Previous Services

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Drive

Houston, Texas 77038

 Meet in Lane #2 at 9:45 a.m. (Not before 9:30 a.m.) 

Ellen Iris Cohen, 80, passed away on April 14, 2026, in Conroe, Texas, after a long and resilient battle with dementia and aggressive cancer.

Born on August 14, 1945, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Ellen was the daughter of Aaron Frank and Edith Weiner-Frank and the beloved sister of Carol Frank-Dennehy, who preceded her in death. She spent her early years in Brockton and Boston Massachusetts areas before making her home in Spring, Texas, where she lived for more than 45 years.

Ellen was a woman of warmth, loyalty, and fierce love for her family. She didn’t define her life by titles, but by the people she cared for—and she cared deeply. Whether as a mother, grandmother, friend, or in her role as a middle school library aide, she had a quiet way of making people feel welcomed and supported.

She was known for her strength and her stubbornness—qualities that carried her through life’s challenges and, in the end, allowed her to hold on just long enough to know her family was safe and home before she passed.

Ellen found joy in simple but meaningful things. She loved the color purple, believed butterflies were one of nature’s gifts, and felt most at peace near the ocean. She treasured time spent traveling and, most of all, time with family and lifelong friends.

She also had a sharp sense of humor—often delivered with a well-timed four-letter word—that somehow always made people feel more loved, not less. With Ellen, you always knew where you stood, and you always knew you mattered.

She is survived by her daughter, Eve Michele Barrios; her son, Brian Adam Cohen, and his wife, Amy Cohen; her grandchildren, Blake Anthony Barrios, Allyson Nicole Cohen, and Emily Katelyn Cohen; and her beloved bonus grandchildren, Olivia Marie Brewer and William Max Brewer, whom she loved as her own.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alan Macy Cohen.

A service to honor Ellen’s life will be held on May 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038.

For those planning to attend, the family kindly invites you to wear something purple in honor of Ellen’s favorite color.

Ellen’s legacy lives on in the family she loved so deeply, and in the strength, humor, and care she passed on to all who knew her. And in the quiet moments—by the ocean, or in the presence of a butterfly—her love will still be felt, just as steady and enduring as it always was.

Visitation: 11:00 a.m.

Chapel: 1:00 p.m. 

Houston National Cemetery: 1:45 p.m.

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Army

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

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Drive

Houston, Texas 77038

Meet in Lane #2 at 10:45 a.m. (Not before 10:30 a.m.)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Air Force

Houston Honor Guard

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Drive

Houston, Texas 77038

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

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Army

Gather: 1:00 p.m.

Chapel: 1:30 p.m. 

Houston National Cemetery: 2:30 p.m.

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Navy

Houston Honor Guard

Visitation: 11:00 a.m.

Chapel: 12:30 p.m. 

Houston National Cemetery: 1:45 p.m.

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Air Force

Houston Honor Guard

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Drive

Houston, Texas 77038

Meet in Lane #2 at 1:45 p.m. (Not before 1:30 p.m.)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Air Force

Houston Honor Guard

Robert Adamson Meek, II was born on March 19,1946 in West Palm Beach, Florida and died on April 6, 2026, in Houston, Texas at the age of 80. “The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength, eighty.” (Psalm 90:10)

Known as Robin to his family and Bob to co-workers and friends, he loved people and thrived on being with them. Robin attended a beautiful worship service on Easter Sunday with extended family in Dallas. He returned home the next day in time to attend a birthday party held outdoors at a neighbor’s home. While holding a slice of key lime pie in his left hand and a bottle of beer in his right hand, with friends nearby, Bob suffered cardiac arrest, slumped over in his chair, and passed away shortly thereafter at the local hospital.

A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Captain Robert A. Meek II served two tours of duty in Vietnam between 1969 and 1974. As a B-52 Aircraft Commander, he led more than 100 missions. Robin was recognized for demonstrating courage, discipline, and leadership under extraordinary circumstances. Among many military honors, the family is most proud that he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) medal.

Robin earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from the University of Florida where he studied veterinary science. Throughout his life, Robin was an enthusiastic supporter of the Gators. His lifelong love for animals never left him. In his later years, it was expressed in his active rescue of vulnerable animals, particularly abandoned kittens. At the time of his death, Robin was housing nine kittens waiting to be adopted.

When Robin moved to Houston 25 years ago, he formed lasting friendships with his neighbors and with other golfers from the Hearthstone Country Club and those whom he volunteered with at non-profits such as: M.A.D.D., the Houston Rotary Club, the Houston SPCA, and the Houston Rodeo. Robin’s acquaintances became friends. He particularly enjoyed the annual Chili cook-off where he recently won “Best Chili” award.

Robin is predeceased by his parents Lt. Colonel Robert Adamson Meek and Barbara Jane Butler Meek and brother Timothy Meek and is survived by his daughter Kimberly Cameron and seven siblings: Sheryl Ann McKiernan (Bill), Catherine Noble, Stephen Meek (Ruth), Bill Meek (Valerie), Claudia Leider (Patrick), Mark Meek, and Donna Meek; Aunt Helen Nemeth, multiple Meek, Butler and Robinson cousins, and many nephews and nieces. His 14-year-old rescue dog, Emily, will likely miss him most. All will miss his thoughtful birthday cards.

Robin’s funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, May 18 am at St. Elizabeth Seeton Catholic Church followed by a brief reception in Community Life Center (CLC). The

church address is 6646 Addicks Satsuma Road, Houston, TX 77084; phone number

(281) 463-7878. The mass will be Livestreamed on the church website and made available for a few days afterward.

Funeral services were entrusted with Veterans Funeral Services. You may contact them at (281) 272-9900 or go to https://veteransfuneralserviceshouston.com/ Following the funeral, family and friends from out of town will attend a military honor guard ceremony at the Houston National Cemetery. Robin’s ashes will be laid to rest near his parents.

If anyone desires to honor Robin with a memorial gift, in lieu of flowers, please donate to Purr Paws Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, at purrpawsrescue.org.

Obituary for Leona “Arletta” Lis

Leona Arletta Lis, lovingly known as Arletta, passed away on April 21, 2026 after a lengthy illness.  She was 90 years old.

Arletta was born on January 20, 1936, in Abilene, Texas.  Her parents were Perry and Flosie Copeland.  She and her twin sister Corretta Brown grew up with their eight sisters and one brother in a small country home.  She attended McMurray College and attained her associate degree in accounting.  It was a foundation that reflected the intelligence and determination she carried throughout her entire life.

Arletta endured 27 years of Air Force life as a military spouse travelling alongside her husband, Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) James Lis and their family.  Their journey took them to several locations which included Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Travis Air Force Base, California, Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, and finally Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.  She embraced every move with grace and resilience.  She raised two wonderful children, James Jessie and Rikki Lynn, creating a warm and steady home no matter where the Air Force sent them.  A major milestone for Arletta was witness to and at times being part of the design, development, production, and delivery of the C-17A Globemaster III to the United States Air Force over a remarkable 14-year journey.  

Those who knew Arletta would tell you she was sincere, funny, and deeply intelligent.  She had sharp wit and genuine warmth that made people feel at ease.  She loved gardening and could often be found tending to her plants and flowers.  She had a passion for life, enjoyed traveling, and a deep affection for the beach and ocean.  She also enjoyed her boys in fur, Sam, Teddy, and Ollie who brought her endless joy.

Arletta is survived by her husband of 55 years, James Lis; her son James Jessie Lis; her daughter Rikki Lynn Wherle; her granddaughter Nicole Warner, her grandson Jeremy Wherle; and her great granddaughter, Kailey Stickney.  She leaves behind a family who cherished her and will carry her memory forward with love.

A woman of deep spiritual faith, Arletta found comfort and strength in Christian beliefs throughout her life.  Her family takes solace in knowing she is at peace in the arms of her Lord.

A celebration of life will be held on 14 May 2026 at the Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, Texas from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.  A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on 15 May in the Hamil chapel followed by a graveside service at the Hawley cemetery, Hawley Texas.  

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure.  You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”

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

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Drive

Houston, Texas 77038

Meet in Lane #1 at 10:00 a.m. (Not before 9:45 a.m.)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Marine Corps

Houston Honor Guard

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Drive

Houston, Texas 77038

Meet in Lane #2 at 1:15 p.m. (Not before 1:00 p.m.)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Army

Houston Honor Guard

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Drive

Houston, Texas 77038

Meet in Lane #1 at 2:00 p.m. (Not before 1:45 p.m.)

Pauline Yvonne Cox Randall, age 85, was born September 3, 1940, in Bauxite, AR, to Carl and Mila Cox. She passed from this life on May 11, 2026. Pauline “Polly” grew up in Bauxite and graduated from Bauxite High School in 1958. A short time afterward, Polly moved with her parents to Houston, TX, and Houston became her home until November 2020, when she moved back to Benton to be near family. Soon after her move to Houston, Polly met and married the love of her life, Bill Randall, on May 5, 1961. They were married for almost 52 years, until Bill’s passing on March 5, 2013. During their married years, she devoted her life to Bill and to making a home for them. Polly was baptized into the Lord’s body and worshipped whenever she was able with His church.

Polly was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Randall; a son, Carl, who was stillborn; her parents, Carl and Mila Cox; two brothers William “Bill” Cox and Osa Dean “Pat” Cox; three sisters, Ouida Fowler, Jean Paige Lucas, and Marie Moore; and one niece who was like a sister, Wanda Fowler Goad.

Polly is survived by two sisters, Carolyn Rice of Benton, and Mila Joan Wilson of Bryant as well as many nieces and nephews who loved her and will miss her.

Burial for Polly will be at the Houston National Cemetery on May 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., where she will be laid to rest beside her husband Bill.

Gather: 11:00 a.m.

Chapel: 11:30 a.m.

Houston National Cemetery: 12:45 p.m. (In Procession)

Shirley Ann Holder entered into this life on December 19, 1937.  She went to HEAVEN on May 5, 2026.

Shirley was born to John & Edna Holder. She is survived by one sister Mary Price. 

Those remaining to carry out her memory are Son Gregory Lee Sledge, Daughter Sheila Kaye Mach & Grandson Charlie Mach. 

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at Veterans Funeral Services, 10567 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.  She will be at rest in Houston National Cemetery. 

Gather: 11:30 a.m.

Chapel: 12:00 p.m.

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

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Marine Corps

Houston Honor Guard

Joseph Daniel Campbell, born June 29, 1948, in Clinton, Tennessee, lived a life rooted in family, service, hard work, and faith. When Joe was about six years old, his family moved to Saginaw, Texas, where his father, A.D., opened an auto repair shop. It was there that Joe and his brothers Larry and Jerry spent their early years working side by side before all three enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. As his younger brothers Steve and John grew older, they too followed the same proud path of service.

Joe cherished being surrounded by his large family. One of twelve siblings, he often laughed at his parents’ saying, “It’s cheaper by the dozen.” That closeness shaped him throughout his life.

Joe married Harriet, his wife of 18 years, and together they raised four children—Jason, Robert, Jennifer, and Brandon. The family lived in Austin before moving to Houston, where Joe built a successful career with Aetna Life & Casualty as an Auto Claims Manager.

Although Joe and Harriet divorced in 1990, they remained connected through their children. Harriet raised their four kids with God’s help, instilling strong Christian values in each of them. In the last 20 years of Joe’s life, he grew even closer to his family. He and Harriet maintained a warm friendship centered around their children and the joy of their growing family. Joe was blessed with 11 grandchildren, and he treasured the relationships he built with several of them, especially in his later years.

Joe’s faith was a steady anchor throughout his life. He believed wholeheartedly in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and carried the assurance of where he would spend eternity—at peace in Heaven with Jesus.

Joe is survived by his four children—Jason, Robert, Jennifer, and Brandon—along with their families and his 11 beloved grandchildren. His family is deeply grateful for the love, support, and sympathy shown during this time of loss.

Joe will be remembered for his devotion to family, his pride in his Marine Corps service, his strong work ethic, and his unwavering faith. His legacy lives on in the children and grandchildren who loved him dearly.

Visitation: 4:30 p.m.

Chapel: 6:00 p.m.

 - Services Concludes Here