Previous Services

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Drive

Houston, Texas 77038

Meet in Lane #1 at 1:30 p.m. (Not before 1:15 p.m.)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Navy

Houston Honor Guard

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Drive

Houston, Texas 77038

Meet in Lane #2 at 11:15 a.m. (Not before 11:00 a.m.)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Army

Gather: 12:00 p.m.

Chapel: 12:30 p.m.

- Service Concludes Here

Eleanore Biletnikoff, 89, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on December 13, 2025. She was born on March 25, 1936, in Lowell, Massachusetts, to Arthur “Artie” and Palmera (Machado) Rocha.

Eleanore grew up in Lowell, Massachusetts and later spent many years in Orlando, Florida, before making Houston, Texas her final home. She retired proudly in 2007, at age 71 from the United States Department of Homeland Security.  She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and sister; a woman of deep faith; and a bright light to all who knew her.

Anyone who knew Eleanore would tell you of her passion for music and singing. She loved going to church, listening to her Bible, karaoke, and dancing, and she carried herself with enthusiasm wherever she went. Above all, she had an unshakable faith—one that guided her throughout her life and inspired everyone around her. That faith sustained her deeply through the last two years of complete blindness. As she often said, “God is good all the time.”

Eleanore’s greatest joy in life was her family, and her love for them was constant and unwavering. She was the proud mother of seven children, grandmother of seventeen, and great-grandmother of twenty-six.

She is survived by her children: Joe (Patricia) Lepore, Debra Gravino, Jay Lepore, Laura (James “JT”) Motelet, Bill (Daphne) Allen, Mark Allen, and Audrey (David) Holcomb; her grandchildren: Mike, Zoe, Joey, Anthony, Michael John, James (Ariel), Douglas, Jimmy (Laura), Nick (Shanda), Parker (Kaleigh), Christina (Richard), Alexandra (Tyler), Mark (Ashley), Arthur James "A.J.", Heather, Chelsea (Adrian), and Dave (Karen) and her great-grandchildren: Dorothy, Marina, Michaela, Xenia, Simon, Alexis, Bentley, Jaxon, Isabella "Bella", Trevor (Gina), Carson, Drake, Presley, Mason, Madden, Layla, Lucille, Lauren, Naomi, Luke, Derek, Brody, Emilia, and Ethan. She is also survived by her beloved sisters, Carol (Skip) Szelest and Charlotte Dever.

Eleanore was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur “Artie” and Palmera (Machado) Rocha; her beloved husbands, Joe Lepore, William Allen, and Kenneth Biletnikoff; and her brothers, Peter, Arthur and Raymond Rocha.

Eleanore will be remembered for her strength, her devotion, and the love she gave so freely. Her faith, laughter, and presence will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Services

Services will be held at Veterans Funeral Services, 10567 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038, on Monday, December 29, 2025. Family and friends are asked to gather at 12:00 p.m., with the chapel service beginning at 12:30 p.m. A champagne toast will immediately follow the service.

Burial at the cemetery will be private and attended only by Eleanore’s seven children and their spouses. Details regarding the Celebration of Life gathering following the service will be announced afterward.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Eleanore’s memory to The Lighthouse of Houston for the Blind. https://houstonlighthouse.org/donate/

Visitation: 11:00 a.m.

Chapel: 12:30 p.m.

Houston National Cemetery: 1:30 p.m. (In Procession)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Air Force

Houston Honor Guard

James H. McKenzie (Jim), age 96, was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1929 during the time of the Great Depression. His father was a disabled veteran of the First World War, and his mother worked as a supervisor in the Cadillac cafeteria. The family struggled to make ends meet, and Jim began working at a very young age, delivering newspapers to help support the household.

Jim last lived in Gleannloch Farms in Spring, Texas, with his wife, Emma McKenzie, with whom he shared 53 years of life together.

From childhood, Jim had a strong fascination with flying and movement. He was independent, active, and somewhat withdrawn by nature. In high school, he was a member of the swimming team and won several medals. As an adult, he continued to live an active lifestyle, enjoying many aquatic sports, as well as skiing and golfing. At the age of 65, he won several trophies in the 65-year-old category for 5K running events. He was forced to stop working at the age of 80 due to illness. Socially, Jim was a loner and maintained very few close friendships.

As a teenager, after finishing high school, Jim joined the United States Air Force just as the Second World War had ended and the Korean War was underway. He was assigned for two years to the occupation forces in Japan, where he served as a radio operator. He was later assigned to the Nevada Nuclear Testing Grounds, where he was exposed to five nuclear detonations, exposure that ultimately contributed to his death.

After his military service, Jim worked primarily in the nuclear power field, specializing in non-destructive testing and quality control. Later, he worked in the inspection of military aircraft. His career allowed him to move constantly throughout the United States and around the world. At one point in his life, he obtained a pilot’s license and owned his own plane, which he flew leisurely between job assignments.

Beyond his love of flying and travel, Jim greatly enjoyed gourmet food and never hesitated to dine at the best restaurants wherever he lived or traveled. Despite his refined tastes, his favorite meal was always his mother’s spaghetti and meatballs and he remembered it fondly. He regularly enjoyed two to three glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon with his main meal and loved vanilla or chocolate ice cream for dessert, along with his daily two to three cups of coffee.

Later in life, Jim obtained an engineering license in the State of New York. He loved telling stories about his many professional experiences and often spoke proudly of how he worked his way up from job to job, increasing both his earnings and his status while working in different parts of the world. He took great pride in what he had achieved and in his good looks.

Jim married young and had six children with his first wife. After 20 years of marriage, he divorced at the age of 43 to marry the woman who, in his own words, would live with him for the rest of his life. He was deeply loved and cared for by his second wife, Emma, and by his daughter Susana. He loved all of his children and grandchildren dearly and always found ways to visit them while traveling for work assignments.

In the years leading up to his passing, Jim could no longer travel or move freely, as he needed to remain close to the hospital for weekly treatments. His ability to swallow deteriorated to the point that he was forced to stop eating. As he lay on his deathbed, he asked for water and ice cream, and his last words were, “Help me up.” In his mind, his life was cut short, as he had hoped to live to be 100 years old.

Jim is survived by his wife, Emma McKenzie; his children, Dolores, Rick, Tom, Jacqueline, Lee, and Susana; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim lived a great life.

Rest in peace, my love.

Gather: 12:30 p.m.

Chapel: 1:00 p.m.

Houston National Cemetery: 2:15 p.m. (In Procession)

Military Honors Presented By: 

United States Army

Houston Honor Guard

Veterans Funeral Services 

10567 Veterans Memorial Drive

Houston, Texas 77038

Gather at Funeral Home: 1:45 p.m.

Depart: 2:00 p.m.

Houston National Cemetery: 2:15 p.m. (In Procession)

It is with deep sorrow and loving remembrance that we announce the passing of Sandra Jeanne Russell, age 83, who departed peacefully on December 17, 2025.

Sandra was born on September 12, 1942, in Austin, Texas, to Willie Paige Wier and J.F. Wier. She shared more than 60 beautiful years of marriage with the love of her life, Marvin Terry Russell, building a life together filled with laughter, devotion, and enduring love.

Sandra was an extraordinary daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother—affectionately known as “Nana”—and friend. She was a tireless worker, fiercely loving, quick-witted, endlessly humorous, and full of spirit. A true cheerleader in every sense, she never missed a single softball game when it came to supporting her daughters. Her warmth and work ethic earned her many lifelong friendships throughout her career.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Marvin Terry Russell; her brother, James Wier; and her three daughters, Lisa Russell, Phyllis Rogers (and husband Gary Rogers), and Tracey Russell Drapkin. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Dylan Drapkin, Carly Nelson (and husband Colton Nelson), Lauren Janss (and husband Nick Janss), and Dustin Rogers (and wife Kayla Rogers). Sandra was blessed with great-grandchildren Cayson Rogers, Avett Rogers, Juliet Janss, Luke Janss, and Asher Janss. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Those who knew Sandra will forever remember her love of meaningful conversation, cooking and sharing treasured recipes, watching classic Western films, and—above all—spending time with her family. She had a rare gift for making everyone feel seen, loved, and celebrated, and she embraced every opportunity to do so.

A celebration of Sandra’s life will be held at Veterans Memorial Cemetery on January 14, 2026 at 2:15 PM.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Drive

Houston, Texas 77038

Meet in Lane #1 at 11:30 a.m. (Not before 11:15 a.m.)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Navy

Houston Honor Guard

Fairbanks Church of Christ

7710 Fairbanks N. Houston Rd.

Houston, Texas 77040

Visitation: 10:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Reception: 12:00 p.m.

Rabon Chapel Cemetery: 2:00 p.m.

Marilyn Jean Vaughn, age 64, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026. Born and raised in Houston to James and Josephine Vaughn, Marilyn was cherished for her warmth and kindness, which touched everyone she met. She found joy in spending time with her family, visiting the beach, and going shopping. Marilyn was admired for her resilience and grace in the face of adversity, and her presence leaves a void that cannot be filled. Her spirit endures in the hearts of all who knew her, and her legacy of love, compassion, and joy will continue to inspire and guide those she leaves behind.

Survived By

Marilyn is lovingly remembered by her brother, Ronnie Vaughn and his wife Susan; her sisters, Sandra Stemp and her husband Wayne, and Karen Matthias and her husband Curtis. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Preceded in Death

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Josephine Vaughn; her brother, Tommy Vaughn; and her nephew, James Davis.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Revelation 21:4

Emil “Bubba” Ross Zapalac, age 63, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, in Houston, Texas, after a courageous fight with cancer. Bubba was born on August 25, 1962, in Houston, where he spent most of his life building community, friendships, and, most importantly a deeply loved family.

A devoted husband to Kim Zapalac, father to Ross & Bridgette, grandfather to Kaia, and friend to all, Bubba often said that being a parent and grandparent was his greatest accomplishment—and he lived that truth every day. His family wasn’t just part of his life; it was his life.

Professionally, Bubba worked in various sales roles throughout his career, where his warmth, humor, and gift for conversation left a lasting impression on colleagues and customers alike.

Bubba’s true passions were not hobbies in the traditional sense—his hobbies were his children and his grandchild. He loved knowing every detail of each of their lives, cheering from the sidelines at games, meets, and recitals, and staying closely involved as a coach, supporter, and biggest fan. He coached baseball and basketball, worked with the Greenwood Breakers swim team, proudly served as an Indian Princess Dad and Dance Dad, and never missed an opportunity to show up for those he loved.

A gifted cook and self-proclaimed BBQ king, Bubba expressed his love by cooking for others. Known for his legendary smoked brisket, turkey, pork butt, and chicken, his meals brought people together and created lasting memories. Thanksgiving—and every gathering—will never be quite the same without him or his BBQ.

Bubba never met a stranger. A natural conversationalist, he formed friendships everywhere he went—from Lifetime Fitness, where he was a member for nearly 20 years, to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Knights of Columbus, and the estate sale community he cherished. He was a loyal friend, staying closely connected with friends from Dobie High School and Texas State University, especially his fraternity brothers, whose daily conversations and laughter meant the world to him.

A man of deep faith, Bubba was a devoted member of the Catholic Church.

Bubba is survived by his loving wife, Kim Zapalac; their children, Ross Zapalac (wife Morgan Zapalac) and Bridgette Zapalac (partner Hayden Herren); his cherished granddaughter, Kaia Zapalac; and his Mother-in-law Carol Sorensen. 

He was welcomed into heaven by his parents, Emil Frank Zapalac and Dorothy Louise Zapalac, and by his sister-in-law, Lisa Zapalac.

He is also survived by his brother, Stephen Zapalac; his niece, Hannah McLemore (husband Malcolm McLemore) and her children, Amyah and Savannah; and his nephew, Noah Zapalac.

A Celebration of Life honoring Bubba will be held Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at Swanny’s Grill. Guests are encouraged to dress in bright, joyful attire with the intent of keeping Bubba's joyful and loving spirit alive. We are excited to create a celebration he would have loved.

He will be remembered for his bear hugs, infectious laugh, generous heart, quick wit, and the way he made everyone feel seen and welcome.

His laugh lives on. His love remains. And his presence will forever be felt.

Gather: 9:00 a.m.

Houston National Cemetery:  10:30 a.m. (In Procession)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Air Force

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Drive

Houston, Texas 77038

Meet in Lane #1 at 1:30 p.m. (Not before 1:15 p.m.)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Army

Houston Honor Guard

Roger Dale McLemore, Sr., born August 1, 1949 passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026 at the age of 76.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ellen McLemore, his son, Dale McLemore, Jr. and daughters, Kellie Johnson and Janet Gassman. He was a proud grandfather and he took great joy in being a great-grandfather, roles he deeply treasured.

Roger proudly served his country as a United States Army veteran, a commitment that reflected his strong sense of duty and patriotism. He was also a Mason, holding firm to the values of brotherhood, integrity, and service throughout his life.

Roger will be remembered for his steadfast love for his family, his loyalty, and the quiet strength he carried into every role he held. His presence, guidance, and care will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His memory will live on through the generations of family he loved and the legacy he leaves behind.

            “I hope you're dancing in the sky
      And I hope you're singing in the angel's choir
     And I hope the angels know what they have
  I'll bet it's so nice up in Heaven since you arrived”

                                         - Dancing in the Sky by Dani & Lizzi

Visitation: 11:30 a.m.

Chapel:  1:00 p.m. 

Houston National Cemetery: 2:15 p.m. (In Procession)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Navy

Houston Honor Guard

Servando “Sam” Belmarez Cardenas, Jr., age 79, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, in Houston, Texas. Born on October 19, 1946, in Simonton, Texas, he lived a life marked by devotion—to his faith, his family, and his country.

Sam was the beloved husband of Sylvia for 56 years and a devoted father to Melissa (Ayres), Christopher Michael, and Brittany (Pacheco). He also cherished his role as father-in-law to John Pacheco. His legacy continues through his grandchildren Cameron, Liane and her husband Ethan Garrow, and Andrea, and great-grandchildren Madelyn and Lukas. He also leaves behind his sisters Elizabeth Lopez and Evangelina Cardenas, numerous nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Sam served honorably from 1967 to 1970 as a Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) aboard the USS Mattaponi AO-41. His time in the Navy remained a source of pride throughout his life; he often reminisced about those years with fondness and gratitude.

Those who knew Sam will remember him as kind-hearted and fun-spirited—a man who balanced strength with gentleness and faith with humility. His presence left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to share in his journey. May his memory bring comfort to all who loved him and continue to inspire lives rooted in faith, family, service, and love.

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Drive

Houston, Texas 77038

Meet in Lane #1 at 11:00 a.m. (Not before 10:45 a.m.)

Mary Frances Elder Hicks, age 94, departed this life on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, William Hicks, Sr as well as her three brothers, William George (Dubbie) Elder, James Carl (Jim) Elder, and Joseph Julian (Jay) Elder as well as her parents William James Elder and Lena Newman Elder. Frances is survived by her two children, Linda Hicks Blumenthal and husband Lee, William (Bill) Hicks, Jr and wife Teresa, and five grandchildren, Michael, Sheri, Stephanie, John, and James, and four great grandchildren Reagan, Oliver, Evan, and Aaron.

She was born on February 24, 1931 in Biloxi, Mississippi and attended elementary school there. She was able to go to TCU on a majorette scholarship and participated in beauty pageants in Mississippi, winning Miss Biloxi in 1950.

While working at the Keesler AFB Base Exchange during her summer home from school, she met future husband William Hicks and they were married on December 28, 1950. This fast-paced engagement was just the start as Bill was in the Air Force and they ended up moving over 21 times over the next 15 years until Bill left the Air Force life in 1965. In spite of all these moves, she always wanted to make each house look like we were going to stay there for a long time as she kept them decorated for the family in a fashion that said “this is our forever house”.

Frances was a very good golfer as she was Ladies Club Champion at Sunkist in Biloxi as well as at Willowisp and Pecan Grove in Houston. Along with Bill, they were also Couples Club Champions at these courses. She loved interior design also as she laid out the plans for a house that she and Bill built in Biloxi in 1978. In 1988 they moved back to Houston and made this their home.

In addition to golf and design, she liked dancing, taking care of her flowers, watching the squirrels in the back yard, going out to eat with friends, and playing cards (Bridge, Spite and Malice, and Hearts).

Her Methodist upbringing was strong as she made sure her children were baptized and attended church regularly. Later in life when it was harder for her to get around, she got a lot of enjoyment from watching several different church services on TV and reading the bible and other biblical books. We know that now she is with her Father and able to reunite with Bill and all the others. While we will miss her dearly, we know that she is in a much better place now.

Visitation: 11:30 a.m.

Chapel:  1:00 p.m. 

Houston National Cemetery: 2:15 p.m. (In Procession)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Army

Houston Honor Guard