a bulk barn next year.
Renee grew up on a tobacco farm and their sons, though still quite young, "just love it," she said remembering how they had helped with the last pulling three weeks ago just before the frost hit. And would she like to see them continue the farming tradition? "I really hope they'll go to college and get a good education." "Who knows what's going to happen to the tobacco program and to the farmers?"
Halifax resident J.C. Dillow presented petitions bearing 107 names to town council Tuesday night asking council to consolidate services with the county and South Boston to provide more efficient and economic government.
The petitions were the last of three sets circulated by the Association For A Better Government. Petitions were presented to the county supervisors and South Boston Town Council earlier this month.
Dillow told councilmen that in an informal survey of his own neighborhood he discovered an average 49.6 percent were either retired or widows on a fixed income.
On Cedar Lane, Dillow said 46.6 percent were retired or widows, and Oak Lane, west of Cedar Lane, the figure was 52.6 percent.
The Halifax resident said he had "moved to Halifax from South Boston to get away from taxes."
The petition also asked council not to proceed with boundary extension efforts or annexation proceedings until all alternatives have been thoroughly explored, and to consider the consolidation reports of 1988 and 1989 be considered.
Dillow also asked that town council meet with citizens in an open forum to discuss consolidation issues, requesting that he or members of the Association for Better Government be notified of the town's decision by Nov. 15.
Accompanied by an Association For Better Government delegation, Dillow asked that the petitions be filed in council's minutes.
Mayor Dennis Osborne said the petitions would be included in the minutes and told the delegation that council would be back in touch on the forum request.
In other business, councilman S.J. "Jack" Dunavant called for a separation of the water and sewer funds from the present budget.
Dunavant complained it was hard to follow the figures for water and sewer expenditures when all the money was put in one account.
"I don't think we are doing this right," said Dunavant.
Town manager Robert Greene defended the bookkeeping practice explaining that water and sewer expenses and revenue were listed separately.
However, Greene was asked to present total figures for the last 10 years for water and sewer to provide a clearer picture of those services' profit and loss status.
Halifax Town Council also set the effective date for the new rates on cemetery plots at the town cemetery as of October 14, the date the new rates were approved. At their regular October session, town council increased rates per plot from $125 to $650 for in-town residents.
Following a public hearing prior to its Tuesday night session, Halifax Town Council denied a request to amend an ordinance to allow an adult home at 365 South Main Street.
Gertrude McLean, who had requested the action, did not attend the public hearing and no one spoke on behalf of her request. McLean is administrator of the Mac & Rich Adult Home located at 430 Main Street in Halifax.
Councilman Sam Thompson told town council members that he had received telephone calls from people living in the neighborhood asking that the zoning be left as it was.
Following a discussion of the area's current M-I zoning status, the structure at the site and the neighbors' opposition, council voted unanimously - Harold Younger Jr. was absent - to deny the motion.
The South Boston Flue-Cured Tobacco Market closed out the marketing season yesterday with a final season average of $172.74 per hundredweight.
This was a far cry to last year's inflated average of $187.19, an average that came about mainly due to the shortage of leaf after Hurricane Fran struck.
Sales yesterday were 217,051 pounds selling for $375,119.39 for an average of $172.83.
Sales Wednesday were 236,494 pounds selling for $406,671.63 for a $171.96 average.
Sales for the season are 16,243,472 pounds selling for $27,683,868.73.
Last years season totals were 15,489,044 pounds selling for $28,994,011.81.
Yesterday 156,454 pounds went under loan to Stabilization while on Wednesday 158,013 pounds went under loan.
A special prosecutor was appointed Wednesday morning for the upcoming assault trial of former South Boston Town Councilman Hundley Gilliland.
In a motion hearing held in the judge's chambers, Gilliland's court-appointed defense attorney, Buddy Ward, asked for the exclusion of Halifax County Commonwealth's Attorney John Greenbacker Jr., who was scheduled to prosecute the case.
A courthouse hallway disturbance between Gilliland, 48, and Greenbacker, which occurred after a hearing earlier this year in Halifax County General District Court, was the basis for Ward's motion.
After hearing extensive testimony, Halifax County Circuit Court Judge William L. Wellons ruled in Ward's favor and appointed Pittsylvania County Commonwealth's Attorney David Grimes as the special prosecutor.
Gilliland is appealing to the circuit court several misdemeanor convictions from the lower court, including counts of assault and battery, assault by a vehicle, and threatening a witness. A felony count of attempted malicious wounding was "nol prossed" by Greenbacker during Wednesday's hearing, meaning that in all likelihood the charge will not pursued.
A misdemeanor conviction of driving under the influence had also been appealed, but Ward indicated that his client would, instead, enter a guilty plea to that offense when his trial occurs.
Gilliland's latest legal troubles stem from an incident at the Dinis Brothers Pizza and Restaurant in South Boston on May 10. Angry that he was not served a Pepsi-Cola fast enough after having been given his pizza, he allegedly threw the pizza and drink at waitress Tamatha M. Arendall.
He also loudly cursed her prior to throwing the pizza and drink, according to testimony at the his trial.
After failing to appear in court on June 20 for those charges , Gilliland encountered Arendall and her sister, Belinda Arendall, later that evening at the Jiffy Store of Rt. 360.
Apparently angry at the charges having been filed, he allegedly attempted to strike Belinda Arendall with his truck, according to testimony from his trial which was held in August.
Substitute General District Court Judge Alan Sharrett of Emporia found Gilliland guilty of assault and battery of Tamatha M. Arendall and certified the felony charge of attempted malicious wounding of her sister to the circuit court.
That felony charge was the one that was effectively withdrawn during Wednesday's proceedings on grounds that it was not the proper level of charge for the incident, court officials said.
Judge Sharrett also found Gilliland guilty of two misdemeanor counts of contempt of court. One count was for failure to appear at the trial on June 20 and the other was for failure to perform 50 hours of community service for a previous conviction.
Gilliland was sentenced to 120 days in jail for the assault and battery of Tamatha Arendall, with 60 days suspended. A previously-suspended six-month jail term was revoked, netting Gilliland an active jail sentence of eight months.
Judge Sharrett also sentenced Gilliland to five days in jail on each of the two contempt charges, but suspended those sentences. He has remained in the Halifax County Jail since August.
During Wednesday's emotional hearing, both sides offered testimony to the confrontation which occurred after a hearing in which Gilliland was given a second chance at performing his previously-imposed hours of community service.
While the proceeding was underway, Greenbacker mentioned Gilliland's multiple substance abuse problems and cited his participation in the Alcoholics Anonymous program.
At that point in the trial, Gilliland stated, with words to the effect, that Greenbacker should know all about AA, in an inference which pointed to members of Greenbacker's family, according to testimony.
After the trial concluded, Gilliland's then-attorney George Bagwell quickly ushered his client from the courtroom, but was followed by Greenbacker. Bagwell, who longer represents Gilliland, was summoned by Ward to testify in Wednesday's hearing.
"John came through the door and asked if I had put him (Gilliland) up to that (making the derogatory family reference)," Bagwell testified. "I first thought he was kidding."
At one point during the hallway confrontation, he believed that the situation was on the verge of escalating, he told the court.
"I kind of thought they were going to hang up there for a moment," Bagwell told the court.
When asked by Ward about the possible level of animosity that Greenbacker exhibited against Gilliland, Bagwell responded, "I don't think John's air with Hundley was any different than with anybody else."
In Ward's closing statements to Judge Wellons, he described what he believed as a situation where his client would not be able to get a fair trial.
"The point is that there is animosity between these two men," Ward said. "It's pretty well known around here, especially in the legal community...the problem is that Mr. Greenbacker is in a position of incredible power over my client."
The intense dislike for Gilliland that Greenbacker displayed, combined with the power of his position as Commonwealth's Attorney, would prohibit Gilliland from being treated objectively, thus possibly precluding him from receiving a fair trial, Ward pointed out.
In Greenbacker's closing statements, he conceded that the hallway confrontation did indeed take place as previously described. His verbal actions occurred not because of what was said about him, but what Gilliland had said about members of his family, Greenbacker told Judge Wellons. "It was a cheap shot," Greenbacker said.
"I have one fault; I tend to take a lot of my cases personally," Greenbacker said. "The victims take it personally, so I do, too. That's what I was elected for."
However, the motion to have him excluded had nothing to do with "objectivity," or Gilliland not being able to receive a fair trial, Greenbacker pointed out.
"Unlike being a judge, I don't have to weigh the evidence," he said. Furthermore, Russell Roberts, (a defendant facing felony charges), had a motion hearing this week in a similar attempt to have Greenbacker removed from the case. That motion failed, even though before a prior trial, Roberts had left a threatening message on Greenbacker's home answering machine.
"There is one reason and one reason only (for Gilliland's motion)," Greenbacker said. "It is a tactic to get him away from a jury trial."
Gilliland was scheduled for a jury trial which had been set on the circuit court docket for Thursday. In earlier proceedings, Greenbacker let it be known that he wanted Gilliland to be tried by a jury, rather than a judge.
The reason Wednesday's hearing was held in the judge's chambers at 8:30 a.m. was to keep the jury pool from being "contaminated" by hearing details about Gilliland's case prior to his trial, according to court officials.
"They (defense) don't like the thought that his fate would be decided by a jury," Greenbacker said. "I don't think Hundley has a right to determine who his prosecutor is; I was elected by the people."
In rendering his decision, Judge Wellons said, "(The basis is) not with what took place (incident in hallway), but the manner in which the Commonwealth Attorney responded.
"Certainly, the defendant should not be allowed to profit (from the motion)," Judge Wellons said. "But it does create, at least, an appearance" that the Commonwealth's Attorney would have difficulty in objectivity, according to Judge Wellons.
Grimes, who sat through the hearing with Greenbacker, was then mentioned as the possible special attorney. Both Greenbacker and Ward agreed on the selection and Judge Wellons made the appointment official.
However, citing the fact that he had only briefly looked at notes of the investigation into the assault and threatening a witness charges, Grimes asked for a continuance, which was granted by Judge Wellons.
Grimes also asked permission to have his Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, William E. Jarvis, participate in the prosecution of Gilliland.
After the hearing, Gilliland was returned to jail pending his trial. No date has been set and there was also no decision yet, on the part of Grimes, whether he will ask for a jury trial.
A Brookneal man was injured during a Wednesday morning collision between a tractor trailer and a Geo, according to the Virginia State Police.
The 9:45 a.m. incident happened at the intersection of U.S. 58 and Rt. 360 in Riverdale, police said.
Alan Ryan Taylor, 50, was driving a 1996 Geo which collided with a 1992 GMC tractor trailer while the truck was making a right hand turn on an unprotected green light, according to the investigation.
Taylor was injured and the Geo sustained an estimated $6,000 in damages. The tractor trailer, driven by Timothy Wayne Chaney, 31, of Sutherlin, sustained estimated damages of $100.
No charges were filed and the incident was investigated by Virginia State Trooper R.C. Compton.
In other wrecks investigated:
Kimberly L. Dyer, 33, of South Boston was injured during a Sunday evening crash that involved two other vehicles, police said.
Dyer was driving a 1990 Dodge van when she lost control on U.S. 501, one-half mile south of Rt. 636. The vehicle ran off the left side of the road, struck two mailboxes and an embankment before overturning several times, police said.
Two vehicles swerved off the road in an attempt to avoid Dyer's vehicle when the 7:15 p.m. incident took place.
A 1979 Chevrolet driven by Karen Charise Chism, 21, of Nathalie sustained no damages, but a 1997 Infiniti driven by Rudolph Harris, 55, of Wendell, N.C. sustained $500 in damages.
Dyer's vehicle sustained an estimated $5,000 in damages. She was charged by Virginia State Trooper R.T. Ridgeway with driving under the influence.
A tractor trailer struck a horse early Sunday morning on U.S. 58, 40 feet west of Rt. 747 in Turbeville, police said.
Jimmie Wayne McGhee, 51, of Kingsport, Tennessee was driving a 1987 White tractor trailer which jackknifed after striking the horse, according to the investigation. He was not injured.
The horse, owned by Otis and Sharon Rose of Turbeville, was killed. It was valued at $900. Damages to the tractor trailer were estimated at $1,500.
No charges were filed and the incident was investigated by Virginia State Trooper C.M. Fleming.
A two-vehicle collision Monday morning on U.S. 501, 250 feet north of U.S. 58, damaged each vehicle, but caused no injuries.
Michael G. Lloyd, 30, of Nathalie was stopped for a traffic signal when he suddenly put his 1989 Ford pickup into reverse, striking a 1978 Buick driven by Patricia Sydnor Jacox, 49, of South Boston.
Lloyd's vehicle sustained an estimated $1,000 in damages, while Jacox's vehicle sustained an estimated $500 in damages, according to the investigation.
Lloyd was charged by Virginia State Trooper S.M. Krantz with reckless driving. The incident happened at 6:20 a.m.
Halifax County High School's winter sports season is just around the corner - just 18 days away in fact - according to schedules released yesterday by school officials.
Halifax County High School's varsity and jayvee boys basketball teams will open their 1997-98 campaigns with a home game Tuesday, December 2, against Roanoke Valley District opponent William Fleming.
That same night, the Comet varsity and jayvee girl cagers will open their 1997-98 season on the road in Roanoke against William Fleming.
Both the Comet boys and girls basketball teams will face a tough pre-Christmas schedule. Eventhough the Comet boys teams will play their first four games of the season here on their home floor the opponents will be tough ones with three Roanoke Valley District teams, William Fleming, Patrick Henry, and Pulaski County, and neighboring rival Person High School of Roxboro, N.C. in that mix.
After those first four contests, the Comets will hit the road for return contests against Person and Pulaski County.
The Comet girls teams open with road games against William Fleming and Person High School. They will then come home to play Dinwiddie and face Person in a return contest before concluding their pre-Christmas schedule with a trip to Rocky Mount where they will face Roanoke Valley District opponent Franklin County.
A big feature on the 1997-98 Comet varsity boys basketball schedule is the First Federal Christmas Classic on December 26 and 27. That event will feature Halifax County, Person High School, Northern Durham, and Laurel Park.
Halifax County High School's varsity girl cagers will play in a Christmas tournament as well as they will be part of the Northern Vance Tournament on December 29 and 30.
In looking at the other Comet sports teams, the Halifax County High School boys and girls swimming teams will open their season here at home at the South Boston YMCA pool with a key Western District meet against E.C. Glass.
Later that week, on Saturday, December 6, the Halifax County High School wrestling team will open its season with a quad event at Cave Spring High School in Roanoke and the Comet boys and girls indoor track teams will open their season with the Lynchburg College Invitational Meet at Lynchburg College.
The highlight of the Halifax County wrestling team schedule is the Western District Tournament which the Comets will host this season.
A major home event missing from the Comet wrestling schedule is the annual Holiday Classic. Former Comet wrestling coach Mike Newbern, who organized and began that tournament, has taken the event with him to The Miller School of Albemarle where he took over as athletic director and wrestling coach this year.
Halifax County High School athletic director Don Thompson said yesterday that Newbern will stage the tournament at The Miller School December 19 and 20 and that the Comets will be among the 16 teams that will participate in the event.
The first home match for the Halifax County High School wrestling team will be on January 7 when the Comets host Albemarle in their Western District opener.
The Halifax County High School boys and girls indoor track teams do not have any home meets because Halifax County High School has no indoor track facility.
A majority of the meets that the two Comet teams will participate in will be held at Heritage High School in Lynchburg.
Ruth Travis Newcomb of 1035 Herbert Allen Trail, South Boston died Thursday, November 13, 1997 at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was 73 years of age.
Mrs. Newcomb was born April 6, 1924 in Pittsylvania County the daughter of Edward Travis and Alice Travis and was married to John Edward Newcomb. She was a member of Grace Baptist Church and the Ladies Aux. of VFW Post 8243.
The funeral will be held at Brooks Funeral Home chapel Saturday, November 15 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Jack Stewart officiating. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Surviving Mrs. Newcomb are two sons, Carl N. Newcomb of Virgilina and Bruce R. Newcomb of South Boston; two daughters, Delores Newcomb Moore of Greensboro, NC and Tammy Newcomb Torian of Oxford, NC; one sister, Helen Johnson of Danville; one brother, Jack Travis of Danville; eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at Brooks Funeral Home tonight, November 14 from 7 until 8:30.
Ralph Leland West of 369 Lakeside Drive, Halifax died November 12, 1997 at his home. He was 85 years of age.
Mr. West was born in Petroleum, WV on March 20, 1912 the son of Rev. Clyde L. West and Lettie Smith West and was married to Ruth Bullock West. He was a member of Beth Car Baptist Church. He was a real estate consultant and appraiser and served with Union Carbiede Corporation, Old Colony Realty Co., West Virginia Dept. of Highways, and O.R. Colan Consultants, Inc.
Survivors include his wife; three sons and four daughters, Robert L. West of Lake Mary, FL, Sheila K. Tallon of Durham, NC, Jane H. Walker of Charleston, WV, Leisa L. Atha of Halifax, R. Tyler Bullock of Atlanta, GA, George R. Bullock Jr. of Philadelphia, PA and Barbara R. Gallaher of Lakeview, TX; and one sister, Wilma Nicholson of Jacksonville, FL.
Memorial services for Mr. West will be held today, November 14 at 3 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Charles Stewart conducting the service.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider The Hospice Support
Care, PO Box 1355, Halifax or your favorite charity.
Gerald Wayne Satterfield of 755 Magnolia Drive, South Boston died November 12, 1997 at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was 26 years of age at the time of his death.
Mr. Satterfield was born in South Boston on February 26, 1971 the son of Malcolm Odell Satterfield and Linda Elliott Satterfield. He was a member of Ash Avenue Baptist Church and was a Pi Kappa Phi graduate of The Medical College of Virginia with a BS in Medical Technology.
Survivors include his parents of South Boston; one sister, Teresa Lynn Satterfield of South Boston; his grandmother, Maude Alice Gupton of Atlanta, GA.
Funeral services for Mr. Satterfield will be held today, November 14 at 2 p.m. at Ash Avenue Baptist Church with Rev. John Farris conducting the service. Burial will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Inez Newbill Owen of 6084 Newbill School Road, Clover died November 11, 1997 at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was 85 years of age at the time of her death.
Mrs. Owen was born in Halifax County on August 16, 1912 the daughter of Thomas Leslie Newbill and Marion Holt Newbill and was married to Howell Watts Owen. She was a member of Hunting Creek Baptist Church and Woodman of the World Camp #136.
Survivors include two daughters, Elsie Owen Powell of Clarksville, Jewel Owen Conner of South Boston; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a devoted niece, Evelyn Bennett; and a devoted friend, Christine Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband and one son, Willie G. 'Billy' Owen.
Funeral services for Mrs. Owen will be held today, November 14 at 2 p.m. at Hunting Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Lee Roy Davis conducting the service. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Triangle Volunteer Fire Department First Responders or Halifax County Rescue Squad.
Yolanda Michele Davis of Los Angeles, CA died Saturday, November 8, 1997 in Kaiser Permanente Hospital, West, Los Angeles. She was 41 years of age at the time of her death.
Ms. Davis was born in Baltimore, MD on March 10, 1956 the daughter of Johnson Davis and Jeanette Graves Arnold and was married to James Vasquez.
Survivors include her husband; her mother; a step-mother, Nola Davis; her father; stepfather, Richard Arnold, all of MD; two brothers, Derrick Davis of Palmdale, CA and Marlon Davis of MD; nine nieces and nephews; one aunt, Frances Stith of Halifax and one uncle, Thomas Graves of Detroit, MI.
Funeral services for Ms. Davis will be held Saturday, November 15 at 1 p.m. at the chapel of Daniel Funeral Home in Halifax with Revs. Arlene Boozer and Kenneth DuBose conducting the service. Burial will take place in the Pounds family cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home tonight, November 14 from 7 to 8:00, and other times at the home of Frances Stith, 7167 Mountain Road, Halifax.
Ralph Carlton Ward of 1178 Elmwood Trail, Sutherlin died Monday, November 10, 1997 at his home. He was 90 years of age.
Mr. Ward was born August 23, 1907 in Galax the son of Elbert Frazier Ward and Josie Williams Ward and was married to Bernice Cridlin Ward. He was a member of Kerns Memorial United Methodist Church and a retired dairy farmer.
Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Ellen D. Heritage of Woodbridge; two sons, Elwood C. Ward of Sutherlin and Ralph C. Ward Jr. of Jacksonville, AL; two sisters, Wilma W. Stafford of Hilton Head, SC and Lorene W. Wade of Turbeville; one brother, Elbert F. Ward Jr. of Jackson, MS; and seven grandchildren.
A private funeral service was conducted Wednesday, November 12 at 11 a.m. at Kerns Memorial United Methodist Church with Revs. Howard Green and Rebecca Yow officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.