Funeral services for Joshua Dean Nolen, age 8 of Carthage, Texas will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2006 at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Rodger Cole and Brother Eddie Turner officiating. Interment will follow in the Antioch Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Joshua passed away on Monday, November 6, 2006 in Tyler, Texas.

Joshua Dean Nolen was born on December 18, 1997 in Dallas, Texas to Rodney and Renee Spurgeon Nolen. Joshua was known everywhere for his hugs, kisses, smiles, and laughs. Despite all his medical conditions he was happy in his own world and he loved life. Josh had come so far, doing things he was never expected to do. He was a gift from God and he touched many hearts. Josh enjoyed any toys that would light up and play music. He loved Mickey Mouse, Dora the Explorer, Blue's Clues, Veggie Tales, Barney, and Bob the Builder, but his absolute favorite was Elmo. Heaven's gain is our loss and our little "Joshy Man" will never be forgotten. Joshua had lived his lifetime in Carthage and was a member of the Antioch Baptist Church.

Joshua is survived by his father and mother, Rodney and Renee Nolen of Carthage; sister "Sissy" and best friend, April Nolen; brother, Jake Nolen; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Spurgeon of the Antioch Community and Mr. and Mrs. Earl Nolen of Longview; great grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Verrall Hill of Carthage and Mona Davis of Mineola; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nurses, and special friends also survive Joshua.

Serving as pallbearers are J.P. Norris, Jesse Norris, Bruce Maines, Elton Weems, Joe Ben Wooten, and Charlie Clements.

If desired, memorials may be made in memory of Joshua to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 2222 Welborn St. Dallas, TX 75219.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.