Class of 1948
 

James William Bush

James W. Bush, Jr., age 75, passed away on February 14, 2007 in San Antonio, Texas. He formerly resided in Wheaton, Illinois and was a Deacon at Calvary Church in Naperville. In 1996, he moved to San Antonio where he became a member of Cornerstone Church. Mr. Bush was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine Bush. He is survived by his sons, Gerald W. Bush of San Antonio, and James R. Bush and wife Jan of Katy; daughter, Lorene Eldridge and husband Doug of San Antonio; sisters, Dorothy Jamison and husband Fred of San Antonio, and Cortez Rhoads; and grandchildren, Douglas and Adina Eldridge of San Antonio. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 17th at Porter Loring Mortuary North. Celebration of life Monday, February 19, 2007, 10:00 a. m. Vada Hagee Chapel Cornerstone Church, 18755 Stone Oak, Pastor B.A. Levine officiating. Interment will be held in Rose Hill Cemetery in Tulsa, Oklahoma. You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com Arrangements with Porter Loring Mortuary North.

Express-News on Feb. 17, 2007

Photos courtesy of Find A Grave volunteer Finding Family #47632171
 

Jack C. "J. C." Greene, Jr.
July 19, 1929 Jacksonville, Texas
December 23, 1957 Houston, Harris County, Texas
Cedarvale Cemetery, Bay City, Matagorda County, Texas

Johnny B. Hudson

CPL US ARMY KOREA

Johnny B. Hudson, 78, of Edna, died Thursday, March 11, 2004.

He was born Feb. 6, 1930 to John Preston and Maggie Frances Beasley Hudson in Haynesville, La.

Mr. Hudson was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the American Legion Post of Ganado, past-Post Commander of the VFW Post 8556 and a member of Grace Church of Edna.

He is survived by his daughter, Elaine Hudson; son, Stanley Hudson and wife Becky; grandson, Brandon Hudson and wife Elayne of Edna; granddaughter, Christie Clark and husband Barnnon of Edna; great-grandson, Dustin Matthew Clark, all of Edna; and sister, Melissa Mills of Porter.

Mr. Hudson was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joyce Koch Hudson; brothers, Hubert and Jesse Hudson; and sister Exer Lucille Deluish.

Visitation is today, Saturday, March 13 at 11 a.m. at Triska Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday from 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at the La Ward Pentecostal Church with Brothers Benny Hibler, Darrell Clark and Kevin Vyvial officiating. Graveside services with Military Honors will follow at the La Bauve Cemetery in Francitas under the auspices of the American Legion Post. Arrangements are under the direction of Triska Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made to the Grace Church of Edna Building Fund, PO Box 575, Edna, Texas 77957

Victoria Advocate, March 13, 2004
 

Etta Jean Joines Gibbs

Etta Jean was born in Francitas, Texas and grew up in the Buhler Settlement in Jackson County. Her father died on March 18, 1937 just before Etta Jean began first grade in the fall. A few years later, Ada bought a house in Francitas and the family moved there. Etta attended school in Francitas and La Ward and graduated from Lolita-La Ward High School in 1948. While in high school, Etta Jean played volleyball. She worked at the Upton Store and also at the Wofford Store in Francitas before her marriage.

In February, 1951, Harrell received his “invitation from Uncle Sam” and served as an MP at Camp Gordon in Augusta, Georgia. Two other men from the Jackson and Matagorda County area, Curtis Wofford and Robert Abraham, were also sent to Georgia with Harrell.

While in Georgia, Curtis told Harrell about Etta Jean Joines who worked at his parents’ grocery store in Francitas. Curtis gave him Etta’s address and they began writing. After all, it was the patriotic thing to do! They first met in August, 1951 when Harrell was home on furlough. After he returned to Georgia, they continued to write and were engaged when he returned on another furlough. After the engagement, Etta moved to Houston in May 1952 to live with her brother, Otis, and his wife, Pearlie. Etta and Pearlie worked together at Meyers Spalti Furniture Company until November. The wedding was planned for December. Harrell returned on Friday, December 12^th and they were married the next day at the Francitas Baptist Church by Rev. Raymond Drews. Robert Abraham was the best man and Albina Walleck Joines, Etta’s sister-in-law, was matron of honor. Also attending were Mrs. Drews, Ada, Etta’s mother and Harrell’s mother, Maxie Lou Underwood Gibbs.

Harrell reported back to Georgia two weeks later and was discharged in February, 1953.

She and Harrell moved to Bay City and joined the First Baptist Church in Bay City on May 31, 1953. She attended Sunday school and worship services as long as her health permitted. She greatly enjoyed her Sunday School classes and sang in the Jubilaires Choir for many years. She was also a member of the “Tab and Gab” group who prepared FBC newsletters for mailing.

In earlier years she worked in the FBC nursery about 15 years and every Sunday morning could be found in the bed babies department rocking the newest additions to the church family.

Harrell and Etta first lived at 1300 Fifth Street where Harrell’s family had lived just after moving to Bay City. He had worked for Frank Hurley before his stint in the army and he once again began working for Mr. Hurley driving a butane truck. Two months later they moved to a garage apartment at 817 ½ 7^th Street.The next move was during the summer of 1953 to a house at Rt. 2, Box 79A on the Highway 35 which was owned by Harrell’s sister, Lucille, and her husband Morris Richardson. They were living there when Carol Sue was born. Harrell began working for Speedway Oil Company and drove a gas transport truck.

Larry Denson was born November 16, 1959 on the opening day of deer season. Though Harrell didn’t get to go hunting that year, he got his “little buck” anyway. A change to a different transport company allowed Harrell to be at home at night with his family while the children were small.

Two months after Larry was born the family moved to 1501 Twelfth Street and lived there six months while the home on the highway was remodeled. They lived at Rt. 2, Box 79A until the summer of 1965.

In August, 1965, Harrell and Etta purchased their home at 3108 3^rd Street where Etta would live until 2018. Larry began school in 1966 and Etta started working for the Bay City ISD Food Service in September, 1967. From 1974 – 1977 she was the BCISD Food Service Director where she supervised seven schools and 40 employees. She retired in May, 1998 after 31 years of service.

She was a wonderful cook and made the turkey and dressing for Thanksgiving and Christmas family gatherings every year. She baked all kinds of cakes, especially Italian Cream.

Always the caregiver, she nursed Harrell, Larry and Carol Sue through six surgeries between 1999 and 2005.

Her sister-in-law, Juanita Anderson Joines, taught her to crochet when Etta was a teenager. She made hundreds of beautiful doilies, as well as larger items. She crocheted 22,000 pairs of shoes for M. D. Anderson cancer patients and thousands more for the Colorado Baptist Association Christmas Stocking Ministry. Many children along the border and in Mexico are still receiving shoes she made.

Anyone who met her in recent years was always told, “I’m my daddy’s 14^th child.”

Etta Jean is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; son Larry Denson Gibbs; brother James Thomas “J. T.” Joines; and 11 half-brothers and sisters: Clarence Joines, Clyde Joines, Addie Joines Linton, Calvin Joines, Guy Joines, Robert Joines, Otis Joines, Wheeler Joines, Lillie Joines Moore, Ruby Joines Linton and Sylvia Joines Linton. She is survived by her daughter Carol Sue Gibbs; brother, W. R. “Dub” Joines and wife, Albina Joines; sister-in-law Beth Gibbs, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends and relatives beginning at 1:00pm Saturday, February 15, 2020 at First Baptist Church in Bay City. A memorial service will follow at 2:00pm with Dr. Mike Zimmerman officiating. Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Bonorden, Curtis Dykes, G. W. Franzen, Ken Gibbs, Clarence Joines, James Joines, Jimmy Joines and Kevin Lowrance.

A private burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Christmas stocking ministry, 2321 Avenue F, Bay City, Texas 77414.

Bay City Tribune, February 12, 2021
 

Howard Wayne Moody

Howard Wayne Moody, age 83, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2015 in San Antonio, Texas.

Howard was born October 1, 1931 in Lolita, Texas to Aubrey Lee and Rozie Lillian Moody. He served in the U S Air Force and later graduated from Lamar University with a BS in Electrical Engineering.

He worked as an Electrical Engineer and Manager for Dow Chemical, General Cable, Temple Associates, Kaiser Cement and Cooper Industries.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Chris Cardenas.

He is survived by his son, Mike Moody; daughter, Monica Moody Cheek and grandchildren, Erik, Kendall, Matt and Emily.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at Porter Loring North.

My father was a very friendly and personable man that made friends wherever he went. He had a great sense of humor and loved life. He loved to fish, play golf and socialize with his family, friends and neighbors or just about anyone.

He was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the San Antonio Spurs. My father always brought fun and laughter to any gathering of people.

He was a good father and always supported his children throughout their trials and tribulations. He worked hard and was always self-reliant. He instilled that independence and work ethic in both me and my sister.

He loved to tell stories of his life, and he had many, many stories to tell. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren and always so happy to see us.

I am grateful for all of his unconditional love and support. I have lost a friend, confidant, counselor and a great father. I will miss him and his warm smile.

Graveside service, Thursday, May 7, 2015, 3:00 p. m., Memory Gardens Cemetery, 204 Buffalo St., Edna, TX.

Porter Loring Mortuaries
 

Vivian Yvonne Phillips Wise
February 3, 1931 Placedo, Victoria County, Texas
August 28, 1997 Fort Bend County, Texas
Woodlawn Cemetery, Houston, Harris County, Texas
 

Darrell Bryant Thedford
February 16, 1839 Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas
May 17, 1980 Lolita Jackson County, Texas
Red Bluff Cemetery, Vanderbilt, Jackson County, Texas
 

Fred M. Thedford

Lago Vista--Graveside services for Fred M. Thedford, 67, of Lago Vista, who died Thursday, will be 2 p. m today at Lolita Cemetery in Lolita. Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills, Austin, 335-1155.

He was an active member of the Lago Vista Property Owners Association, By-Law Review Committee and the Lago Vista Gold Association.

He was born in Victoria, Texas, and is survived by his wife, Jo Anne Martin, of Lago Vista; daughters, Diane Crawford of New Freedom, Pennsylvania, Terry Breaux of The Woodlands, Texas, Kris Crawford of Victoria, Texas; sisters, Allie Jane Roberson of Edna, Texas, Dorothy Thedford of Port Lavaca, Texas, and Nadine Koch of La Ward, Texas; brother, Donald Thedford of Lolita, Texas; seven grandchildren; and eight nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held 3:00 p. m., Sunday, in the Rolling Hills Community Church of Lago Vista, Texas.

A memorial service will be 5 p. m. today at Grace Presbyterian Church in Victoria.

Memorials: St. Mary Our Lady of the Lake Church; Rolling Hills Community Church at Lago Vista or Grace Presbyterian in Victoria, or the American Cancer Society.

Victoria Advocate, Monday, February 1, 1999
 

Evelyn “Nonnie” Alldredge Schaal
July 18, 1925 - July 16, 2016

Evelyn “Nonnie” Alldredge Schaal, age 90, former longtime resident of Bay City, TX, entered into rest on Saturday, July 16, 2016, in her residence at Bridges of Mission, Mission, TX.

Evelyn was born on July 18, 1925, in Houston, TX, as the youngest of seven children to Alma and Charles Alldredge.

Evelyn’s spiritual journey began as a child in the Old Palestine Baptist Church of Alto, TX, where she voiced her lifetime commitment to her faith.

She showed an early astounding talent for music, and studied piano privately with Stella Prannif before graduating from Sam Houston High School in Houston, TX. She was then awarded a full scholarship to the University of Houston, where she graduated with honors with a double BA in Music and Education in 1946. After graduation, she was hired as an English and Music teacher by the Lolita-LaWard ISD.

In 1948, Evelyn married Alfred “Al” Schaal, and they settled in Palacios, TX, where Al managed the municipal airport. Deciding to make their home in Bay City, TX, they completed their family with the births of Charles, Melanie, Richard, Allyson, and Stacey.

Beginning a music teaching career that would eventually span seven decades, in 1950, Evelyn began teaching private piano and voice lessons to students of all ages coming from Bay City and surrounding communities. In 1969, she resumed her public school teaching career with the Bay City ISD as a music teacher at Linnie Roberts Elementary School. By the time she retired from public school teaching in [1991], Evelyn had taught music, choir, and voice to all grade levels in four of seven Bay City Schools. After her public school retirement, she continued private instruction in her home until 2008, when she moved to McAllen, Texas, to be near two of her daughters.

Evelyn was valued as a musician and vocalist for events such as weddings, worship services, funerals, revivals, and accompanied numerous soloists and UIL students. While she was known to play the pianos and organs at almost every house of worship and nursing facility in the Bay City area, she devoted most of her service to Calvary Baptist Church, where she played organ and piano and led children’s choirs, and taught Sunday School and VBS until her retirement in 2005.

Within Bay City, she also led community children’s choirs, served on the board of Community Concerts, and volunteered for the Salvation Army, the Women’s Crisis Pregnancy Center, and the Matagorda County Historical Museum. In later years, Evelyn followed her dream of seeing the world, and her love of travel took her to the United Kingdom, the Caribbean, most of Western Europe, Thailand, and Egypt.

Other than the love that she had for her devoted husband and five children, Evelyn’s greatest joy was expressing her faith with her talents of music and teaching, and was proudest when seeing the accomplishments and hard work of her many music students.

Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents, Alma and Charles Alldredge; her siblings; and by her husband of thirty-one years, Alfred Schaal.

Evelyn is survived by two sons, Charles Schaal and wife Viki of Kasson, MN, and Richard Schaal of Houston. She is survived by three daughters, Melanie Schaal Wofford and husband Gary of McAllen, Allyson Schaal Moore and husband Tim of Mission, and Stacey Schaal Shuman of Dallas. Evelyn was also a proud grandmother to 14 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.

Open Visitation for Evelyn will be Friday, July 22, 2016, at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay City, TX.

Services will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Bay City, TX on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 10 a.m., with graveside services immediately following at Cedarvale Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Brad Wofford, Jerrison Moore, Dustin Shuman, Monty Montgomery, Chris Bersano, Ralph Foltz Jr., Steve Gedansky, and Bob Goss. Honorary pallbearers are Ashley Wofford, Timothy Schaal and Stephen Schaal.

Bay City Tribune, July 20, 2016