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WINONA WATSON Graveside services for Winona Watson, 82, of Palacios, were held July 1, 2003 at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing with the Revs. Andy Blair and Janell Blair officiating.
Mrs. Watson was born April 14, 1921 in Crews, Tx. to the late Horace and Ella Bull Wood. She died June 27, 2003.
She had been a resident of Palacios for the past 10 years and a former resident of Ballinger, Tx. She was a retired license vocational nurse.
She is survived by her son, Adrian Watson of Palacios; sisters Nettie McMillan of Midland and Jean Heck of Evansville, Ind.; granddaughter Sherri Ellis and husband Jesse of Palacios; and great-granddaughter Adrian and Sean Ellis both Palacios.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Aulden A. Watson; and sons William Jesse Watson and Michael Alfred Watson.
Arrangements were with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.
JOHNNIE MAE KUBELA HENRY Funeral services for Johnnie Mae Kubela Henry, 89, of Palacios, were held June 24, 2003 at the First Baptist Church of Palacios with Rev Hollas Hoffman officiating.
Internment was at the Garden of Memories Cemetery, El Campo under the direction of Wheeler Funeral Home of El Campo.
 Mrs. Henry was born December 6, 1913, in Pierce, Wharton County, Tx. to the late John William Kubela and Gardina Marek Kubela. She died at her home June 21, 2003.
Mrs. Henry attended the College of Industrial Arts (now Texas Women's University) in Denton, Tx. and received a Bachelor of Science Degree with honors in 1933. After returning home from college, she worked as a school teacher and as office manager for Kubela Motor Company in El Campo.
On Oct. 21, 1934 she married Herbert Lee Henry at the Kubela family home in Pierce in which she had been born. In 1942 Mrs. Henry and her family moved from El Campo to the home in rural Matagorda County in which she lived for more than 60 years, serving her family as a devoted housewife, mother and office manager for the family farm, which the family affectionately called Black Acres Farm.
Mrs. Henry was a member of the First Baptist Church of Palacios where she taught an adult Sunday School class for many years. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Palacios Chapter Number 125.
She is survived by sons John Lee Henry and wife Elaine, of Garland, Herbert William Henry and wife Jean of Bay City, James Rupert Henry and wife Karen of Victoria; grandchildren Anna Penrod, Kristina Lang, Julie Lubinski, Rebecca Henry, Phillip Lee Henry, Holly Henry, Jason Scott Henry, Amy Kathryn Garrett, and Lisa Heather Henry; and eight great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her two sisters, Klara Bunge and Lorraine Appling.
Pallbearers were Jason Scott Henry, Phillip Lee Henry, William Carl Hansen, Carl M. Hansen, III, Derril Franzen and Daniel R. Tucker, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers will be Roger Carter, Billy Morton, Harry Lane Powell, Guy Stovall, Jr. and Guy Stovall, III.
MARY VILLARREAL A Funeral Mass for Mary Villarreal, 73, of Palacios, was held June 16, 2003 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Internment was at Palacios Cemetery.
Mrs. Villarreal was born Oct. 25, 1929 in Palacios to Mary and Ben Heineman. She died June 12, 2003 in Victoria.
She was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church.
Mrs. Villarreal was survived by companion, Willie Henkes of Palacios; daughters, Jesse Perez and Consuela Barrera; sons, Mike and Dennis Pere; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
Arrangements by Palacios Funeral Home, 361-972-2012.
ROBERT LEE STIDHAM Memorial services for Robert Lee Stidham, 61, of Palacios, were held June 17, 2003 at the Trinity Baptist Church in Palacios with Rev. David Bush officiating and Bro. James Collins in charge of the music.
Mr. Stidham was born October 18, 1941 to Irene Stidham and the late Hershal H. Stidham in Dallas County, Texas. He died June 12, 2003 at his home in Palacios.
A member of Trinity Baptist Church of Palacios Mr. Stidham was also a member of Navy U.S.N.R. active duty aboard the U.S.S. Constellation C.V. A-64. He was also an active member with the V.F.W. Queen Hamlin Post 2467 in Palacios.
He is survived by his mother, Irene Stidham, one Aunt and Uncle, Nona and Frank Lee of Mt. Pleasant, Texas and many cousins and friends.
Arrangements are with Matthews Funeral Home in Wharton.
JIMMIE FLORES, JR. Funeral services for Jimmie Flores, Jr., 79, of Palacios, were held June 12, 2003 at the First Presbyterian Church of Palacios with the Rev. Tony Flores, Rev. Marcillo Garcia, Rev. Andy Blair and Rev. Janell Blair officiating.
Interment was at Palacios Cemtery.
 Mr. Flores was born Feb. 10, 1924 in Palacios to Jimmie and Otila Solis Flores, Sr. He died June 9, 2003.
He and his wife, 'Pie', had been the owners of the former El Torito Restaurant in Palacios. Mr. Flores was a U. S. Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and Queen-Hamlin VFW Post 2467.
He is survived by his wife, Amparo "Pie" Flores; daughter: Ernestine Silvas of Palacios; son: Jimmie Flores III of Brazoria and Johnny L. Flores of Conroe; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Jesse Flores.
Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association or the VFW Post No. 2467, Palacios, Texas.
JAMES B. MEISMER Funeral services fo James B. Meismer, 62, of Hallettsville, were held June 10, 2003 at Sacred Heart Church in Hallettsville with Rev. John Peters officiating. Interment was at St. Rochs Cemetery near the Mentz Community northeast of Columbus.
Mr. Meismer was born Feb. 1, 1941 in El Campo, Tx. to the late Alberta Brod and Leo Joseph Meismer. He died June 7, 2003.
He was an Industrial Arts teacher for El Campo High School for 10 years. He was employed in 1975 as a Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. game warden and retired in 1999. He was a member of the Texas Game Warden Assn. and Knights of Columbus Council 2433 in Hallettsville.
He is survived by his wife, Claudia Compton Meismer; a daughter, Leigh Ann Meismer of Friendswood, Tx.; a son, Paul Meismer of Rockport, Tx.; a sister, Jo Ann Teague of Whitney, Tx.; brothers Charles Meismer of Victoria, Tx. and Michael Meismer of LaGrange, Tx.; and grandchildren Casey Mesimer and Trey Meismer.
Pallbearers were Dennie Skrovan, Douglas Dusek, Dick Herzog, Rex Mayes, Tommy Hergotz, Buddy Mills, Kerry Peterson, Tommy Charbula and Marvin Steffek. Honorary pallbearers were Allen Odom, Gene Teague, Micah Harmon, Ronnie Kubecka, Shane Jahn and Wendal Rudoloff.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of South Texas or Sacred Heart Church of Hallettsville.
PHILIP SHEARER Graveside services for Philip Shearer, 65, of Palacios, were held June 5, 2003 at Bowie Cemetery in Cedar Lane.
Mr. Shearer was born Feb. 21, 1938 in Kingsville, Tx. to Frances Bowie Shearer of Blessing and the late James H. Shearer, Sr. He died June 2, 2003.
He was employed by American National Insurance Co.
He is survived by a son, Philip Shearer, Jr., of Otsego, Minn.; stepson, Jody Burns of Tomball, Tx.; sister, Ginger Hennig of Angleton, Tx.; borther, Jimmy H. Shearer of Sweeny, Tx.; his mother, Frances Bowie Shearer; and two grandchildren.
Arrangements were with Green's Mortuary of Bay City.
TIMOTHY M. LLANES, SR. Funeral services for Timothy Marmolejo Llanes, Sr., 61, of Palacios were held May 31, 2003 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with the Rev. Charles Dwomoh officiating.
Burial, with military honors under the auspices of VFW Post 2467, was at Palacios Cemetery.
A native of Palacios, he was born Dec. 19, 1941 to the late Cosme and Ana Marmolejo Llanes. He died May 26, 2003.
Mr. Llanes was a Vietnam era veteran, serving as a private first class in the U.S. Army, earning commendations for marksmanship.
He is survived by his wife, Debra Ann Guidroz Llanes; daughters Erica Frances Llanes of Crystal Beach, Tx., Elva Ayala, Rebecca Romero and Veronica DeLos Santos, all of Galveston, Sonia Morales of Texas City and Blanca DeLos Santos of Waco; sons, Timothy Llanes, Jr. of Crystal Beach, Tx., Ernesto DeLos Santos and Roman DeLos Santos, both of Galveston; sisters, Mary L. Flores of Palacios and Grace Morales of Rockdale, Tx.; brother Demetrio Llanes, Sr. of Palacios, Lawrence Llanes of Hobbs, N.M., and Canuto Llanes of Flour Bluff, Tx.; 26 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by brothers George Llanes and Fabian DeLos Santos; and grandson, Ernesto DeLos Santos, Jr.
Artero Memorial Chapels, Port Lavaca, was in charge of arrangements.
LOY FAYE SNIDER Funeral services for Loy Faye Snider, 87, of Palacios were held May 25, 2003 at Palacios Funeral Home with the Rev. Lewis Rush officiating. Interment followed at the Hawley Cemetery.
A former resident of Blessing, Mrs. Snider died Thursday, May 22. She was born Oct. 8, 1915 in Midfield to the late Beverly Richard and Susan Luella Watson Dobson. She was a member of the Palacios First Baptist Church.
Survivors include a daughter, Barbara Glimp of Alvin; a son, John Snider of Palacios, a foster son, Richard Bradley Dobson of Florida; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harley Floyd Snider; a sister, Gertrude M. Roberts; and brothers, Clarence C. Dobson, Eugene L. Dobson and Edgar H. Dobson.
PAULINE PEREZ CARAVAJAL A Funeral Mass for Pauline Perez Caravajal, 75, of Freeport, Tx., was held May 23, 2003 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with Rev. Robert Guerra officiating.
Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.
Mrs. Caravajal was born April 2, 1928 in Berclair, Tx. She went to be with her Father in Heaven on May 19, 2003 where she has now rejoined her husband, Catarino Caravajal, Jr.; parents Manuel and Blasta Zborial Perez; and sisters, Ramon Perez and Virginia Pardo in Heaven.
She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Diane and Johnie Sanchez, Kathy and John Falcon all of Port Lavaca, Carolyn and David Ramirez, Elizabeth and Reuben Cuellar, and Debora Caravajal and Juan Serna all of Freeport, Patricia and James Whitener of Bakersfield, CA., and Paulette and Mason Howard of Brazoria; son Reuben Caravajal of Portland, OR.; sisters Olga Perez, Teresa Gonzales and Stella Lucio, all of Palacios; 19 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Juan Serna, Johnie Sanchez, Sr., John Falcon, Mason Howard, Craig Falcon, Matthew Sanchez, Reuben Cuellar and Richard Cuellar. Honorary pallbearers were Johnny Perez and Ralph Rodriguez.
Arrangements were with Palacios Funeral Home, (361) 972-2012.
LARRY EUGENE ASHLEY Graveside services for Larry Eugene Ashley, 66, of Copperas Cove, Tx. were held May 22, 2003 at Killeen Cemetery with Rev. Billy Johnson officiating.
Mr. Ashley was born April 30, 1937 in San Antonio. He died May 20, 2003 at Temple Hospital.
Raised in Palacios, he graduated from Palacios High School in 1956. He served in the U. S. Army for over 21 years and was a Vietnam War veteran. He retired from the service in 1976 and later retired from Centel of Killeen and from Civil Service in Fort Hood, Tx. He was a lifetime member of the NRA.
He is survived by three daughters, Jenny Kite of Belton, Tx., Karen Sueoka of Kempner, Tx., Cindy Kite of Gatesville, Tx. and Lydia Randall of Killeen, Tx.; a brother, Jerry Leadford of Palacios; two sisters, Carla Reeves of Palacios and Robin Leadford of Houston; and nine grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Olga Ashley in 1997; a son, Walter Ashley in 1985; and a sister, Dolly Leadford.
Arrangements were with Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove. (254) 547-1275.
RONNIE MILLS Funeral services for Ronnie Mills, 37, of Toledo, Ohio were held May 20, 2003 at the First Presbyterian Church in Palacios with Chaplain Steve Brown of the U. S. Navy officiating. Interment was be at Palacios Cemetery.
 Mr. Mills was born Oct. 11, 1965 in Houston, Tx. to Gene Mills and Marilyn Lee Mills. He died May 14, 2003 in Ohio.
He was an active duty Boatswain Mate First Class with the U. S. Coast Guard and assigned to Coast Guard Station, Toledo, Ohio. He was a long time resident of Palacios and had been a resident of Toledo, Ohio for the past two years.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy 'Dottie' Lynn Martino Mills of Toledo, Ohio; a daughter, Lauren Mills of Toledo, Ohio; his father, Gene Mills of Cincinnati, Ohio; his mother and stepfather, Marilyn and Ernest Tresselt of Palacios, Tx.; a sister, Rae Lynn Longoria of Blessing, Tx.; and brothers Craig Mills of Reno, Nevada and Patrick Mills of Conroe, Tx.
Pallbearers and Graveside Military Honors were provided by U. S. Coast Guard Group, Corpus Christi, Tx.
Arrangements were with Palacios Funeral Home.
GROVER GUINDEL HUDDLESTON Graveside services for Grover Huddleston, 68, of Big Sandy, Tx. were held May 14, 2003 at Locus Grove Cemetery with the Rev. David Sanders officiating.
Mr. Huddleston was born Aug. 16, 1934 in Rice, Tx. to Grover Alan and Gracie Huddleson. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army and was a registered land surveyor.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 25 years, Freda Huddleston of Big Sandy; son Alan Lee Huddleston of Georgetown; son and daughter-in-law Chad and Jana Huddleston of Blessing, Tx.; daughter and son-in-law Twila and Wayne Kirskey of Athens, Tx.; stepchildren Harry McMahan of Longview, Carolene Fatherree of Gilmer, Tx., and Jolene McMahan of Gladewater, Tx.; 14 grandchildren including Graci and Grant Huddleston of Blessing, Holly and Ashley Huddleston of Georgetown, Brandon, Bryan and Brooke Kirskey of Athens; a brother, Jerry Huddleston of Mabank, Tx. and two nieces.
ROBERT 'DIDDY' WHITLEY Funeral services for Robert 'siddy'sWhitley, 63, of Bay City, Tx. were held May 19, 2003 at the First Baptist Church in Palacios with Rev. Hollas Hoffman officiating. Interment was at Hawley Cemetery.
Mr. Whitley was born June 2, 1939 in El Campo, Tx. to Robert Burney Whitley, Sr. and Eva Elizabeth May Whitley. He died May 15, 2003 at Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City.
He was former resident of El Campo and had been a resident of Palacios for 31 years. He had resided in Bay City for the past eight years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of El Campo, the American Legion of Blessing, and a U. S. Army veteran.
He was former owner/operator of retail groceries and a former employee of the Barbosa Group at the TSARS site in Matagorda.
He is survived by his wife, Billie Marie Grimes Whitley of Bay City; daughter and son-in-law Holly Lynn and Glenn Vacek of Blessing; son and daughter-in-law Reid Clayton and Sandy Whitley of Angleton; a sister, Norma Hunt of Palacios; and grandchildren Whitley and Levi Vacek of Blessing, and Teagan, Tate, Jayde and Amesti Whitley all of Angleton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eva and Robert B. Whitley, Sr., and a brother, Charles Thomas Whitley.
Pallbearers were Tony Kana, Frankie Longoria, Cliff Elliott, Forrest Laughlin, Gene Weir, Donald Kelly, Chipper Holt, Warren Kinsey, Clarence Fenners and Benny Wagnon. Honorary pallbearers were Billy Holt, Sandy Hubbard, Benita Massingill, Seabron Bryant, Terry Oglesby, Jimmy Allen, Wayne Buss and Julius Ledwig.
GLENNA FITZMORRIS Funeral services for Glenna Fitzmorris, 86, of Palacios, were held May 14, 2003 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Palacios with Rev. Charles Dwomoh officiating. Interment was at Hawley Cemetery.
Mrs. Fitzmorris was born Oct. 20, 1916 in Beaukist to the late Samuel Albert and Hattie Merle Jones Dorris. She died May 10, 2003.
She was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church and the Altar Society.
She is survived by a daughter, Dorris Everett of Palacios; a son, Charles Fitzmorris of Galveston, Tx.; sisters Joy Richey of Palacios, and Gladys Wilson of Victoria, Tx.; a brother, Howard Dorris of Alvin, Tx.; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Fitzmorris, and her parents.
Memorials may be made to donor's choice.
TAMMY LYNN SCHNEIDER DIAZ Graveside services for Tammy Lynn Schneider Diaz, 38, of Anahuac, Tx. were held May 10, 2003 at Hawley Cemetery, with the Rev. Bob Burch officiating.
A native of Wharton, she was born Sept. 28, 1964 to Alvin Henry Schneider, Sr. of Palacios and the late Vera Arthell Lively Schneider. She died May 7, 2003.
She was a store manager of McDonald's in Anahuac.
In addition to her father, she is survived by three daughters, Stacey Diaz and Amanda Schneider, both of Anahuac and Jessica Schneider Cepac of Palacios; two sons, Mario Diaz, Jr. and Justin Schneider, both of Anahuac; two sisters, Sandra Koch of Palacios and Sharon Duke of Wallisville, Tx.; and a brother, Alvin Schneider, Jr. of North Pole, Alaska.
Pallbearers were Robert John Koch, James Cepak, Vernon Duke, Jr., Gerald Holloway, Robert Koch and Josh Yeager.
Artero Memorial Chapels, Port Lavaca, was in charge of arrangements.
HARRY HENSEL SISSON A memorial service for Harry Hensel Sisson, 91, of Houston, was held April 28, 2003 at Grace Presbyterian Church Founder's Chapel in Houston with the Rev. Dr. David McKechnie officiating.
Mr. Sisson was born March 19, 1912 in Palacios, Tx. to Robert Jay and Edna Elizabeth Hensel Sisson. He died April 25, 2003.
He was married to his hometown sweetheart, Mary Nancy Sisson, for 62 years. He attended Southwestern University, University of Texas and University of Houston, earning degrees in Geology and Education. He retired from Exxon in 1977 following a 38-year career in Exploration Geophysics and Geology. He participated in the AAPG, SEG, and Houston Geological Societies for many years.
Though he truly loved geophysics, he invested much time to his family, his church and various community service organizations and foundations, including the Trull Foundation. He was a longtime member of Grace Presbyterian Church, active as elder, teacher, mentor and Intercessory Prayer group leader.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, who will be lovingly remembered for his warmth, great sense of humor, enthusiasm for life, and faith in His Lord.
Mr. Sisson is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Warren Brandau; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mrs. Maxine Ray and Rev. Carroll B. Ray; grandchildren Lisa Hyde and husband David, Amy Hines and husband Stephen, Jean Brandau, and Kenneth Brandau and wife Andrea; great-grandchildren Rebecca Hyde, Justus Hyde, Sarah Hines, Emily Hines and Diana Brandau; four nieces and two nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, and infant daughter Judith Lynn Sisson.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the ministries of Grace Presbyterian Church.
TRINIDAD PEREZ, JR.
Funeral mass for Trinidad Perez, Jr., 47, of El Campo was held April 25, 2003 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Palacios, with the Rev. Charles Dwomoh officiating. Interment followed at Palacios Cemetery.
Mr. Perez was born Jan. 11, 1956 in Galveston to Maria C. Becera Perez, Sr., and the late Trinidad Lopez. He died April 22, 2003 at Triumph Hospital in Sugar Land.
He had resided in El Campo for the past seven years.
Survivors in addition to his mother, include sisters and brothers-in-law Olivia M. and Jose Perez of Palacios, Matilda and Frank Munoz of Palacios, and Maria and David Gaitan of Houston; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
WILMA E. JOHNSON Funeral services for Wilma E. Johnson, 91, of Palacios, were held April 22, 2003 at the First United Methodist Church in Palacios with Rev. Charlie Parker officiating. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.
Mrs. Johnson was born Aug. 27, 1911 in Maydelle, Cherokee County, Tx. to the late Robert Thayers and Allie Ray Williams Ezell. She died April 20, 2003 at her residence.
She retired after 30 years serves as postal clerk from the U. S. Postal Service around 1970. She was a former longtime member of the Eastern Star and worked as a volunteer for the Palacios Library for many years.
Mrs. Johnson is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn and Raymond 'Mitch' Mitchell of Palacios; a son and daughter-in-law, Don and Donna Johnson of Houston; grandchildren Brett Mitchell and wife Lonza of Seabrook, Tx., Julie Mitchell Weiss and husband Brett of Spicewood, Tx., Jeff Johnson and wife Jackie of Limerick, Ireland, and Matt Johnson of Dallas; great-grandchildren Michael Gregory Worsham of the U.S. Air Force stationed in Germany, and Holley Johnson of Limerick, Ireland; sisters-in-law Mary King of Palacios, Margaret Herman of Corpus Christi, and Margaret Johnson of Olivia, Tx.; brothers-in-law Ballard Johnson and wife Louise of Aransas Pass, Tx., and Mack Johnson and wife Adene of Victoria, Tx.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Guy W. Johnson; sisters Cassie Koenig and Ray McDonald; and brothers M. E., Robert, Gilbert and Emory Ezell.
Pallbearers were Carroll Harvey, Joe Ray Beard, Boyd Foltyn, Jerry Washington, James Kruse and Gayland Johnson. Honorary pallbearers were George Sparks, John Connor, Marvin Curtis, Ted Bates Jr., and Lowell Johnson.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 947, Palacios. Tx. Arrangements were with Palacios Funeral Home.
JACK WILLIAM WAECHTER Jack William Waechter died April 12, 2003, at the age of 85 after experiencing a short illness.
The family will receive friends during a visitation period from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 15 at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Houston, with A graveside service was held April 16 at Woodlawn Cemetery.
A memorial service was held April 17 at at the First Presbyterian Church in Palacios for his many local friends.
Jack attended John H. Reagan High School and graduated from University of Texas in Austin. Jack served with the U.S. Army in the Aleutian Islands during WWII.
After a successful career with Dixon Management Oil Corporation, Mr. Waechter retires as President and CEO and moved to Palacios, Texas where he and his wife lived since 1977.
He is survived by his wife, Louise, and sons, Jack W. Waechter, Jr., and Boyd F. Waechter, daughter in law, Rebecca C. Waechter, and grandson, Eric James Waechter.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Legion Scholarship Fund Post #649, P.O. Box 425, Blessing, Tx. 77419 ot the First Presbyterian Church, 501 Third St., Palacios, Texas 77465, or the charity of your choice.
EDNA DEE BEARD Funeral services for Edna Dee Beard, 94, of Bay City, were held April 16, 2003 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel in Bay City with Rev. Chester Sassman officiating. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.
Mrs. Beard was born March 13, 1909 in Lometa, Tx. to the late Richard J. and Betty L. Bertchiger Tweddle. She died April 14, 2003 at Bay Villa Nursing Home in Bay City.
A member of the First Baptist Church of Palacios, she had been a resident of Bay City for the past six years and a former 50 year resident of Palacios.
She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Audrey and Floyd Geron of Fort Worth, and Barbara and Kenneth Johnson of Brazoria; two step-daughters and their spouses, Irene and Milton Tweedle of Conroe, and Judy and Dick McCaskill of Houston; four sons and daughters-in-law, Bobby and Josephine Beard of Sweeny, Buck and Elizabeth Beard of Bay City, Jack and Dorothy Beard of Van Vleck, and John and Barbara Beard of Waco; two sisters, Jessie Wright of Bay City, and Eva Adkins of West Columbia; one brother, Milton Tweedle of Conroe; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John L. Beard.
Pallbearers were Bobby Dillard, Larry Dillard, George Capek, Darrell Capek, Dennis Bartosh and Mike Beard.
B. MERLE RAMSEY Funeral services for B. Merle Ramsey, 85, of Palacios were held April 11, 2003 at the First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Charlie Parker officiating. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.
Mr. Ramsey was was born Feb. 24, 1918 in San Augustine, Tx. to the late Coy Chester and Mary Magdalene Crocker Ramsey. He died April 8, 2003 at the Port Lavaca Nursing and Rehab Center.
A resident of Palacios since 1927, he was a veteran of U.S. Army service in World War II. For many years he worked in the oil field and retired at the age of 70 from Richards Drilling Co. He was a longtime member of the Palacios Volunteer Fire Dept. and a member of the First United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth Sells Ramsey of Palacios; four daughters and sons-in-lawe was preceded in death by a sister, Lenedene Johs, and a brother, Eugene Ramsey.
Pallbearers were Norval and Bobby Sells, Sam, Rickey and Bruce Ramsey, Dickie Ellis, Eric Johs Jr., and Paul Carroll Bartlett. Honorary pallbearers were Irvin Petersen, Harold Mozley, Billy Morton, Johnny Frankson, Vernon and Harold Hunt, Ben Blackburn and Billy Holt.
Memorials may be made to Palacios Volunteer Fire Dept., or to charity of one? choice.
ESTHER MARION CARR JENKINS Funeral services for Esther Marion Carr Jenkins, 95, of Palacios, were held April 3, 2003 at the First Presbyterian Church of Palacios with the Reverends Janell Blair and Hollie Briscoe officiating. Burial was at Forest Park West Cemetery in Houston.
Mrs. Jenkins, a resident of Palacios and formerly of Houston, died March 31, 2003. She was the oldest member of First Presbyterian Church of Palacios.
She was preceded in death by her husband, brother, and granddaughter.
Mrs. Jenkins is survived by her daughters, Billie Glanz, Peggy White, Pat McKinney, and their husbands Clarence, Dage, and Bob; seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Bo McKinney, Woody Wilson, Leonard Carr, John Toellner, Royce Harvey, and Todd Glanz.
Memorials to Hospice Support Care, 1102 Mechanic St., El Campo, TX 77437.
SULEMA ROCHA FERRETIZ Funeral services for Sulema Rocha Ferretiz, 46, of Palacios were held March 31, 2003 at St. Anthony dePadua Catholic Church, with the Rev. Charles Dwomoh officiating. Interment followed at Palacios Cemetery.
Mrs. Ferretiz was born Sept. 13, 1956 in Bay City to the late Pete and Maria Garcia Rocha. She died March 26, 2003.
She was a homemaker and a Catholic.
She is survived by six sons, John Ferretiz and Gabriel Ferretiz, both of Palacios, Pablo Rocha of Houston, Marcelino Ferretiz of Bay City, Jaime Ferretiz of Victoria and Stephen Ferretiz of Philadelphia, Pa.; one sister, Esther Rocha of Houston; three brothers, David Rocha of Houston, Pete Rocha of Porter and Ricky Rocha of Austin; and 11 grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Carlos Garcia, Paul Garcia, Dominic Tilotta, Mark Tilotta, Daniel Llanes, Jr. and David Rocha, Jr.
HAZEL LeBLANC Funeral services for Hazel LeBlanc, 94, of Palacios, were held March 21, 2003 at the Palacios Funeral Home. Internment followed at Palacios Cemetery.
Mrs. LeBlanc was born March 25, 1908 in Crowley, LA to the late Lucien and Cecile Arcineaux Savoie. She died March 19, 2003 in Bay City.
Mrs. LeBlanc is survived by her daughter, Jeannine Hunter of Marietta, GA; her son, Patrick LeBlanc of Grand Prairie, TX; six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry LeBlanc.
JO FRANCES PAYNE GALLOWAY Funeral services for Jo Frances Payne Galloway, 60, of Conroe and formerly of Palacios, were hled March 11, 2003 at the Wharton Funeral Home in Wharton with Brother Gene Kendrick of Mims Baptist Church in Conroe officiating. Interment was at Evergreen Memorial Park in Wharton.
Mrs. Galloway died Friday, March 7, 2003 at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston after an extended illness.
She was born in Bay City on Feb. 26, 1943 to the late Howard Roy and Byrd Payne, the third of five children. She attended schools in Sweeny and graduated in 1961. She studied nursing at the Wharton County Junior College.
She married Thomas Galloway on June 9, 1962 in the First Baptist Church of Old Ocean. The couple lived in Bryan/College Station while Thomas, affectionately called T, attended A&M. During their marriage, the resided in various Texas towns: LaGrange, Boling, Sweeny, West Columbia, Palacios and most recently Conroe. While living in Palacios, Jo returned to college and received her bachelor of arts degree from the University of Houston. She taught third grade in Palacios for 16 years, retiring in 2001. The couple were active in the Baptist Church in Palacios and most recently, in the Mims Baptist Church in Conroe.
In addition to her husband of almost 41 years, she is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Lurie Galloway; a daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Ty West; grandchildren Christopher and Joshua Galloway and Shaylee and Erin West. Other family include siblings Pat and John Avanzini of Corpus Christi, Joyce and Charlie Willoughby of West Columbia, Sonny and Carolyn Payne of West Columbia, and Sue and John Reans of Sweeny.
Pallbearers were Buc and Tony Avanzini, Steve Willoughby, Curtis Crow, Jason Hall and Robert Richardson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requested that memorials be made to: M.D. Anderson Hospital, PO Box 297153, Houston, Tx 77292-0153; or Mims Baptist Church, 1609 Porter Rd., Conroe, Tx 77303.
W.C. 'CLIFFORD' GUFFEY Funeral services for W.C. 'Clifford' Guffey, 77, of Bay City, were held March 3, 2003 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Pauline Harvey officiating. Internment followed at Cedarvale Cemetery.
Mr. Guffey was born Feb. 8, 1926 in East Bernard to the late O.V. and Tressa Blanch Shelton Guffey. He died Feb. 28, 2003 at Hermann Hospital in Houston.
He was a retired Manager for American National Insurance Company. Mr. Guffey was also a WWII veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater. He was a devoted family man and a friend to all, with a perpetual smile on his face, and a laugh in his soul.
Mr. Guffey is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margaret Love Guffey; son, David R. Guffey of Lake Jackson; daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Greg Westmoreland of Bay City; sisters, Mary Obenhaus of Bonus, TX, and Doris Lee Lechler of Wharton; brothers, Gene Guffey of Wharton and Donald Guffey of Bay City; three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Winnie Ruth Shroyer; brothers, Lloyd and Vernon Guffey.
Pallbearers were Kip Westmoreland, Jay Westmoreland, Chance Stone, Curtis Stroyer, Harold Boles, and Bert Huebner.
JOHN HENRY McELHENNEY, SR. Funeral services for John Henry McElhenney, Sr., 80, of Bay City, were held March 5, 2003 at the Milling Funeral Home in Union, MS. Masonic Graveside services followed at the Mount Zion Cemetery in Union.
Mr. McElhenney was born Jan. 6, 1923 in Stranton, MS to the late Hez Hardy and Mary Sue Lundy McElhenney. He died March 1, 2003 at the Palacios Community Health Center in Palacios.
He was a member of the Methodist Church, a resident of Bay City since 1990 and a former resident of Palacios. He was a refrigeration specialist and managed the Palacios Fuel and Ice Company until he retired in 1990. Mr. McElhenney was a member of the Forest, MS Masonic Lodge #437 F&AM, the Hamasa Shrine Temple of Meridian, MS, and the Houston Scottish Rite Temple.
Mr. McElhenney is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sara Lee Hamrick McElhenney of Bay City; 3 sons and daughters-in-law, Ronnie & Janie McElhenney of Bay City, Jerry & Cora Ann McElhenney of Danville, VA, and John & Virgian McElhenney, Jr. of Gainesville, GA; sisters, Nona Davidson and Bessie Goss of Sebastopol, MS; eight grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; and a very special cousin and friend, Lottie Frank Patterson of Decatur, Ms.
Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City and with Milling Funeral Home in Union, MS.
SEARCY H. STANDLEY Funeral services for Searcy H. Standley, 83, of Palacios, were held Feb. 28, 2003 at the Palacios Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. J. R. Gwin officiating.
Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.
Mr. Standley was born June 20, 1919 in Waller, Tx. to the late C. L. and Flo Ida Standley. He died Feb. 26, 2003.
He was a Baptist and a resident of Palacios since 1926.
He served in Company A, 23rd Infantry, 2nd Division of the US Army during World War II. He participated in the Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Ardennes campaigns. On Dec. 18, 1944 during the Belgium Bulge not far from the German border, he was captured by the Germans and remained a prisoner of war for 4 months and 11 days.
For his service he was awarded the EAME Campaign Medal with four Bronze Stars, the Silver Star Medal, Purple Heart, American Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the POW Medal.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Oretha Tankersley Standley of Palacios; two daughters and sons-in-law, Pat and Tommy Ellis, and Alta and Kent Barnett, all of Palacios; grandchildren Tommie Ellis of Victoria, Alta Ellis of Austin, Searcy Barnett and Wylen Barnett both of Palacios; and a great-granddaughter, Sarah Ellis of Austin.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Clara Riley, and brother, Clyde L. Standley.
Pallbearers were Tommy Ellis, Kent Barnett, Searcy Barnett, Wylen Barnett, C. L. Standley and J. W. Tankersley.
Memorials may be made to the Matagorda County Marine Advisory Committee, 2200 7th St., 4th Floor, Bay City, Tx. 77414.
Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home.
HECTOR VASQUEZ A Funeral Mass for Hector Vasquez, 43, of Palacios was held Feb. 20, 2003 at St. Anthony dePadua Catholic Church in Palacios with the Rev. Charles Dwomoh officiating. Interment followed at Confederate Cemetery in Alvin.
Mr. Vasquez was born Nov. 2, 1959 at Eagle Pass to the Florencia Zavala Vasquez of Palacios and the late Urbano Vasquez. He died Feb. 16, 2003.
He was a service supervisor for BJ Services Company of Victoria.
He is survived by a daughter, Rebecca Marie Vasquez of Alvin; a son, Issac Urbano Vasquez of Alvin; two sisters, Irma Pena of Bay City and Hope Vasquez of San Antonio; and one brother, Baldemar Vasquez of Palacios. He was preceded in death by a sister, Rachael Vasquez.
ART THURMOND Graveside services for Art Thurmond, 47, of Blessing were held Feb. 21, 2003 at the Caraway Cemetery in Nixon, Tex. A rosary service was held Feb. 20 at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.
Mr. Thurmond was born Sept. 22, 1955 in Wharton to the late Robert Lee and Chedeva Bell Beverly
Thurmond. He died Feb. 18, 2003 near Blessing as a result of an automobile-motorcycle accident.
A resident of Blessing since 1969 and a former resident of El Campo, he had been employed by the Ralph Petersen Farms, Inc. for 31 years. He was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church, Blessing Volunteer Fire Dept., on the board of directors for Toys for Kids of Matagorda County, and a member of the Gulf Coast Road Riders Association and Honda Gold Wing Club.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Gay Lynn Hahn Thurmond; two sons, Robert Thurmond and Derrick Gene Thurmond, all of Blessing; two sisters, Nadine Sadler of Grandview, Mo., and Darlene Noska of Bay City; one brother, Phil Thurmond of Angleton; one granddaughter, Taylor Lynn Thurmond of Blessing; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Rusty Hahn, Tom Wiley, Joel Brown, Curtis Walls, Jim Halbert and Don Noska. Honorary pallbearers were Frank W. Hahn, Sr., James Lockhart, Johnny Alexander, Ralph and Darryl Petersen and T. J. Tatum.
Memorials may be made to the Toys for Kids of Matagorda County, c/o Jim Halbert, 13 Holy Lane, Bay City, Tex. 77414.
RICHARD E (DICK) STONE Funeral services for The Rev. Richard E. (Dick) Stone, 70, of Austin, were held Feb. 2, 2003 at Austin Brethren Church with Rev. Albert Mikalik officiating.
Interment was in Hranice Cemetery in Dime Box with the Rev. Del Miller and Rev. Allen Newby officiating.
Rev. Stone was born May 26, 1932 in Harlingen, Tx. to Edwin Eli and Dorothy Crow Stone.ria, Belton, Edna and San Saba before pastoring Brethren Churches in Caldwell and Austin. Stone all of Belton, Rebecca Stone of Denton, Ryan Stone of Cameron, Miles and Troy Stone both of Poth and Cathrin Winsor of Cameron; and stepsons Billy and Chris Taylor of Austin; Byron Taylor of New Orleans and Bryan Taylor of Illinois.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother David Stone.
Memorial contributions may be made to:«The Outreach Fund at Austin Brethren Church, PO Box 181252, Austin, TX 78758.
RUSSELL FRANKLIN YEAGER, SR. Funeral services for Russell Franklin Yeager Sr., 71, of Palacios, were held Jan. 26, 2003 at Houston Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Johnny Cherry officiating.
Interment wasl at Friendship Cemetery in Van Vleet, Miss.
Mr. Yeager was born May 13, 1931, in Chickasaw County, Miss., to the late Eddie and Mary Christine Griffin Yeager. He died Friday, Jan. 17, 2003.
He had attended West Point High School and was a member of the West Point National Guard. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge/Shriner I.B.E.W. Local No. 917, Kentucky Colonel. He was a retired electrician.
He is survived by: daughters, Debra Leigh Yeager Arnett of Palacios, Patricia Diane Yeager Francis of Bentonville, Ohio, and Jennifer Carol Yeager McComas of Cincinnati; sons, Russell Franklin Yeager Jr. of Port Lavaca and David Owen Yeager of Palacios; sister, Martha Nell Yeager Blakeney of Houston, Miss.; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by: first wife, Hazel Leigh Martin Yeager; and his second wife, Shirley Johnson.
Houston Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., Houston, 662-456-2500.
R. L. BOBBITT Funeral services for R. L. Bobbitt, 79, of Markham were were held Jan. 22, 2003, at the First Baptist Church in Markham, with the Reverends Howard Harper and Joe Ramsey officiating. Interment was at Hawley Cemetery.
Mr. Bobbitt died Jan. 19, 2003 at Methodist Hospital in Houston. He was born April 16, 1923 in Winfield, Kans., to the late Ora and Gladys Kitterman Bobbitt. A resident of Markham since 1991 and a former Bay City resident, he was a mechanic and owned B&B Muffler in Bay City. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Markham.
Survivors include the widow, Mabel Tucker Bobbitt of Markham; a son, Richard Kubena of Markham; grandchildren Gary Brune and wife, Karen, of Fort Worth, Terry Brune and wife, Valenda, and Richard Brune, all of Blessing; eight great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughters, Margie Dols Seiferman and Elena Ann Kubena; and brothers, Joe, B. J. and Bobby Jack Bobbitt.
Named pallbearers were Percy Carroll, John Carroll, James Polensky, Cliff Elliott, Walter Bowers and John Sardelich.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Markham or the Edith Armstrong Center in Bay City.
Taylor Brothers Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
GLENN BUFFALOE A memorial service for Glenn Buffaloe, 79, was held Jan. 11, 2003 at Bear Creek United Methodist Church in Houston, with longtime family friend, the Rev. Billy Fabriguze, officiating..
Mr. Buffaloe born Sept. 17, 1923 in Palacios to Ed and Leona Buffaloe. He died away on Jan. 7, 2003.
Following his graduation from Palacios High School in 1942, he entered the 8th Air Force and attended basic training in Miami, Fla.. He then spent three years stationed in England, France and Scotland as a member of the 447th Bomb Group, 708th Squadron, where he was awarded five Bronze Battle Stars and one Silver Star. He returned to the United States at the end of 1945 and married Irene Claybourn of Palacios.
In May 1946, he entered Sam Houston State Teachers College, graduating in 1949 with a degree in Physical Education. He received his Masters Degree in 1951 from the University of Houston and coached high school athletics until 1962, when he became a counselor in the Houston Independent School District at Frank M. Black Junior High School. During this time, he began his own part-time floor covering business, then retired from HISD in 1976 to pursue his flooring business full time. He built his family business into one of the largest independent flooring dealers in Houston and continued to work there, until his illness prevented it in February 2002. In his spare time, he enjoyed working in his garden. But his favorite pastime was attending all of his grandchildrens' athletic events and activities, and was called 'Big Daddy' by all who knew him.
Survivors include his wife, Irene, of 57 years; daughter Renie Kristynik and son-in-law, Larry; daughter Denie Lunsmann and son-in-law, Ken; grandchildren Kurt, Kyle and Cole Kristynik and Leslie and Lyndsay Lunsmann, all of Houston; brothers Jack Buffaloe of Corpus Christi and Kenneth Buffaloe and sister-in-law, Genie, of Port Alto; and host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Gene Buffaloe; and sisters, Merdell Bachelor and Lanita Skalicky.
Honorary pallbearers were Jimmy Bennett, Glenn Dale Claybourn, Jr., Jack Curry, Maylon Fabriguez, Ed Feather, Wayne Hooks, Keith Kristynik, Ronnie Kristynik, Wally Miller, Victor 'Toby' Samuels, Kenny Singletary and Joe Tissue.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jay DeBroeck and his staff, the staff of Silverado Assisted Living Alzheimer's Residence and Life Solutions Hospice for their loving kindness and support throughout his illness.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Glenn to the First Baptist Church Building Program, Sour Lake, Tx 77659.
DRUECILLA O'DELL HILBURN Druecilla O'Dell Hilburn, 59, peacefully passed away in her home on January 4, 2003. A service to celebrate her life was held Jan. 7 at the First Baptist Church in Palacios with Rev. Hollas Hoffman officiating. A graveside service was held Jan. 9 in Lovington, N.M.
Mrs. Hilburn was born March 4, 1943 to Winford and Phern Simpson. She was the third of five children. In her youth she lived in Tatum and Lovington, N.M. where she met and married Bill R. Hilburn in 1966. She was actively involved in the businesses they're owned over the years, including Hilburn Farms, Hilburn Dairy, Showtime Video Stores, and for the past 10 years, Statewide Cotton Company (dba Farmers Gin) in Palacios. During the 1980? she was a top-selling real estate agent in New Mexico. A woman of many talents, she spent her spare time china painting, quilting, sewing, crafting, reading and maintaining a beautiful home. Most importantly, she was a wife and mother who devoted her life to her husband, three children, and five grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Bill R. Hilburn of Palacios; daughter , Debbie Hilburn of Lubbock, Tx.; son and daughter-inlaw, Scott and Dawna Hilburn of Floydada, Tx.; daughter and son -in-law, Amber and John Engel of Palacios; 5 grandchildren Matthew and Wesley Gunn of Lubbock, Maggie and Taylor Hilburn of Floydada and Jackson Engel of Palacios; sister, Frances Johnson of Dublin, California; and brother, Lonnie Simpson of Tatum, N.M.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, Sam Simpson of San Francisco, California, and John Simpson of Tatum. Memorials may be made on her behalf to Houston Hospice ( 8811 Gaylord, Ste. 100, Houston, Texas 77024) or to The Friends of Elder Citizens, Inc. (705 Commerce, Palacios, Texas 77465). Arrangements by Palacios Funeral Home, (361) 972-2012.
JOSE MORENO A Rosary Service for Jose Moreno, 78, of the Weedhaven Community, was held Jan. 6, 2003 at Artero Memorial Chapels in Port Lavaca.
Mr. Moreno was born Oct. 1, 1924 in El Paso, Tx. to the late Florentino and Felicitas Romo-Moreno. He died Jan. 4, 2003.
He was a retired carpenter and a Catholic.
He is survived by his wife, Adela Rodriguez Moreno, of Weedhaven; a daughter, Mary M. Garcia, of Olivia, Tx.; sisters Maria Refugia Medina of McAllen, Tx., Juana Maria Rodriguez of El Paso, and Berta Moreno of El Paso; brothers Enrique and Pedro Moreno, both of El Paso, and Ignacio Moreno of Los Angeles, Calif.; 10 grandchildren, Juanita G. Duran of Palacios, Eulalio Garcia Jr. of Upton, KY, David Garcia of Durham, N.C., Victoria Reyes and Carlos Garcia both of Beeville, Tx., Martha Garcia and Teresa Vinyard both of Bay City, Tx., Michael Garcia and Victor Garcia both of Victoria, Tx., and Krystal Garcia of Olivia; 28 great-grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren Michaela and Toti Proctor, and Hannah and Elizabeth Viets.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Andres and Antonio Moreno.
KATHERINE MARY LACOUR DISMUKE Funeral services for Katherine Mary Lacour Dismuke, 64, of Palacios, were held Jan. 4, 2003 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Rev. Casey Jarzombek officating. Interment was at Hawley Cemetery.
Mrs. Dismuke was born Dec. 31, 1938 in New Orleans, La. to the late Saul Emanuel Lacour and Louise Zerringue. She was a retired CPA.
She is survived by her husband, Edwin Earl Dismuke; daughters Keri Anne Stanzione of Knoxville, Tenn., Jodi Beth Cassie of Fort Polk, La., and Lori Jean Elliott of Bay City; and a son, Erik Sean Dismuke of El Campo.
DOROTHY ESTELLE LEGG Funeral services for Dorothy Estelle Legg, 83, of Bryan, Tx. were held Jan. 2, 2003 at Palacios Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James Shamburger officiating. Music on harp was provided by Scott DeVos of Victoria. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.
Mrs. Legg was born Sept. 15, 1919 in Chalmers, a small community outside of Bay City, to the late Charles Lamond and Ida Estelle Dickert Dorsey. She died Dec. 30, 2002 at Crestview Retirement Community in Bryan.
She married her childhood sweetheart, Ray William Legg in Yuma, AZ. on March 9, 1940. During their 62-yr. marriage, they lived in California, Oklahoma, and Texas (Alvin, Angleton, Marble Falls, Cuero, Victoria and Bryan). Dorothy was a homemaker and loved cooking for her family and sewing for her daughters. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Victoria. She moved to Bryan the last year of her life to be near one of her daughters.
She is survived by two daughters, Cathy McCormick of Victoria and Donna Beto of Bryan; a grandson, Joseph McCormick of San Antonio; and great-grandson, Andrew Joseph Campbell of Spring.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray William Legg; her parents; and her brothers, Ray Dorsey of Edna and Donald Dorsey of Freeport.
Pallbearers were Carlton Dorsey, James Daniel Legg, Calvin McCormick and Joseph McCormick.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 301 N. Glass St., Victoria, Tx. 77901.
HELENA HUNTER Funeral services for Helena Hunter, 65, of Palacios were held Dec. 26, 2002 at Palacios Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Jim Ely officiating. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.
Mrs. Hunter was born March 21, 1937 in Biddeford, Maine to the late Armand and Florence Antoine Petit. She died Dec. 22, 2002 at Palacios Community Medical Center.
A resident of Palacios since 1953, she was a member of the Catholic Church and was an auxiliary member of Palacios VFW Post 2467, American Legion and the Eagles.
She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Karen and Roger Bishop of Palacios, Donna and Jack Campbell of Humble, Tx., and Cathy and Mark Merck of Collegeport; sons and daughters-in-law Wayne and Cathy Hunter, Mike and Jeanie Hunter and Keith and Paulette Hunter, all of Palacios; a step-daughter, Janice Rightmer and her husband, Ray, of Spring, Tx.; a sister, Sandra Digiovanni of Damon, Tx.; a step-sister, Audrey Klodner of California; 16 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Julius Hunter; and a great-granddaughter, Skye Johnson.
Pallbearers were Daryl Hunter, Casey Campbell, Trammel Hunter, Shawn Johnson, Steven Ramirez and Leonard Lamar. Junior pallbearers were Derek Hunter and Matthew Merck. Honorary pallbearers are the Junior Collins Family, the John D. Glenn Family, the Billy Morton Family, and the Ernie Tresselt Family.
LILLIAN J. BOETTCHER Funeral services for Lillian J. Boettcher, 91, were held Dec. 27, 2002 at the Hubbard Funeral Chapel in Weimar, followed by interment in the Boettcher family plot at the Weimar Masonic Cemetery.
Mrs. Boettcher, born in Schulenburg on March 6, 1911, gave the Lord and her departed family and friends an early Christmas present by going to join them at 1 p.m., Christmas Eve. She was predeceased by her father Emil Vacek, mother Mary Mladenka Vacek, sister Dorothy Seimens, daughter-in-law Mary Lee Bell Boettcher and many other family and friends.
As a young lady in Schulenburg she taught dancing. She met her future husband, Francis O. Boettcher, and they married on the night of July 3rd or morning of the 4th in 1926 with Charley Herder as best man.
She started the first florist shop in Weimar, 'Lillian's Flowers' with the labor assistance of family members. Later she was a partner in the Weimar Pepsi Cola Bottling Company with her husband Francis. After his untimely death in 1964, she opened The Studio. As a regionally noted artist and teacher, she won many awards and, in fact, brought Dalhart Windberg to Weimar early in his career as a teacher. She was a co-founder of the Weimar Sewing Club (the anti-idlers as she called them) and a long time member of the Weimar Garden Club and many art societies.
She loved to fish and spent many summers at the Texas Baptist Encampment ground in Palacios and later at their camp house at Schicke Point on Carancahua Bay. She was a former Co-Marshal of the Gedenke Festival in Weimar. She was a world traveler with trips to Europe, Asia. Scandinavia, Mexico and all over America and Canada.
Her last three years were spent at College Place in Schulenburg under the loving and watchful care of Janet Machac and her devoted crew. The last days were with the assistance of Dr. Bobby Youens and the wonderful nurses at Colorado-Fayette Medical Center.
She is survived by her son, John O. Boettcher and wife Ruby Schneider Boettcher of Pasadena and Palacios; grandson J. Stephen Boettcher and wife Shannon of Seabrook; granddaughter Lisa Caledonia and husband Dr. Dana Caledonia of West University Place; great-grandchildren John and Erin of Seabrook, and great-grandchildren Nicholas, Casey and Kendall of West University Place. Lillian is also survived by her many friends, art lovers and her spiritual friends at UCC Church.
Pallbearers were Scott Brasher, Tommy Brasher, Lawrence Rose, Clifford Grohmann, Kervey Kahlden, John C. Neal and J. Stephen Boettcher. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Bobby Youens, Ernest Scott and her constant visitors and caregivers Billie Williams Arnold, Eunice Glancey Bittner and Jacklyn Mathews Bartosh.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to UCC Church of Weimar, Weimar Library, or the American Cancer Society.
MARGARET ANN GONZALES Funeral services for Margaret Ann Pederson Gonzales, 46, of Palacios were held Friday, Dec. 20, 2002 at St. Anthony dePaula Catholic Church, with the Rev. Charles Dwomoh officiating. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery. She died Dec. 16.
A homemaker and member of the Catholic Church, she was born April 24, 1956 in Victoria to the late John Anthony and Joyce Marilyn Engdahl Pederson.
Survivors include two daughters, Desarie Gonzales and April Corona, both of Palacios; and two brothers, Jimbo Pederson and Johnny Pederson, both of Baycliff.
IRA GENE REED
Funeral services for Ira Gene Reed, 72, of Palacios will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2002 at The Living Word Church, with the Rev. Tony Flores officiating. Interment followed at Palacios Cemetery.
Mrs. Reed died Saturday, Dec. 14. A homemaker, she was born Feb. 10, 1930, in Dequincy, La., to the late Eugene and Inez Pettifield Ostrea.
Survivors include two sons, Jack Austin Reed of Conroe and Jeffrey Alan Reed of Bay City; one brother, Frank Miller of Mandeville, La.; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack A. Reed.
FRANCES 'CHICA' MARTINEZ Funeral services for Frances 'Chica' Ottino Martinez, 45, of Palacios were held Dec. 13, 2002 at St. Anthony dePadua Catholic Church with the Rev. Charles Dwomoh officiating. Interment was in Palacios Cemetery.
Mrs. Martinez died Tuesday, Dec. 10. A native of Palacios, she was born July 16, 1957 to the late John Manuel Sr. and Eufemia Alvarado Ottino. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Anthony Church.
Survivors include the husband, Adelaido Maldonado Martinez; two daughters, Grace Garcia of Palacios and Cynthia Ottino of Tyler; one son, Louis Ottino of Palacios; four sisters, Sylvia Garcia and Mary Ottino, both of Palacios, Elvia Aragos of El Campo, and Virginia Davila of Lone Wolf, Okla.; three brothers, John M. Ottino, Jr., Henry Ottino and Carlos Ottino, all of Palacios; and one grandchild.
WILBERT 'BERT' JOHNSON A memorial services for Wilbert 'Bert' Johnson, 77, of Tres Palacios, was Dec. 9, 2002 at the Church of Christ in Palacios with Bro. Shan Jackson and Bro. Nathan Burrow officiating.
Mr. Johnson was born May 9, 1925 in Galveston, Tx. to the late Elmo and Dess Johnson. He died Nov. 30, 2002.
Mr. Johnson was a resident of the Tres Palacios community for the past 20 years and was a member of the Church of Christ. He also served in the U. S. Army during World War II.
He is survived by his cousins, Johnnie Johnson of Clute, Regina Johnson of Lake Jackson, and Mr. and Mrs. Elvin Krausnick of Nebraska.
Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home.
BARBARA CAROL BOLLING Funeral services for Barbara Carol Bolling, 67, of Palacios, were held Dec. 2, 2002 at the First Presbyterian Church of Palacios with Revs. Janel Blair and Charlie Parker officiating. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.
Mrs. Bolling was born July 30, 1935 in Fort Sill, OK to the late Joe and Rhuie Lucille Hopkins Tafolla. She died at her residence Nov. 30, 2002.
She was a resident of Palacios since 1948 and a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Bolling graduated from the University of Houston-Victoria and was a Certified Public Accountant. She retired from the Port Authority of Point Comfort, and was an accountant with Lacey Lowry Bookkeeping Service, as well as operating her own accounting business.
Mrs. Bolling was an Honorary and past President of the Harmonie Club, member and past President of the Alapha Club, member of the Palacios Library Board of Directors, member and past President of the Friends of the Palacios Library, Treasurer of the Robert Duran Caring and Sharing Food Pantry Board, Treasurer of the Palacios Beautification Committee, member of the Monday Night Bridge Club, and a newly elected Director of the Palacios Chamber of Commerce.
She is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Lucille Kay Wyatt of Dallas, and Susan Carol and John Kopacz of LaWard, Tx.; a sister, Frances Ballard of Lawton, OK; a brother, Bill Tafolla of Portage, MI; and one granddaughter, Kimberly Susan Wyatt of Dallas.
Pallbearers were J. W. "Billy" Jenkins, Jr., Alan Huddleston, Lacey Lowry, Bill Stransky, Chipper Holt and Richard Meyer. Honorary pallbearers were Joe Jenkins, Butch Bowers, Ralph Clements, Vic Kahlich, Fred Huitt and Robert Partain.
Memorials may be made to the Palacios Beautification Committee, Palacios Tx. Arrangements were with Palacios Funeral Home.
LINDA ELLIS Funeral services for Linda Ellis, 55, were held Nov. 26, 2002 at Palacios Funeral Home. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.
Mrs. Ellis was born Nov. 11, 1947 in Palacios to the late Yancy Campbell and Erma Laxson. She died Nov. 23, 2002 in Victoria.
She is survived by her daughters, Mylinda Guerrero, Kimberley Ellis and Mary Linda Ellis, all of Palacios; a sister, Elizabeth Hardin of Port Lavaca; and six grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Ellis; and sisters Wanda Hardin and Lottie Knipp.
BILL B. SHIFLETT Graveside services for Bill B. Shiflett, 76, were held Nov. 21, 2002 at the Evergreen Memorial Park in Wharton with Mr. Myles Sweeny officiating. Memorial services were at The Nations on Houston Street in Wharton.
Bill died peacefully in his home in Wharton on Nov. 18. He was born on Sept. 20, 1926 in Dallas, the second son of Corine and Mason Shiflett. He was in the Navy from 1944-1946. He attended the University of Texas, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Naval Science and Tactics. Following World War II, he attended McCormick Seminary in Chicago, Ill., receiving his Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1950.
He married Laura Trull in Palacios on Aug. 30, 1947. They had three children: Robert Carl, James Trull and Debra Elaine.
Bill was ordained a minister in the Presbyterian church in 1950. He and Laura were missionaries to Venezuela from 1950-1952. They pastored the Presbyterian church in Cleburne, Texas, from 1952-956. In 1956, they moved to Washington, D.C. to be a part of The Church of The Savior. He served as director of children's ministry and assistant director of the Arts and Crafts Workshop.
He became one of the owners of a new radio station in Herndon, Va. In later years, he was part owner of a TV and radio station in Woodstock, Va.
Bill founded and pastored the Wharton Christian Fellowship in Wharton. it began as a bible class and grew into a church body. He encouraged the people in the life of the Holy Spirit, in the Word of God and in prayer. He was deeply loved and respected by the fellowship. His passion was serving the Lord Jesus Christ, and his primary interest was in the churchÑ promoting, advising, stimulating the Body of Christ in any way he could. He enjoyed studying the Word of God and stimulating others to do the same.
He is survived by his mother, Corine Shiflett; his wife, Laura; their son, Jim Shiflett and his wife, Annette, of Anacortes, Wash.; his daughter, Debbie Beaty and her husband, L. J., of Salem, Va.; and grandchildren, Serra and Erin of Anacortes, Wash., and Crystal, Keisha, Joshua and Nicholas of Salem, Va. He is also survived by two brothers, Dr. R. Mason Shiflett and his wife, Marge, of Cleburne, Texas, and Rev. James Shiflett and his wife, Jean, of Downers Grove, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made to Grace Community Fellowship, 201 Houston Street, Wharton, Tex. 77488.
MAXINE CORNELIUS JOHNSON Funeral services for Maxine Cornelius Johnson, 79, of Midfield, were held Nov. 17, 2002 at the First United Methodist Church in Bay City with Revs. Bill Haskell and Roy Biser officiating. Interment was at Hawley Cemetery.
Mrs. Johnson was born Aug. 10, 1923 in Midfield, Tx. to the late Fred C. and Elvan Wyona "Dee" Raleigh Cornelius, Jr. She died Nov. 14, 2002 at her residence.
She was a resdient of Midfield for the past five years, a former longtime resident of Markham, and a member of the Markham Methodist Church. She was a member of the Cradle of Texas Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the Matagorda County Historical Society, the Bay City Book Review Club, and Crossroads Coffee Club. She also attended the Fellowship Class at the First Methodist Church in Bay City.
She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Joyce and Larry Maroney of New Braunfels, and Deean and Durrell "Pete" Griffith of Markham; two sons and a daughter-in law, Stuart and Cindy Johnson of Blessing, and Max Johnson of Dallas; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, A. H. "Hoyt" Johnson, and a sister, Lula Grace Chiles.
Pallbearers are her grandsons and grandsons-in-law Jason and Judd Maroney, C. J. Griffith, Jake Johnson, Stephen Crow, Nathan Boyd and David Rahe. Honorary pallbearers were Wade Griffith, Percy Carroll and Will Rogers.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Houston Hospice of El Campo or the Matagorda County Museum Association.
VICTOR C. TOMASEK, SR. Funeral services for Victor C. Tomasek, Sr., 89, of Blessing, were held Nov. 4, 2002 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Blessing with the Rev. Samuel Appiasi officiating.
Mr. Tomasek was born Nov. 23, 1912 in Cameron, Tx. to the late John and Maria Tomasek. He died Nov. 1, 2002. He was a retired welder and a Catholic.
He is survived by his wife, Angie Hessler Tomasek; son, Victor J. Tomasek of Blessing; sister, Miladie Summers of Temple; brother, Adolph Tomasek of Cameron; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Bodecka Tomasek; a sister, Frances Chernosky; and a brother, Willie Tomasek.
Memorials may be made to St. Peter's Catholic Church in Blessing.
LOWELL CLAXTON, SR. Funeral services for Lowell Claxton, Sr., 75, of Blessing, were Oct. 26, 2002 at the Palacios Funeral Home with the Rev. Louis Rush officiating. Interment was at Hawley Cemetery.
Mr. Claxton was born July 22, 1927 in Alicia, AK to Edward Lee and Edna Lucille Riddle Claxton. He died Oct. 23, 2002 at his residence in Blessing.
He was a veteran of WWII serving in the US Navy. He was a member of the Blessing American Legion Cecil Lee Post 649 and had resided in Blessing since 1971.
Mr. Claxton is survived by his wife, Mary Sue Stroud Claxton of Blessing; daughter, Brenda Claxton of Houston; four sons and two daughters-in-law, Donny Claxton of Blessing, Michael and Anna Claxton of Bay City, Russell Claxton of Houston, and Chris and Sherri Claxton of Lolita; sister, Frances Higginbottan of Anderson, IN; seven grandchildren, Heather Warren and husband Clay of Richwood, TX, James Claxton of Ft. Drum, NY, Rusty Claxton of Huntsville, Toby Claxton of Bay City, Kate, Wesley, and Michelle Claxton all of Lolita; 2 great-grandchildren, Landry and Blaise Warren of Richwood. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Adrian and Dwain Claxton, and his grandson, Kevin Claxton.
Pallbearers were James Cepak, Allan Janek, John Toellner, James Milam, Louis Martino, and George Kana. Honorary pallbearers were A.D Sanders, Joe Nance, Earcel Hadden, and Ryan Hodgekinson. Arrangements were with the Palacios Funeral Home.
WANDA PEARL CRAWFORD Funeral services for Wanda Pearl Crawford, 62, of Francitas, were held Oct. 18, 2002 at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay. The Rev. George Tompkins officiated, followed by interment at LaBauve Cemetery in Francitas. She died Oct. 14 at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston.
A native of Lawton, Okla., she was born May 6, 1940 to the late Larry Warren and Lottie Drumgoole Gowan. Mrs. Crawford was a resident of Francitas the past 25 years and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Palacios.
Survivors include her husband, Henry Richard Crawford of Francitas; two daughters and sons-in-law: Wanda Marie and Bobby Thompson of El Campo, and Frances Sue and Gabriel Ramos of Corpus Christi; four sons and daughters-in-law: Freddie Ray and Sandra Gowan of Burkburnett, Tex., Richard Eugene and Sonieca Crawford of Three Rivers, Joseph and Gay Crawford of Corpus Christi, and Larry Warren and Pat Crawford of Francitas; four sisters: Martha West of Milan, Tenn., Marry Teeter of Lawton, Okla., Virginia Ruckman of Burkburnett and Sharon Hernandez of Wichita Falls; two brothers, Larry Gowan of Wichita Falls and Jerry Gowan of Scottland, Tex.; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one sister, Nancy Hernandez.
Pallbearers were Freddie Gowan, Richard, Joseph and Larry Crawford, Bobby Thompson and Gabriel Ramos.
JUDITH McNISH Memorial services for Judith E. McNish, 63, of Tres Palacios Oaks were held Sunday, Oct. 20, 2002 at the Palacios Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Gerald Evans officiating. She died Wednesday, Oct. 16.
She was born Jan. 6, 1939 in Maryville, Mo., to Norman Pederson of Oregon and the late Geraldine Ruth Oldridge Pederson.
Survivors in addition to her father include her husband, Fred L. McNish; three daughters, Jeanne Joy and Jayne Joy, both of Alaska, and Jennifer Joy of Tennis, Nev.; three sons, Mark Joy, Scott Joy and Richard Joy, all of Oregon; two sisters, Janet Fuetterer of Washington and Norma Rose of Kansas; one brother, Tom Pederson of Oregon; and 27 grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one son, Kelly Joy.
GUILLERMO ALBERTO "WILLIE" NUNEZ A Funeral Mass for Guillermo Alberto "Willie" Nunez, 77, of Edna was held Oct. 12, 2002 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Palacios, with the Rev. Charles Dwomoh officiating. Interment was in Palacios Cemetery.
Mr. Nunez was born April 7, 1925 in Tampas, Colorado to Sipareno and Carmen Torres Nunez. He died Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2002.
Hhe was a resident of Edna the past five years, a former longtime resident of Palacios, and was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church.
Survivors include his mother, Carmen Gaona of Port Lavaca; two daughters and sons-in-law: Mary Rose and Daniel Galvan of Blessing, and Amelia and Alfonso Trevino of Bertrand, Mich.; three sons and daughters-in-law: John and Betty Nunez of Lake Jackson, Mario and Lillian Nunez of Dallas and Trinidad Raigosa of Killeen; one brother, Joe Nunez of Houston; and uncle, John Bustillos of Houston; 22 grandchildren and 28 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Benita; father, and a son, Abel Lopez.
Pallbearers were Christopher and Carlos Trevino, John Nunez, Jr., Mario Nunez, Jr., David Galvan, Daniel Galvan, Jr., Benjamin Llanes and Vincent Rojas. Honorary pallbearers were Alfonso Trevino, Jr. and Gilbert Lopez.
PAUL M. PENLAND Graveside services for Paul M. Penland, 45, of Palacios, were held Oct. 11, 2002 at Hawley Cemetery with Rev. John T. Sanders officiating.
Mr. Penland was born May 15, 1957 in Palacios to the late Paul M. Penland, Sr. and Ruby Sanders Penland. He died Oct. 7, 2002.
He is survived by his mother, Ruby Penland, of Palacios; daughter Kimberly Ann Penland of Friendswood, Tx.; son, Paul Michael Penland of Palacios; sister, Sharon P. Penland of Palacios; brother, Ronald Keith Penland of Palacios; and a number of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, and sister, Denise Dawn Clifton.
FRANCES EDITH LAWSON Funeral services for Frances Edith Lawson, 87, of Palacios, were held Oct. 3, 2002 at St. John's Episcopal Church with Rev. Jim Ely officiating. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.
Mrs. Lawson was born Oct. 8, 1914 in Globe, Az. to the late Joseph Alexis and Fannie Leah Patton Wamsley. She died Sept. 27, 2002 at Kindred Hospital in Houston.
A resident of Palacios since 1961, Mrs. Lawson was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church where she was the church organist from 1962-1998. She was a retired school teacher and taught in the Palacios ISD from 1962-1980. She was also a member of Theta Chi Delta Sorority, Delta Kappa Gamma and the Athena Club.
She is survived by a daughter, Helen Frances Lawson of Bay City; a son and daughter-in-law, Carl and Deborah Lawson of San Antonio; and granddaughtes Chrstine Michele and Kimberly Ann Lawson, both of San Antonio.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry J. Lawson.
Pallbearers were Henry Green, Bob Guttenberger, V. J. Kahlich, Gene Allen, Jimmy Michalik and Joseph Aoughsten.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home.
ROBERT 'BOB' BRUCE TRULL A memorial service for Robert 'Bob' Bruce Trull, 88, will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 12 at the First Presbyterian Church of Palacios.
Mr. Trull was born July 7, 1914, in Midfield, Tx. to Florence Margaret Roberson and Bruce Winfred Trull. He died Sept. 26, 2002 in Kerrville, Tx.
He is survived by his children, Barbara Kay Trull Kana of Kerrville, Tx., and Robert Scott Trull and wife, Christine, of Austin; grandchildren Kelcie Margaret Kana, Ashley Elizabeth Kana, Shay Michelle Kana, Graham Weston Trull, and Mason Scott Trull; and sisters Jean T. Herlin of Bloomington, Ind., Gladys T. Brooking of Georgetown, Tx. and Laura T. Shiflett and husband Bill of Wharton, Tx.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Margaret Lois Sanford Trull, and his brother, Carl Roberson Trull.
A resident of Palacios since 1929, he graduated from Palacios High School and attended Austin College for a year before transferring to the University of Texas, where he waited tables to help defray college expenses. He graduated from UT in 1935, one of seven with a B.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering. He went to work for Shell Oil Company, beginning as a roustabout in the oil fields, until November, 1942, when he enlisted in the U. S. Army and Air Corp Division. He flew a total of 32 missions in Europe.
Following his discharge in November 1945, instead of returning to Shell Oil. Co., he accepted his father's invitation to return to Palacios and join the family business. He served as president of Farmers Canal Company from 1945 until his 'retirement'. He participated as an officer or partner in several Trull Family land management companies. He and his father, B. W. Trull, organized the Blessing Dryer and Warehouse, which they owned and operated until it was traded for an interest in Houston Oil and Minerals Corporation.
Mr. Trull had served from 1948-73 on the board of the B. W. Trull Foundation established by his parents for charitable, educational and religious purposes. He was a founder and board member of The Trull Foundation from its inception in 1967, serving as Chairman until his retirement, at which time he became Trustee Emeritus.
He was a director of The City State Bank of Palacios and of the First National Bank of Bay City (now Wells Fargo). He had served on the Palacios City Council, was a member of the Palacios Rotary Club and the Palacios Chamber of Commerce. In 1982 in was named the Chamber's Man of the Year.
Mr. Trull served the Palacios/Matagorda County community in a variety of ways. He donated land in Midfield for the Midfield Fire Department. He was instrumental in organizing (through the Communities Foundation of Texas) the Palacios Area Fund that gives small grants and assists non-profits in the Palacios area. He served on the board and as president of the Christian Rural Overseas Program that collected food for relief agencies to use overseas; on the board of Wharton County Junior College from 1967 to 1989 and led the development campaign for the WCJC Foundation and served as Director on the Gulf Coast Medical Center board from 1965 to 1990.
He also served 18 years on the board of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and was made Trustee Emeritus by the institution. He was honored for his service on the Commission on Minister and His Work and served as Moderator of the Presbytery. He was on the State board of Texas Council of Churches and was honored for 'exceptional support of theological education and dedicated leadership of the Church World Service Community'.
For 20 years he was on the board of Schreiner College and contributed substantially to the institution in time and money. He was a charter member of the Schreiner Oaks Society and received an Honorary Life Membership in the Former Schreiner Students Association. In 1994 he was presented the first honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree ever awarded by the College and he was a Trustee Emeritus.
Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Palacios or donor's choice.
ALEAN BARNES Graveside services for Alean Barnes, 78, of Palacios, were held Sept. 25, 2002 at the Palacios Cemetery with Rev. Hollas Hoffman officiating.
Mrs. Barnes was born Feb. 2, 1924 in Yoakum, Tx. to the late Joseph and Lizzie Burnes Knox. She died Sept. 24, 2002 at Palacios Healthcare Center.
She was a member of the Baptist Church and a longtime resident of Palacios.
IRENE G. CANCINO
Funeral services for Irene G. Cancino, 80, of Mathis, Texas, were held Sept. 24, 2002 at Primera Iglesia Bautista in Mathis. A prayer service was held Sept. 23, 2002 at Dobie Funeral Home. Interment was at Descanso Eterno II Cemetery in Mathis.
Mrs. Cancino was born November 13, 1921 in Pearsall, Texas to the late Francisco and Cecilia Garcia. She died Sept. 21, 2002 and was preceded in death by her husband, Francisco H. Cancino.
A faithful member of Primera Iglesia Bautista of Mathis, Mrs. Cancino was a resident of Mathis for many years.
She is survived by brothers Marcelino and Francisco Garcia of Mathis and Manuel Garcia of Mesa, Arizona; sisters Maria Guerrero and Julia C. Pena of Mathis; daughters Alicia C. and Walter Weinhofer of Elmwood Park, Illinois and Eva C. and Fernando Aleman of Cuero; sons Dan and Gladys Cancino of Victoria, Pete and Sylvia Cancino of Corpus Christi, Adan Cancino of Mathis, Ruben and Aurora Cancino of Lake Jackson, Elias Cancino of Prescott, Washington; 15 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Cancino's grandsons served as pallbearers.
GEORGE C. KANA, SR. Funeral services for George C. Kana, Sr., 82, of Palacios, were held Sept. 21, 2002 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with the Revs. Charles Dwomoh, Gary Janak, and Michael Lyons officiating.
Interment was at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Mr. Kana was born Oct. 15, 1919 in Durbina to the late Stephen and Frances Munzy Kana. He died Sept. 17, 2002
He was a U. S. Army veteran of World War II and was owner of Kana's Upholstery and Furniture in Palacios. He was a member of the Palacios VFD for 45 years, VFW Post 2467 and St. Anthony's Catholic Church.
Mr. Kana is survived by daughter, Betty Boyd of Austin; daughter-in-law, Barbara Kana of Kerrville; by his sons, Edward J. Kana and wife Margaret of Lake Jackson, Tony Kana of Palacios, Joe C. Kana and wife Bobbie of Palacios, George C. Kana, Jr. of Palacios, and Bobby Kana and wife Dena of Santa Fe; by his sister, Edith Katzfey of San Antonio; and by his brothers, Henry Kana of El Campo and Edmund Kana and wife Lorraine of El Campo. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Chris and Carl Kana of Lake Jackson, Monica Kana Herring of Houston, Eric Kana and wife Vanessa of Blessing, Keri Soltow and husband Jeff of Loop, Tex., Amy Jo Kana of College Station, Lauren Hopkins of College Station, Daniel Hopkins of Austin, Blaine Boyd of Austin, Katelyn Kana of Victoria, Ty Kubena and Hunter Kana of Santa Fe, Kelcie and Ashley Kana of Kerrville; and great-grandchildren, Jenna Brook Kana of Blessing and Logan Soltow of Loop, Tex.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Frances Kana; by his parents, Stephen and Frances Kana; by his children, Jennette, Raymond, Mary Ann, Michael, and Daniel Kana; by his sisters, Marie Kana, Frances Kruppa, Josie Bacak, and Annie Zapalac; and by his brothers, Joe Kana and Steve Kana.
Pallbearers were Eric Kana, Chris Kana, Carl Kana, Daniel Hopkins, Mel Anders, and Pete Estrello.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church Building Fund, the Palacios Volunteer Fire Dept., or the Hospice Support Care. Arrangements are with the Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, Tex. (361) 972-2012.
JAMES L. CUNNINGHAM Graveside services for James Langdon Cunningham, 80, of Tyler were held Sept. 19, 2002 at Tyler Memorial Park, with the Rev. Dennis Cable officiating. A resident of Tyler since 1989, he died Sept. 17. 2002.
Mr. Cunningham was born in Palacios on Dec. 21, 1921 to the late Julius and Bertha Wolf Cunningham. A veteran of U.S. Navy service during World War II, he was a retired lab technician and a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Vivian Ellen Gorkmen of Tyler and Becky Boggio of Longview; one son, Bryan Cunningham of Jacksonville; two sisters, Janice Harvey of Palacios and Mildred Jarvis of Victoria; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Alexander Cunningham.
In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorials to: Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701.
FELICIDAD CASTILLO CONTRERAS Funeral services for Felicidad Castillo Contreras, 80, were held June 23, 2002. A lifetime resident of Palacios, she was born May 17, 1922 in Austwell, TX to Paula and Santiago Castillo. She died June 20, 2002.
She is survived by four daughters, Emily Cabarubio, Felicidad Torres, Ramona Longoria of Palacios, and Delfina Bazor of Monroe, LA, one son Juan Contreras of Hardwick, GA. Also survived by 21 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, a daughter, a son, a granddaughter, and two great-grandsons.
Pallbearers were grandsons, Raymond, Bobby, and Jerry Aguayo, James Cabarubio, Daniel Palacios, and Armando, Alvino, and Adrian Torres. Services officiated by Pastor Tony Flores of the Living Word Church.
LOTTIE CAMPBELL KNIPP Funeral services for Lottie Campbell Knipp, 61, of Bandera, Tx., were held Wednesday, June 26, 2002 at the Palacios Funeral Home, with the Rev. Tony Flores officiating. Interment followed at LaBauve Cemetery in Francitas.
Mrs. Knipp was born Feb. 18, 1941 in Palacios to the late Yancey Eugene and Erma Lee Laxson Campbell. She died Saturday, June 22, in San Antonio.
A resident of Bandera for the past six years, she was a former long time resident of Palacios and had been employed as a waitress at Peterson's Restaurant.
Survivors include her husband, Martin Maurice Knipp II of Bandera; two daughters, Gina Ellis of Palacios and Robin Harr of LaGrange; three sons, Timothy Flores of Center, Mark Flores of Palacios and Russell Flores of Smithville; two sisters, Linda Ellis of Palacios and Elizabeth Hardin of Port Lavaca; and eight grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Clint Loff, Kenny Brown, Billy Christmas, Randy Ellis, Tim Nyquist and Bobby Rogers.
JAMES ORVILLE MURPHY Funeral services for James Orville Murphy, 66, of Palacios, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 21 at Palacios Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at Kelly Cemetery.
Mr. Murphy was born Aug. 9, 1935, in Wyatt, Mo. He died June 19, 2002.
He was a retired tug boat captain, shrimper and fisherman.
He is survived by daughters, Elizabeth Ann Fischer of Port Arthur, Blanche Holder of Freeport and Blenda Gaye Kinzel of Swedgewickville, Mo.; sons, James Kevin Murphy of Chester, Ill. and Anthony Allen Murphy of Mineral Point, Mo.; sisters, Ellen Brumley and Claire Marie Cope, both of Wyatt, Mo.; brother, Charles Murphy of Charleston, Mo.; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Glady Taylor Murphy.
MABEL EDITH CASTNER Funeral services for Mabel Edith Castner, 90, of Palacios, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 2002 at Palacios Funeral Home. Interment will be at Hawley Cemetery.
Mrs. Castner was born Jan. 26, 1912 in Brooklyn, NY. She was the eldest child of James William Saitta and Mabel Nixon Saitta. She died June 16, 2002 at Palacios Healthcare Center.
She had been a resident of Palacios for 25 years. She was a National Flower Judge, a past president of the Palacios Hospital Pink Ladies, a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Palacios, a volunteer at the Palacios Chamber of Commerce and active at the Friends of Elder Citizens Center. She graduated as Salutatorian of her class in Washington, NJ. in 1928 and had also lived in Chicago, Ill., Baltimore, MD., Cornwall PA, Midland, Tx., Clearwater, Fla. and Kerrville, Tx. She married John Nichols Castner on the way to a dance in Chicago on Dec. 31, 1931.
She is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Jeanene of Bacliff, Tx., sons and daughters-in-law Nita and Willis Hunt Castner II of Arlington, TX., and Debbie and James Walter Castner of Coleman, Tx.; daughter-in-law Jinny Castner of Sequin, Tx.; grandchildren Debbie Hooper of Clyde, Tx., John Castner of Cape May, NJ, Tanya Clarke of Roundrock, Tx., James Castner of Yukon, Okla., Alicia Castner of Crowley, Tx., Paul Castner of Midland, Tx., Becki Rendon of Sequin, Tx., Sonja Bean of Arlington, Tx., and Delaine Watson of Mustang, Tx.; great-grandchildren Leslie Hooper of Clyde, Tx., Cristy Castner of Oklahoma City, Okla., Anthony Tobar of Arlington, Tx., Jason Castner of Cape May, N. J., Melissa Castner of Cape May, N. J., Shannon Perry of Crowley, Tx., Catherine Clarke of Roundrock, Tx., and Grant Bean of Arlington, Tx.; great-great grandchildren Destiny Castner and Bobby Castner of Cape May, NJ.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 64-years, John Castner; a son, John Castner, Jr., and a brother, James.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Senior Citizens Center, 700 Commerce, Palacios, Tx., 77465.
ABEL "BINK" PIERCE Funeral services for Abel "Bink" Pierce, 81, of Palacios, were held June 17, 2002 at the First Presbyterian Church in Palacios with the Rev. Andy Blair officiating. Interment was at Hawley Cemetery, near Blessing.
Mr. Pierce was born Nov. 26, 1920 in Galveston to the late Abel Head and Stella Yeatts Pierce, Sr. He died June 14 at Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City.
A veteran of World War II, serving in the U. S. Navy, he was a member of Queen-Hamlin VFW Post #2467, Palacios Masonic Lodge #990 AF&AM, the Scottish Rite Temple and Palacios First Presbyterian Church. He was a retired carpenter and former building inspector for the City of Palacios.
During his tenure as building inspector, he wrote a building safety column for the Palacios Beacon. The column later became the 'Wandering' Column' which ran for several years.
Survivors include the widow, Peggy Jean Pierce of Palacios; one daughter, Martha Pierce of Alva., Fla.; one son, Warren Pierce of Palacios; one sister, Grace Adams of Alvin; one brother, John E. Pierce of Kenner, La.; six grandchildren, Loena Graeber of Orlando, Fla., Trey Tomas and Michelle Lodds of Mobile, Ala., Donald Pierce and Sandy Jensen of California, and Patricia Pierce of Salt Lake City, Utah; and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two sons, John Roy Pierce and Michael A. Pierce; and a brother, Donald Y. Pierce.
Pallbearers were Luke, Dennis, Jay and Lee Hall Pierce, Trey Pierce Tomas and Walter Adams. Honorary pallbearers were members of VFW Post #2467 and Masonic Lodge #990. Arrangements were with Palacios Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Palacios Masonic Lodge #990 Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 695, Palacios, Tex. 77465.
MANUEL ALVAREZ MORALES Manuel Alvarez Morales, 73, passed away on June 11, 2002. He was born on August 6, 1928 in Palacios to Juan and Mercedes Morales.
He was a Corpus Christi resident for 15 years. He was a loving and caring father and devoted grandfather as well as a good family provider.
He was a sports fanatic who coached baseball for many years. His hobbies were walking, reading, and listening to music and watching sports.
Survivors include four daughters, Dolores Arispe and Vera Morales both of Corpus Christi, Ruby Morales of Victoria, and Sophia Knight of Richmond; six sons, Irvan Moran of Victoria, Edward Morales of Victoria, Sam Morales of Corpus Christi, Rudy Morales of Victoria, Rena Morales of Corpus Christi, and Kenneth Morales of Corpus Christi; six grandchildren, Madeline Moran, Matthew Arispe, Michael Arispe, Leslie Morales, Michelle Morales, and Daniel Morales; sister, Angie Carrillo of Palacios; and three brothers, Tomas Morales, Frank Morales, and Marcelo Morales all of Palacios.
SANTOS R. MARROQUIN Funeral services for Santos R. Marroquin, 87, of Palacios, were held June 10, 2002 at St. Anthony Padua Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Dwomoh officiating. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.
Mrs. Marroquin was born Dec. 31, 1914 in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico to the late Margarito and Hilaria Benavidez Resendez. She died June 6, 2002.
She was a homemaker and a Catholic.
She is survived by daughters Christine Nevarez of Palacios, Esparanza Oros of Bay City and Augustina Esparaza of Rosenberg; sons Felipe R. Marroquin, Lazaro R. Marroquin and Leandro Marroquin, Sr., all of Palacios,Gumesendo Marroquin and Tomas Marroquin, both of Bay City, and Juventino Correa of Molina, Ill.; a brother, Manuel Resendez of California; 19 grandchildren; and 11 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesus P. Marroquin; a son, Cleofas Marroquin; a sister, Maria Valdez; a brother, Vicente Valdez; and her parents.
MARY EILEEN LEWIS Funeral services for Mary Eileen Lewis, 75, of Palacios, were held May 30, 2002 at the Palacios Funeral Home with Rev. Tony Flores officiating. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.
Mrs. Lewis was born Sept. 13, 12926 in Wichita Falls, Tx. to the late Martin Calvin and Mary Oline Ashley Harvey. She died May 28, 2002 at Citizens Memorial Hospital in Victoria.
She was a Baptist and a resident of Palacios since 1946. She was the former owner/operator of Lewis Grocery in Palacios along with her late husband.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Tana and Don Bouquet of Hiram, Ga.; son and daughter-in-law Robert B. and Rhonda Lewis, Jr. of Palacios; sisters Robbie Adams of Charlie, Tx. and Carol Baba of Dillsburg, Pa.; grandchildren Kristi Lewis Martino and husband, Louis, of Palacios, Robby Brent Lewis of LaPorte, Tx., Michael Tur of Acworth, Ga., and Ryan Lewis of Palacios; and great-grandchildren Brittany and Bethany Martino, and Brenten, Cody and Colton Lewis.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert B. Lewis, Sr., and a brother, M. C. Harvey.
Pallbearers were Louis Martino, John Chipman, Bobby Berger, James Kruse, John Ressler and Michael Tur.
ROM MATTHEW VALLON Funeral services for Rom Matthew Vallon, 18, of Lewis Subdivision near Palacios, were held June 1, 2002 at the First Baptist Church in El Campo. The Rev. Rick DuBroc officiated, followed by interment in Garden of Memories, El Campo.
He was born Feb. 12, 1984 in Conroe. He died May 28 in a car-train crash at Blessing.
A 2002 graduate of Louise High School, he was a member of the First Baptist Church.
Survivors include his mother, Nancy Diehl Stehno of Lewis Subdivision; step-father, Charlie Stehno of Louise; father, Rom Edward Vallon; two sisters, Marlo Treybig and Cindy Hirsch, both of Huntsville; one brother, Gerald Treybig of Willis; three nephews and two nieces.
Pallbearers were Donald Diehl, Jody Martin, Anthony Akin, Steve Harris, Steven Truelock and Alan Stehno.
ALICE RIVAS SOLIS Graveside services Alice Rivas Solis, 63, were held May 29, 2002 at Palacios Cemetery.
Alice was born Aug. 26, 1938 in Palacios, Tx. She died May 25, 2002 in San Antonio, Tx.
She was a loving mother of three daughters, who was well known for her kindness, generosity, and joyful spirit. Alice was a published poet who enjoyed painting, arts and crafts, and her rose garden. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her daughters Cindy Sauceda, Cheryl Solis, and Serena Solis; their father, Joe Solis; her sons-in-law Rene Sauceda and Kenneth Nichols; her sisters Betty, Esther, Janie, Minnie, Eva, and Emma; her brother Daniel; and her mother Pola Landeros; the children's paternal grandmother, Celia Marroquin; and her relatives, extended family members, and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her father Telesforo Rivas; her brother, Adam Rivas; her maternal grandparents Antonio and Simona Gatica; and her parternal grandparents Prudencio Rivas and Rosa Flores.
Visitation will be held at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home at 701 1st Street in Palacios, Texas, between 4 and 9 pm. Graveside services will be held at Palacios Cemetery at 11am.
Alice was a dedicated member of Jehovah's Witnesses and found comfort in the following scriptures: "Love is long-suffering and kindÉ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." - 1 Cor. 13:4-8. "Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise." -Luke 23:43.
Donations may be given, on her behalf, to the Worldwide Work of Jehovah's Witnesses at a local Kingdom Hall.
SELEMA BAILEY Funeral services for Selema Bailey, 97, of Palacios were held Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at the Palacios Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dan Meaders officiating. Interment followed at the Palacios Cemetery. She died May 19 at the Palacios Healthcare Center.
A resident of Palacios for 50 years, she was born Jan. 8, 1905 in New Iberia, La., to the late Noah and Alta Hebert Broussard. She was a Catholic.
Survivors include four sisters, Aline Bickham of Palacios, Olive Burke of Orange, Joann Yendry of San Antonio and Alice Stuart of Bay City; three brothers, Wallace Broussard of Port Lavaca, Sidney Broussard of Midfield and Noah Broussard of Bay City; numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by stepmother Verna Broussard; sisters Agnes Carvell, Linda Sarkala and Carolyn Jones; brothers Lawrence, Robert, Oliver, Edward and Alvin Broussard.
Pallbearers were Melvin and Bob Bickham, Gilbert Flores, Jr., Sidney Broussard, Roy Kelly and Ray Sexton. Arrangements were with Palacios Funeral Home.
MARIE CREPPON Funeral services for Marie Creppon, 74, of Palacios were held Saturday, May 18, 2002 at MacAdam Cemetery, near Huntsville. She died Thursday, May 16.
Mrs. Creppon was born July 2, 1927 at Goose Creek, Texas.
Survivors include her children: Jerry Dye and Dollie, Jane Anderson and Bert, Tina Huffmeister, William A. Rouse and Mary, and Kim Crown and Tim; a sister, Lena Post; two brothers, Red Osborne and Harold Osborne; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Earthman Funeral Home, Houston, was in charge of arrangements.
BETTY MORGAN Betty Morgan, 68, of Schertz, Tx. and formerly of Palacios, entered into rest on May 16, 2002 at her home in Schertz of pancreatic cancer.
She was born in Tupelo, Ark. She and her husband, Roy, had lived in Palacios for 15 years where she worked at Wagner General Hospital.
She was a loving caring person and touched the hearts of many people during her lifetime.
She is survived by her husband Roy; sons Danny of Danbury, Conn., and Mike and Pat, both of SchertZ, Tx; grandchildren Jimmy, Shane and Danielle; her mother, Ludie Gipson of Conway, Ark.; twin sister, Dona Bruno of San Diego, Calif.; and brothers Martin of Little Rock, Ark. and Jack of McCrory, Ark. Also by her dear friend Linda Huffman and husband, Richard, who was such a comfort to her during her illness. Also by her many friends and those at Mission Vista Hospital where she worked as a nurse for 10 years.
RAYMOND WILLIAM KOCH Funeral mass for Raymond William Koch, 58, of Palacios was held 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with the Rev. James Nischan officiating. Interment was at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Blessing.
Mr. Koch died Sunday, May 12. He was born Nov. 15, 1943 in Francitas to the late Johnnie L. and Edyth Lillie Capak Koch.
A resident of Palacios since 1952, he was a retired welder from Alcoa Aluminum and a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church.
Survivors include his sister, Virginia Chipman of LaWard, and nieces and nephews, Monica Dunn, Greg Chipman and Rhonda Lewis, all of Palacios.
Pallbearers were David Koch, Richard Parrish, William Parrish, Keith Boazman, Ronald Pokoyski and James Cepak. Honorary pallbearers were Emil Kurtz and Bobby Koch.
DOROTHY NELL MEYER Funeral services for Dorothy Nell Meyer, 76, of Palacios were held May 10, 2002 at the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Hollas Hoffman officiating. Interment followed at the Palacios Cemetery.
Mrs. Meyer died Wednesday, May 8, at Hospice of Houston. A longtime resident of Palacios, she was born April 12, 1926 in Broaddus, Tex., to the late Odes Clifford and Minnie Bessie Harvey McGilbery. She was a member of the First Baptist Church.
Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law: Lynn and Raymond Morgan of Houston, and Kathy and Henry Breitkreutz of Mart; son and daughter-in-law: Kenneth and Betty Meyer of Lake Jackson; three sisters, Eunice Stanley and Hazel DeVries, both of Lufkin, and Ollie Taylor of Angleton; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Meyer; a sister, Myrtle Mott; and brothers, James and Rayford McGilbery.
Pallbearers were Dan Tucker, Bud Morris, Leon Smith, Ollie Walker, Richard Sanders and Charlie Michalik. Honorary pallbearers were Gene Brister and Tommy Ellis.
HENRY STERLING BARRETT Funeral services for Henry Sterling Barrett, 59, of Goliad, were held April 23, 2002 at Fannin United Methodist Church in Fannin, Tx. with the Rev. Tad Tadlock officiating. Interment was at Fannin Liveoak Cemetery.
Mr. Barrett was born May 13, 1942 in Palacios. He died April 20, 2002.
Retired from Shell Oil Co., was became active in wildlife management, the Republican Party, genealogy and land sales. He was a member of the Fannin United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his soulmate, Jerrie Ann Yeager of Goliad; his mother Tracy Barrett Lockey and her husband, Bill, of Victoria; a son and daughter-in-law, Sean and Debbie Barrett; sister Carla Janskey of Victoria; a brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Glenda Barrett of Matagorda; two grandchildren; three nieces; and three nephews.
CLYDE M. HOLLOWAY Funeral services for Clyde M. Holloway, 77, of Sandia, Tx. were held April 17, 2002 at Sawyer-George Funeral Home Chapel in Corpus Christi with Duyane Hindsley and Derrel Starling officiating. Graveside services were held later that day at Palacios Cemetery.
Mr. Holloway was born Dec. 14, 1924 in Spicewood, Tx. to the late Floyd and Eva Mae Holloway. He died April 14, 2002.
He was an operator for Alcoa Aluminum and a member of the Church of Christ of Orange Grove.
He is survived by his wife, Myrtle "Irene" Holloway; daughter Katherine Burns of Blessing; sons Johnnie Holloway of Sandia and Gerald Holloway of Rockport; sisters Nona Warner of Maybank, Dessie Lehman of Spring, Bessie Green of Nordheim and Ruth Britt of Dayton; brothers Lloyd Holloway of Francitas and Gerry Holloway of Cleveland; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a sister, two brothers, and his parents.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society of the charity of one's choice.
MARY DENA HARRIS A Memorial service for Mary Dena Harris, 93, of Palacios, was held April 27, at Trinity Baptist Church.
She was born September 20, 1908 in Scurry, Kaufman County, Texas to Joseph Sewell Hughes and Josephine Blanton Hughes. She passed away in Palacios Health Care Center surrounded by family and friends, April 12, 2002 after a brief illness.
She was a member of a loving family of five brothers and two sisters all deceased.
She and her late husband, V. L. "Speck" Harris, owned and operated a net shop in Freeport for 20 years before moving to Palacios and opening Western Trawl and Supply 23 years ago.
She was noted for her beautiful roses and endeared herself to the preachers at Trinity Baptist Church where she was a member by bringing a rose boutonniere from her garden every Sunday morning.
She was the unofficial chef for the church, blessing each church affair, special visitors or families in need with her generous, delicious cooking.
She is survived by two daughters, Evelyn Nicklo of Houston and Dorothy Hicks of Palm Harbor, Florida; granddaughter Heather Hicks of Austin, Tx.; and 15 nieces and nephews.
Donations in memory of Mrs. Harris should be made to the proposed Mary Dena Harris Memorial Rose Garden at Trinity Baptist Church.
GLADYS TAYLOR MURPHY Funeral services for Gladys Taylor Murphy, 80, of Palacios, were held April 22, 2002 at the First Presbyterian Church of Palacios with the Revs. Andy Blair and Janell Blair officiating. Burial was at Kelly Cemetery on FM 521 in Matagorda County.
Mrs. Murphy was born Feb. 13, 1922, in Palacios, to the late John Anderson and Ellen Blanche Basque Taylor. She died April 19, 2002.
She was a rancher, homemaker and member of the First Presbyterian Church. Gladys was a pillar of the community and was known for her outspoken opinions and her kindness and giving to anyone who was ever in need.
She is survived by husband, James "Jim" Orville Murphy; daughters and sons-in-laws, Elizabeth Ann and Allen Fischer of Port Arthur and Blanche Lou and C. Wyane Holder of Freeport; five grandchildren, Kimberly Ann Finn of Winnie, Melanie Harrison of Port Arthur, Galen Byrd, Jr. of Houston, Carmela Gaylene Byrd of Freeport and Melisa Page of El Maton; great-grandchildren Jynifer Barron, Kaleb, Jacob and Kelsey Finn, Alysha Taylor Bryd, Joshua Middleton, Kristina, Jeremy, Jonnathan, Monique and Angelique Byrd, and Steven and Kortni Page; and great-great-grandchildren Kaine, Keigan and Karlee Barron.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Molly Elizabeth Slaughter and Hazel Taylor.
Pallbearers were Albert Page, John Bourrous, Jonnathan Bartholomew, Victor Eggemeyer, Ted Bates, John Sardelich, Mark Proveaux and James Finn. Honorary pallbearers were Leonard Kunefke, Nelo Seaman, Sam Hurta, Cliff Elliot, Tom Uher, Loy Sneary, Billy Hamlin, Irvin Peterson and Elmo Duke.
Memorials may be made to the Matagorda County Marine Advisory Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 348, Palacios, Tx. 77465; the Palacios Public Library; or the First Presbyterian Church of Palacios.
DOROTHY MERCK Funeral services for Dorothy Merck, 94, of Collegeport, were held April 11, 2002 at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home with Revs. Andy and Janell Blair officiating. Interment was at Hawley Cemetery near Blessing.
Mrs. Merck was born July 25, 1907 in Essex, Iowa to the late Gustav Albert and Ellen Augusta Bladlund Franzen. She died April 8, 2002 at Matagorda House Nursing Home in Bay City.
Mrs. Merck was one of the pioneers of Collegeport, moving to the community with her parents On Dec. 24, 1909. The family spent their first night in Hotel Collegeport. She graduated from Rice Institute (University) in 1929 and had been a teacher at Collegeport.
She was a member of the Collegeport Presbyterian Church, the Women's Club, Mopac House Foundation, Home Demonstration Council and the American Red Cross.
Mrs. Merck had long been the 'unofficial' historian of the Collegeport community and was a charter member of the Matagorda Historical Society and Commission.
She is survived by her daughter-in-law Nelda Merck of League City; brothers Alex Franzen of Collegeport and James Franzen and his wife, Ann, of Pearl River, LA.; three grandchildrenÑMark Merck and his wife, Cathy, of Collegeport, Russell Merck and wife, Hayes, of Cromwell, CT, and Galen Merck of League City; two great-grandchildrenÑDanyelle and Matthew Merck of Collegeport.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean E. Merck; a son, Dean F. Merck; sisters Mamie Wells and Emma Bryan; and brothers Clifford, Gustave "Goose", and Arnold Franzen.
Pallbearers were Mark, Russell and Galen Merck, G. W., Derril and Wesley Franzen. Honorary pallbearer is Matthew Merck.
Memorial may be made to the Collegeport Presbyterian Church.
DARRELL DUANE TEDDER Funeral services for Darrell Duane Tedder, 43, of Palacios were held April 10, 2002 at Palacios Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Bush officiating. Interment was at Lakeside Cemetery in Eagle Lake. Tx.
Mr. Tedder was born Feb. 27, 1959 in Eagle Lake, Tx. to the late Thomas J. and Mary Irene Graves Tedder. He died April 5, 2002 at Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City.
A resident of Palacios for the past 42 years, he was an operator for Celanese Chemical Plant and a member of the Bay Cel Club.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Kay Schneider Tedder of Palacios; daughter Brook Nicole Tedder of Palacios; son Dustin Thomas Tedder of Palacios; and a brother, Thomas R. Tedder of Santa Fe, Tx.
Memorials may be made to Tedder Children Fund, c/o Prosperity Bank, 600 Henderson, Palacios, Tx. 77465.
Palacios Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
STATON E. HUNTER Funeral services for Staton E. Hunter, 73, of Palacios will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2002 at the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Hollas Hoffman officiating Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at High Valley Cemetery in Bend, Tex.
Mr. Hunter was born May 22, 1928 in San Saba, Tex., to the late Thomas L. and Sarah Moore Hunter. He died Sunday, April 7, 2002.
He was the founder of Hunter Welding, Inc., a member of the First Baptist Church and the National Rifle Association.
He is survived by his wife, Sophia Lemons Hunter of Palacios; a son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Mary Hunter of Palacios; two granddaughers, Sandra H. and her husband Jack Lesley, Jr. of Houston, and Garrie Jean Hunter of San Antonio; and one great-grandson, Brint Lesley of Houston.
Pallbearers included Bud Morris, Butch Bevers, Gene Brister, Carroll Ramsey, James Murry, Forrest Hawkins, Herschel Harvey and Leo Orsak.
Palacios Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.WA, and Nancy Ruth and Lee Richey of Victoria, Tx.; son and daughter-in-law Urban Stanley and Marolyn McMillan, Jr. of Markham; sisters Ella Koons of Wichita, KS, and Ruth Giese of Schulenberg, Tx.; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Jolce Elizabeth Baca.
Pallbearers were Russell Corporon, Jesse Ellis, Thomas Holsworth, Maxon Holsworth, Jerry Moates and G. W. Franzen.
Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund.
FLORA McMILLAN Funeral services for Flora McMillan, 78, of Palacios (Tin Top Community) will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday April 6, 2002 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Revs. Andy and Janell Blair officiating. Interment will be at Hawley Cemetery near Blessing.
Mrs. McMillan was born April 18, 1923 in Durango, Col. to the late Elmer Theodore and Jenny Nordin Isaacson. She died April 3, 2002 at St. Luke's Hospital in Houston.
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Collegeport and a resident of the Tin Top Community since 1950. She was a former resident of El Campo. She was co-owner and office manager of the former cotton gin in Tip Top and Modern Crop Chemicals Fertilizer Supply in El Maton.
She is survived by her husband, U. S. McMillan of Tip Top; daughters and sons-in-law Virginia Dell and Ben Staney of Vancouver, WA, and Nancy Ruth and Lee Richey of Victoria, Tx.; son and daughter-in-law Urban Stanley and Marolyn McMillan, Jr. of Markham; sisters Ella Koons of Wichita, KS, and Ruth Giese of Schulenberg, Tx.; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Jolce Elizabeth Baca.
Pallbearers are Russell Corporon, Jesse Ellis, Thomas Holsworth, Maxon Holsworth, Jerry Motes and G. W. Franzen.
Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund.
Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, (979) 245-4613.
JAMES DINSMORE SARTWELLE Celebration of Life services for James Dinsmore Sartwelle, 80, of Sealy were held 3 p.m., Sunday, March 17, 2002 at St. John's Episcopal Church in Sealy, followed by internment in Sealy Cemetery. He died Friday, March 15, 2002.
J. D., as he was known to most, was born in Palacios on March 16, 1921, the eldest of seven children born to the late James Williams and Lura Charlotte Arnold Sartwelle. He moved with his family to Houston 1926, where he attended public schools and the Massey Business College before beginning work in family businesses. A lifelong Episcopalian, as his grandfather, W. L. Sartwelle, was one of the first Episcopal clergy in Texas, he was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Sealy.
J. D. grew up in the family tradition of livestock production and marketing as he devoted his life to workings of the Port City Packing Co., the Port City Stockyards Co., and the Sartwelle Brothers Ranch. Following his discharge from U.S. Army service in 1945, he actively managed the Stockyards Co. to the point that it became the fourth largest calf market in the United States. In his early days, he was named the Houston Jaycees' Outstanding Young Man of the Year in 1956. He was one of the organizers and early day president of the Houston Farm and Ranch Club. On a statewide basis, he was one of the organizers and vice president of the original Texas Beef Council.
He followed the footprints of his father and involved himself in the affairs of American Brahman Breeders Association, serving as a vice president on the board of directors for many years and at his death was a Director Emeritus. He was an organizer and president of the Texas Brahman Association and was named TBA's Beef Booster of the Year in 1985. His father is generally credited as the founding father of the then Houston Fat Stock Show and J. D. involved himself with the Show for many year, serving as a vice president and secretary. He was also the principal organizer and chairman of the International Committee, the Junior Commercial Steer Feeding Contest, and the All Breeds Livestock Sales Committee.
In addition, J. D. was a long-time chairman of the Marketing Committee of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, served on its executive committee and was an honorary vice president. He served on several state boards, including the State Board of Public Welfare, the Texas Water Development Board and, most recently, as a 12-year member of the Texas Animal Health Commission. He served on many agriculture study committees for the State and Texas A&M agriculture programs, was chairman and co-chairman of the two beef referendum campaigns for Texas and served on the board of the U.S. Meat Export Federation. He recently completed his term of the board of the George Foundation in Fort Bend County and at his death was an active board member of the Citizens State Bank of Sealy.
Among many awards, he was named Texas Agriculture Man of the Year in 1972 by the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association; received in Texas Agricultural Extension Service prestigious Knapp-Porter Award in 1978; was named Man of the Year in Service to Agriculture by Progressive Farmer magazine in 1981; was inducted into the International Stockman's Hall of Fame in 1995; recipient of the Texas A&M Agriculture Program's Distinguished Texan in Agriculture Award in 1998; and in 2000, was awarded the Lifetime Ranching Heritage Award of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Museum.
Survivors include his wife, Cynthia Darnell Wotkyns Sartwelle; sons J. D. Sartwelle, Jr. and wife, Lavinia (Sugie) of Sealy, William C. Sartwelle and wife, Mary Jane, of Houston, Thomas P. Sartwelle and wife, Priscilla, of Houston; daughter, Susan Elizabeth and husband, Leroy, of Sealy; stepson Garrett Wotkyns of Washington, D.C.; brother Robert Sartwelle and wife, Wanda, of Gillham, Ark.; sisters, Helen Buckley and husband, Jack, of Houston, Mary Jane Willis and husband, Robert, of Sugar Land, Kay Buffaloe of Palacios, and Margaret DeBardeleben and husband, Frank Nelson of Birmingham, Ala.; 15 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his daughter-like secretary of 40 years, Anita Little and her husband, Glenn; and a very special friend, Gloria Walker of Sealy.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Parker Belk, the mother of his children; a brother, Henry; brother-in-law, Hugh Buffaloe; and his eldest child and daughter, Mary Judith (Sophie) Kracke.
Pallbearers were longtime Port City employees/associates G.D. Scott III, William Hartlage, Glenn Little, and nephews Steve Buckley, Jim Buckley, Bill Buckley, Henry Buffaloe, Tommy Buffaloe, Glen Sartwelle and Bobby Willis. Honorary pallbearers were Roland Adamson, Rocky Parr, John Gayle, Rayford Smith, Coleman Locke, Hilmar Moore, Milton Robinowitz, Bob Inglish and all members of Port City's board of directors and all employees of Port City Stockyards.
Remembrances may be made to St. John's Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, Sealy, or to the charity of choice.
JOHN P. ROACH Funeral services were for John P. Roach, 95, of Palacios, were held March 7, 2002 at the Palacios Funeral Home Chapel.
Mr. Roach was born April 13, 1906 in Palacios to the late John and Josephine Prado Roach. He died at his daughter's residence in Houston on March 1, 2002.
Mr. Roach was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church and a life-long resident of Palacios.
He is survived by his wife, Helen Smith of Palacios; daughter Mary Jean Jones of Houston; son and daughter-in-law Tom and Jacquie Roach of Houston; a sister, Josephine R. Gonzales of Lake Jackson; 16 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his sisters Louise Frazier, Margaret Balderes, and Dorothy Ottino; and by brothers Ben, Walter and Ralph Roach.
VICTORIA "VICKY" PALOMA ALVARADO
Funeral services for Victoria "Vicky" Alvarado of Brownsville were held March 4, 2002 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Brownsville. Interment was at Buena Vista Burial Park.
Mrs. Alvarado died March 2, 2002 at Brownsville Medical Center.
She was a retired paraprofessional for Brownsville ISD for 25 years. She was active at Christ the King Catholic Church, Eucharistic Minister, Lector, CCE Aide, Stewardship Committee, Adult Confirmation, Baptism Team Member, Sponsor for Engaged Couples, Alternate for Synod Diocese, and Valley Interfaith Leader.
She is survived by her husband, Gilbert Alvarado of Brownsville; daughters and sons-in-law Alicia A. and Santos Perez of Palacios, Veronica and Manuel Montiel of Rowlett, Tx., and Teresa and Jose Antonio Banuelos, of California; son and daughter-in-law Mario A. and Martha Alvarado of Brownsville; sisters Maggie Alvarado, Hortencia Sauceda, Mary Munivez, Connie Lee, Carmen Ramirez and Irene Solis, all of Brownsville; brothers Galdino Galvan of Brownsville and Cruz Galvan of San Antonio; mother, Bruna P. Galvan of Brownsville; and 10 grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father, Alejandro Galvan Sr., and a brother, Alejandro Galvan Jr.
Pallbearers were Santos A. Perez III, Esteban Montiel, Marcos A. Alvarado, Jose Antonio Banuelos Jr., Galdino Galvan, Joe Cantu, Mario Alvarado and Tomas Montiel.
PAUL HATCHETT Funeral services for Paul Hatchett, 66, of Bay City, will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 4 at Holy Cross Catholic church with the Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating. Interment will be at Cedarvale Cemetery.
Mr. Hatchett was born Oct. 28, 1935, in Bay City, to the late George Alton and Minnie Cain Hatchett. He died March 2, 2002
He was a district clerk for Matagorda County and retired after 24 years of service. He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Douget Hatchett; daughter, Cacey Hebel of Austin; son, Troy Hatchett of Bay City; sisters, Cynthia Knost of Vidor and Cookie Gay of Fort Worth; and one grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of El Campo, 1102 N. Mechanic, El Campo, TX 77437.
VERNON LOUIS HENKES Funeral services for Vernon Louis Henkes, 42, of Buckeye, were held March 4, 2002 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Bay City with Rev. Eric Klimpel officiating. Interment was at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.
Mr. Henkes was born Aug. 21, 1959 in Bay City to James Henkes, Sr. and Edith Vernon Henkes. He died in a truck accident on March 1, 2002.
He was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church and a lifelong resident of Matagorda County. He was a self-employed farmer who raised rice, cotton, milo and soybeans. He loved farming and was a true steward to the land. He was named "Outstanding Conservation Farmer" of the year by the Matagorda County Soil & Water Conservation District. He was active with the Matagorda County Farm Bureau and also the Matagorda County Farmers Co-Op. He was also an avid deer hunter and enjoyed hunting with his friends in Central Texas each year.
All who knew Vernon were blessed by his presence. He never met a stranger. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Donna Nelsen Henkes; daughters Jeanna Nicole and Courtney Lynn Henkes, all of Buckeye; parents James L. Henkes, Sr. and Edith Henkes; brothers Danny Henkes, Louis Henkes and Richard Henkes and his wife Stephanie; maternal grandmother Etta Vernon and paternal grandmother Annie Henkes.
Pallbearers will be Jay, Scott, and Donald Ledwig, Geren Roecker, Derril Franzen, Victor Corporon, Larry Gassen Jr., and Bill Phillips. Honorary pallbearers will be Danny, Louis, and Richard Henkes, David Miculka, Clay Simpson and Aaron Nelsen.
Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home (979) 245-4613.
KATE "CATA" OCHOA A Rosary for Katie "Cata" Ochoa, 88, of Palacios, wwas Feb. 19, 2002 at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass was held at Feb. 20 at the church with Father Charles Dwomoh officiating.
Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.
Mrs. Ochoa was born April 9, 1913 in Port Lavaca to the late Cruz and Concha Ochoa-Ochoa. She died Feb. 16, 2002.
She was a homemaker and a member of the Catholic Church.
She is survived by a daughter, Margie Bly of Cherino, Tx., sons Cruz Ochoa and Lupe Rojas, both of Palacios, and Rudy Lopez of Cotulla, Tx.; 20 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alejandro Rojas; a daughter, Rebecca Viza; a son, Freddy Rojas; three sisters, Delfina Carabajal, Louisa Reyes and Janie Samudio; and two brothers, Alex Ochoa and Anselmo Sanchez.
BOBBY E. HARRISON Funeral services for Bobby E. Harrison, 69, of Palacios, were scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2002 at the First Baptist Church in Palacios, with the Rev. Hollas Hoffman and Rev. Rex Forsyth of Sagemont Church officiating. Interment will be in Palacios Cemetery.
Mr. Harrison, the world's third recipient of the AbioCor artificial heart, died Feb. 15, 2002 at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston.
A native of Alabama, he was born Jan. 9, 1933 in Needham, Choctaw County, Ala. to the late Thomas Lynn and Nelma Patrick Harrison. He moved to Texas at age 18 and had been a resident of Palacios since 1980. He was a retired blowout oil well firefighter and consultant.
He is survived by his wife, Doris S. Killgore Harrison of Palacios; daughters Martha Sue Ricketson of Pasadena and Casandra Hochard of South Houston; sons Bobby Earl Harrison of Houston, Thomas Glenn Harrison of South Houston, Bobby E. Harrison, Jr. of Dickinson, Robert Wayne Killgore of Spring and Richard Lee Killgore of Sabine Pass; sisters Joann Daigle of Pasadena and Glynese Collins of West Columbia; brother-in-law Robert Slaughter of Palacios; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a brother, J. C. Harrison.
Pallbearers are Robert Slaughter, Chipper Holt, Gail Nelson, J. E. Todd, Kevin Harvey, Gary Hunter, Larry Lanfear and Jerry Dittlinger.
Memorials may be made to the Texas Heart Institute at Texas Medical Center, P. O. Box 20345, Houston, Tx. 77225-0345.
BETTY ALLGAIER Funeral services for Betty Allgaier, 63, of Markham, were held Feb. 15, 2002 at First Baptist Church in Bay City with Dr. Michael Zimmerman officiating. Interment was at Midfield Cemetery.
Mrs. Allgaier was born Dec. 9, 1938, in San Saba, to the late Robert Merritt and Marie Lee Doris Chapman. She died Feb. 12, 2002.
She was a member of First Baptist Church of Bay City. She was active in the W.M.U. and Women's Bible Study Group.
She is survived by her husband, Ben H. Allgaier Jr.; daughter, Susan Allgaier of Bay City; sons, Benny Allgaier of San Antonio and Michael Allgaier of Bay City; sisters, Irene Tyler of Ganado, Linda Blakeney of Port Lavaca and Ruth Cummings of Severna Park, Md.; brothers, Roy Chapman and Ray Chapman, both of San Angelo; and three grandchildren.
ESTHER LARA Funeral services for Esther Lara, 58, of Palacios, were held Feb. 16, 2002 at St. Anthony Catholic Church with the Rev. Charles Dwomoh officiating. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.
Mrs. Lara was born Oct. 13, 1943, in Valle Hermoso, Mexico, to the late Jose and Guadalupe Davila Santana. She died Feb. 14, 2002.
She was a homemaker and a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church.
She is survived by here husband, Magdaleno Reyes Lara; son, Gilbert "Gil" Lara of Austin; sisters, Guadalupe Lopez of Laredo and Anita Neyra of San Antonio; brothers, Emilo Santana and Gabriel Santana, both of San Antonio and Jose Santana, Jr. of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.
She was preceded in death by a son, Jesse Lara; and a brother, Oscar Santana.
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