Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home

09/13/2025

We want to wish a Happy Work Anniversary to two very important staff members, Gil Horn & Jim Shepelwich! Thank you both for all that you do to keep our services running smoothly, and our visitors taken care of, we appreciate you both!

09/08/2025

Dr. Joseph Rosiles

Joseph Rosiles, 71, passed away on August 9, 2025, in his home state of Texas.

Born in Juarez, Mexico, Joseph immigrated with his parents and siblings at the age of 2 to Texas, where he grew up in Lubbock and Andrews. After graduating from high school in 1971, Joseph attended Texas Tech University and obtained his B.S. in Honors Studies in 1975. During his time at TTU, Joseph published an article in the university’s research journal. Pursuing his passion for medicine, Joseph graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 1980 as a Doctor of Medicine. He completed his residency in medicine and surgery in Tennessee at the University of Tennessee and became certified by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners in 1983. He practiced family and occupational medicine.

Joseph and his wife, Sharon, married in 1996. He enjoyed traveling with their children, seeing Broadway shows, gardening with his wife, and spending time outdoors. Joseph and Sharon worked together for many years at their privately owned practice, and he was known warmly throughout the community for his caring bedside manner. Many patients recognized him in public and expressed their gratitude, even years later.

Family members remember him as deeply involved with his loved ones, passionate about his work as a doctor, and devoted to always being near his wife. He was a devout Christian and a history enthusiast.

Joseph is preceded in death by his father, Rudolfo; his mother, Guadalupe; his brother, Leonard; his brother, Ralph; and his brother, Sigfrido.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his daughter, Arabella; his stepdaughter and her husband, Stephanie and Tim; his stepson, Timothy; his stepson and his wife, Tracey and Erica; his daughter and her husband, Lisa and Jason; his daughter, Suzanne; his son, Bryan; and his many grandchildren.

We invite you to leave a message or memory of Joseph in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com

In loving memory of Joseph, a complimentary memorial keepsake of your choice is available here: Memorial Keepsake.

View Dr. Joseph Rosiles's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/07/2025

Robert Clark

Robert Gregory Clark, age 80, passed into the loving presence of Jesus Christ on September 3, 2025, at Sunset Ministries in Clifton, Texas.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco, Texas. A Celebration of Life service will be 2:30 p.m. Sunday, September 14, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey with Reverend David Ray officiating. The service will be followed by a reception in the Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room.

Robert was born November 6, 1944, in Tyler, Texas to Sam William Clark, Jr. and Estelle Unis Clark. Growing up in Tyler, he was the third of four brothers who all enjoyed life to the fullest. The family was instrumental in founding the Cedars of Lebanon in Tyler and were active in Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

While in Tyler he met his wife of 59 years, Iris Adele Prater Clark. In their early years of marriage, they lived in Dallas where Robert worked as a manager for Texas Instruments. That 30-year career took them to Houston then to Temple. One of his greatest joys was establishing his home on the family ranch in Clifton where they raised their three children, Christie, Greg and Robbie. His second career was co-ownership of Clark Auction Co. with wife Iris and son Robbie for over 25 years. However, his true labor of love was farming and ranching.

Robert will be remembered by family and friends for his quiet and dry sense of humor, his love and care for animals, the joy he received from fishing with grandchildren, and his passion for finding hidden treasures. He and Iris loved spending days traveling the Hill Country thrifting at any garage sale, estate sale or antique store he could find.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Estelle Clark, and by his brothers, Sam "Butch" William Clark III and Charles Unis Clark.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Iris; daughter, Christie Clark Davis and husband Jason Davis of Plano; grandchildren, Cameron and Isabel Davis; son, Greg Clark and wife Hilary Davis Clark of Dripping Springs: grandchildren Jillian, Addison and Halle Clark; son, Robert William "Robbie" Clark and wife Kimberly Barak Clark of Clifton; grandchildren, Landen, Carter, and C**t Clark; brother, Patrick Clark and wife Donna of Covington; and sister-in-law, Nancy Clark of Waco. There are also many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who were dear to him.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to First United Methodist Church of Clifton, P.O. Box 529, Clifton, TX 76634.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Robert in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.

View Robert Gregory Clark's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/04/2025

✨ September is Su***de Prevention Month ✨
If you are feeling hopeless or weighed down, please know this: you are not alone, and your life matters. Sometimes the pain feels louder than anything else, but healing is possible.

Reaching out takes courage, but it can be the very first step toward light in the darkness. 💛

If you are struggling, please talk to someone you trust—or call or text 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. There is always hope.

***deprevention

09/04/2025

Grieving a loss to su***de can feel isolating—but you don’t have to carry it alone.
On September 13, we invite you to join us for our monthly Grief Talk: Grieving Su***de Loss. Together, we’ll create space for honest conversation, reflection, and community support.

💜 Open to anyone who has been impacted by su***de loss.
💜 Free to attend, but registration is required.

📍 Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home
🕙 10 AM – 12 PM

💡 Please share this with anyone in your life who could benefit from a morning of hope and connection.

***deLossSupport

09/04/2025

Charles (Chuck) B. Cooper

Charles (Chuck) B. Cooper passed away peacefully at home on September 1, 2025. At his request, there will be no services.

Chuck was born on May 5, 1938, in Seattle, Washington, to Byron S. and Helen Lamb Cooper. He graduated from Highline High School, where he was recognized as a National Merit Scholar. He attended Yale University before earning his B.A. in economics with a minor in industrial engineering from the University of Washington. He later received his J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law, where he served on Law Review and was inducted into the Order of the Coif.

Chuck began his career in law, spending eight years in the field, including time as a law clerk for the Washington State Supreme Court. He later transitioned into the corporate insurance industry, where he held several leadership roles: interim Chief Operating Officer of Financial Industries Group; Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Georgia International Life; counsel and assistant to the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Holding Corp; and Vice President and assistant to the CEO of Commonwealth Life. In 1975, he moved to Waco, Texas, where he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of American Income Life Insurance Company and later at American Amiable.

Chuck was deeply engaged in professional and community service. He served as Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee for Action Industries; Director of United Way of Waco from 1978–1984, including a term as chairman; Director of the Life Office Management Association (LOMA); and Chairman of the LOMA Educational Council. Together with his wife, Kathy, he also helped establish the Waco Library Foundation. Many books they donated to the Waco Library include Chuck’s hand-written reviews, a reflection of his love for reading.

A lifelong learner, Chuck encouraged others to pursue education and knowledge. At American Income, he created opportunities for employees to further their education, including a program enabling them to earn Associate Degrees. Beyond his passion for learning, Chuck had a deep love for animals. Over the years, he and Kathy cared for four cats, a Siberian husky, six German shepherds, a Shetland sheepdog, and their current companions—a cat and a dog.

Chuck is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 38 years, Kathy Bolt Cooper; daughter, Cathy Champion, and her husband Brad of Atlanta, Georgia; son, Charles B. (Charlie) Cooper, Jr., and his wife Christy of Sugar Land, Texas; three grandchildren; and his beloved cat, Kitty, his constant companion.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Chuck’s memory with a donation to your favorite local library or animal rescue shelter. Kathy extends heartfelt thanks to the staff and caregivers of Right At Home home health care service, especially Dorothy, who cared for Chuck with compassion, dignity, love, and grace.

We invite you to leave a message or memory of Chuck in his “Memorial Guestbook” below.

In loving memory of Chuck, a complimentary memorial keepsake of your choice is available here: Memorial Keepsake.

View Charles (Chuck) B. Cooper's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/02/2025

Jeffrey Stephen Kay

Jeffrey Kay passed away August 20 in Waco, Texas.

A memorial event will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Friday September 12, 2025, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco, Texas.

Jeffrey was born in Germany and grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, with his family. In 1967, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served as an aircraft electrician. After his discharge in 1971, he settled in southern California, where he met his wife in 1976. They were married on July 19, 1980.

In June of 1991, their family moved to Waco, Texas. There, Jeffrey spent his spare time fishing, hunting, and enjoying the outdoors. But his favorite pastime was spending time with his family. He never passed up the opportunity for a late-night chess match, a movie, or simply a conversation on the patio.

Jeffrey taught his children to seek out the good in every situation, to show kindness to everyone, and to be the bright spot in someone's day. He expressed this through action, not just words. He never set out to touch so many lives, but unbeknownst to him, he did.

Jeffrey will be missed by many but forgotten by none.

He is survived by his wife of forty-five years, Kim Kay; his son, Aaron Kay of Murchison, Texas; and daughter, Nora Kay of Athens, Texas; daughters-in-law, Amanda Ramos and Jenn Bowman; and grandchildren, Genevieve Ramos-Kay, Francis Kay, Jordan, and Vanessa Bowman.

To cherish Jeffrey's memory, a complimentary memorial keepsake of your choice is available here: Memorial Keepsake

We invite you to leave a message or memory of Jeffrey in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.

View Jeffrey Stephen Kay's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/02/2025

Who says planning for the future can't be fun? Join us for pizza and conversation, where you will learn how preplanning can ease the emotional and financial burden on your loved ones.
https://www.whbfamily.com/resources/community-events
RESERVE YOUR SEAT HERE

*This event is for first time attendees only, please.

09/02/2025

Colonel (Retired) Jerry Joe Kean

Colonel (Retired) Jerry Joe Kean, United States Air Force, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the age of 90.

The Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 6, at First Baptist Church of Waco with Rev William Love officiating. Interment will follow the service at Oakwood Cemetery.

Jerry was born and raised in Karnak, Illinois, where he developed his love of hunting and fishing. He attended Karnak High School, and upon graduation from Southern Illinois University, Jerry was commissioned into the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. As a young officer, Jerry was stationed at Lufkin Air Force Station, where he met and married Marilyn Sue Nisbet in June of 1960. His military career took them to various parts of the world, including New Mexico, Japan, California, Washington, D.C., and Alabama. He also served a tour in Vietnam. In his last assignment, he served as the Commander and Professor of Aerospace Studies for the Air Force ROTC at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. After retiring from the Air Force, Jerry became the Director of Public Works for the City of Temple, Texas, until his retirement in 2000.

Throughout his career, Jerry continued his education, receiving his Master of Business Administration and Doctorate in Education, both from Auburn University. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Waco, where he served as a deacon, a Sunday school teacher, and a member of several church committees. In addition to these activities, he was involved in his community in various ways. He especially enjoyed working with the Boy Scouts of America and Meals on Wheels.

Jerry was a man of incredible faith, and his legacy of kindness, love, and generosity was evident to all who knew him. Even with all his achievements, Jerry was most proud of the unique talents and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. His greatest joy was being with them.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Sadie Kean; his brother, Tom Kean; and his sister, Bonnie Kean Ward.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Marilyn; his sons, Steve Kean of Tyler, Texas, and Richard Kean and wife, Kelly, of Montgomery, Alabama; and his daughter, Robyn Kean Hargett, and husband, Leslie, of San Antonio, Texas. Other survivors include his two granddaughters, Elizabeth Kean Groark and husband, Chris, and Sarah Kean Griffin and husband, Marshall; his two grandsons, Wesley Hargett and wife, Sophia, and Hunter Hargett and wife, Aynslee; and his great-granddaughter, Sarah Grace Groark. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Robert Nisbet and wife, Jill; his sister-in-law, Brenda Kean; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

For those desiring, the family suggests that memorials be given to the Salvation Army, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, First Baptist Church of Waco, or any veteran organization of choice.

To cherish Jerry's memory, a complimentary memorial keepsake of your choice is available here: Memorial Keepsake

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Jerry in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.

View Colonel (Retired) Jerry Joe Kean's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/02/2025

Thank you Waco Area (TX) Locals for voting us #1 again! We appreciate your trust in us.

🌟 We are honored to announce that Wilkinson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home has been voted #1 in our 2025/26 Locals Love Us Waco survey under the category of Funeral Homes and Directors. 🕊️

For generations, they have served families in Waco with compassion, care, and dignity — and the community’s recognition speaks volumes. 💙

✅ Want to see who else was voted in this year? Visit 👉 www.LocalsLoveUs.com/waco

✅ Own a business and want to be highlighted or celebrated on our page? Register here 👉 https://localsloveus.com/for-business/register/?market=waco

08/30/2025

Blake Harrell

Blake Harrell, 65, of Waco, passed away peacefully at Methodist Dallas Medical Center Friday, August 29, 2025.

Blake's Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 12, at Renew Church in Waco. There will be a visitation for family and friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 11, in the chapel at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home.

Blake Harrell lived with a spirit that was always in motion. Born in Waco, Texas, he grew up a mischievous child whose laughter filled his family’s home. He carried that laughter with him throughout his life—stubborn, softhearted, and full of joy.

Blake never met a stranger. Whether with lifelong friends from childhood or clients who soon became family, he carried an easy gift for connection. He wanted to know people’s stories, remember their names, and care for their families as if they were his own. His work as an insurance agent was more than a career—it was another way of loving people well.

He found freedom outdoors: mountain biking down trails, gliding across the water in a kayak, or standing still behind a camera, waiting for a bird to take flight. He delighted in cooking for holidays, making homemade fudge at Christmas, and gathering loved ones close around the table. His laugh was loud and unmistakable, and his generous heart was never far from the surface.

Blake leaves behind his wife, Michelle Harrell; his father, Joe Ed Harrell; his brother and sister-in-law, Brad and Melissa Harrell; his sons and their spouses, Tanner and Lunden Harrell, and Chase Harrell and Erik Scheets; his stepdaughter, Taylor Charette; his former wife, Missy Harrell; and three beautiful grandchildren who knew him as “Grumpa”—Eleanor, Brooklyn, and Walker. He was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce Harrell.

He will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the way he made others feel: encouraged, seen, and loved. His joy was contagious, his presence unforgettable.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Blake in his memorial guestbook at www.WHBfamily.com.

To cherish Blake’s memory, a complimentary memorial keepsake of your choice is available here: Memorial Keepsake

View Blake Harrell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/29/2025

Please join us in thanking Felix for his 8 years of dedication to his WHB family, we appreciate you Felix! We hope you have a great day!