Dwain Bennett Funderburk

Dwain Bennett Funderburk, of the Ben Hur community near Groesbeck, passed away at age 83 on Thursday, May 21, 2015, at his home, where he was cared for by his wife during his battle with cancer. Visitation will be Saturday, May 23, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Groesbeck Funeral Home. Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, May 24, 2015 at the Common Ground Cowboy Church between Kosse and Bremond. Burial will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery near Kosse, with military honors. Pallbearers will be Robert Antis, John Woodruff, Dennis Funderburk, Jeff Woodruff, Dana Key and James Stringfellow. Dwain was born April 18, 1932 to Willard and Lucille (Sullivan) Funderburk in Humble, TX. He grew up through his school years in the Kosse, Thornton and Groesbeck area. He served in the U. S. Navy from October 1950 through November 1954, with medals for service in Korea and China. He later re-enlisted and served two more years in the Navy. Dwain was a man with many talents who worked in the upholstery business when he lived in Texas City and Houston in his earlier life. He also worked in lawn mower repairs; as an automobile mechanic for Western Auto when he moved back to Limestone County 45 years ago; had an upholstery shop in Mexia for a number of years; and worked many years as a self-employed carpenter, until retiring at age 70. Dwain was united in marriage with Gretchen Szanto on September 26, 2007 in Robinson, and they made their home in Axtell and later in the Ben Hur community. Dwain enjoyed woodworking as a hobby, and had made such items as a miniature couch for a grandson and a wooden diesel truck and trailer for his son, as well as many birdhouses and crosses. He loved country music, especially gospel music, and enjoyed the old performers such as Webb Pierce, Ernest Tubb and Carl Smith. Dwain was a member of the Common Ground Cowboy Church of Kosse. Dwain was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister who died at birth; and his brother, Curtis Funderburk. He is survived by his wife, Gretchen Funderburk of Ben Hur/Groesbeck; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Raymond Antis of Bremond; son, Ronnie Funderburk of Mexia; son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Barbara Funderburk of Mexia; grandchildren, Robert Antis of Belton, Robin Sandhoff and her husband Keith of Robinson, Tabitha Griffin and husband Michael of Bremond, Peyton Antis of Bremond, Dylan Funderburk of Mexia; and Zoey Funderburk of Mexia; great grandchildren, Harlow and Harper Antis of Forth Worth, Gage and Karingten Sandhoff of Robinson, and Raylea and Jaxson Griffin of Bremond; many step children and step grandchildren who are the family of Gretchen; and a sister, Maxine Cobb of Highlands.