Jackson County Vietnam Casualties

Monument Dedication Set In Edna
Appreciation Day in Flag City, U. S. A.

EDNA--Saturday will be "Appreciation Day in Flag City, U. S. A." and several thousand persons are expected to hear Maj. Joe Jenkins from Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, dedicate a monument on the courthouse lawn to Jackson County men who have served in the Vietnam War.

The Flag City Jaycees, sponsoring the observance, invite the area public to join county citizens at the 2 p. m. patriotic program in front of the courthouse.

Maj. Jenkins, a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran now with the Fourth Army at Fort Sam Houston, served two years as a combat infantry officer in the war. His decorations include the Combat Infantry Medal, the Bronze Star, the Air Force Medal and medals for gallantry and honor awarded by Vietnam.

Jaycees Jimmy Braunholz and Jimmy Peagler, in charge of the program, said Claudius Branch will be master of ceremonies. Maj. Jenkins will give the main address and dedicate the monument of Georgia granite, which stands eight feet high and is three feet wide.

Ed Sralla, Jaycee president, will unveil the monument. Words carved on the stone pay tribute to all men serving in the Vietnam conflict, and also name the five Jackson men who have died in that war.

The five deceased, especially honored, are listed as S. Sgt. Martis Leon Haynes from Vanderbilt, Cpl. Glen Knoblock from Lolita, Capt. Ernest McFeron from Lolita, Casamir Rodriguez Jr. from Ganado, and Pfc. Tony Turner from Edna.

Jaycee Donald Dusek, general chairman for the event, said all four branches of the armed services are participating in the program. A Marine unit from Corpus Christi will furnish the color guard and raise a flag that has flown over the White House. Navy planes from Chase Field at Beeville will stage a "flyover." An Air Force unit will furnish the public address system; and the speaker will represent the Army.

State Sen. Bill Patman of Ganado, on behalf of the Jaycees will present honor certificates to approximately 65 county men who have served in Vietnam.

The program will include patriotic music, and the playing of "Taps." The invocation will be given by the Rev. Thomas Flanagan of St. Agnes Catholic Church, and the benediction by the Rev. John Paul Jones of the Baptist Temple.

The Texas Highway Department and City Police Department, in cooperating with the event, will re-route traffic from the streets in front and on the east side of the courthouse.

Victoria Advocate, July 11, 1970
 

Jackson To Honor County Veterans

EDNA--Saturday will be "Veterans Appreciation Day" in Jackson County and the Edna Jaycees, sponsors of the patriotic event, invite the area public to the 2 p. m. program paying tribute to county veterans of the Vietnam War.

The main address will be given by Bill Farquhar, who retired from the Army as lieutenant colonel after 20 years of service. He now is manager of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, and also an official of the board of development, fair association, and Lavaca-Navidad River Authority.

Ed Duenow of Lolita, who served as a first lieutenant during World War II, will be master of ceremonies. He will re-dedicate the eight foot granite monument on the courthouse lawn, erected last summer in tribute to all county veterans of the current war. The names of six county men killed in action in Vietnam are carved on the monument, the sixth added since the dedication program last summer. The names are S. Sgt. Martis Leon Haynes, Cpl. Glen Knoblock, Capt. Ernest McFeron, Sp. 4 Casimiro Rodriguez Jr., Pfc. Tony Turner and First Sgt. Louis Janca.

Duenow, who now is coordinator of professional services at Devereaux School, also will present Jaycee appreciation certificates to some 70 Vietnam veterans or members of their families.

Jaycee Ben Darilek, chairman of the event, said the program will include a flyover by Naval jets from Chase Field at Beeville, and a National Guard unit from Victoria will give the flag ceremony and the formal rifle salute. Miss Pamela Neil of Edna will sing the national anthem, and organ music will be furnished by Hermann's Keyboard Music of Victoria.

The Rev. Glen Willingham will give the invocation, and the Rev. W. T. Driver the benediction.

Victoria Advocate, July 9, 1971
 

Edna To Honor Veterans of War

EDNA--The area public is invited to the Vietnam memorial rededication ceremony honoring Jackson County's Vietnam war veterans and war dead, to be sponsored  by the Edna Jaycees and set for 2:15 p. m. Saturday on the courthouse lawn.

A seventh name, that of the late Sgt. James Anthony Maresh, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin J. Maresh of Lolita, has been added to the honor bill list carved on the monument since last summer's rededication. Sgt. Maresh was killed in action in Vietnam Sept. 3, 1971.

Leo Butler of the Edna Jaycees, chairman for the event, has announced that State Rep. Tim Von Dohlen of Goliad will be principal speaker on the program, and State Senator Bill Patman of Ganado has been invited as a special guest. Bill Farquhar, who retired from the Army as a lieutenant colonel after 20 years service and is now manager of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, will be master of ceremonies.

Butler said the Edna High Cowboy Band will open the program. He also said the Navy jets from Chase Field at Beeville have been invited to stage two flyovers, but on Friday their participation had not been cleared by the service. In case of rain the program will be moved into the courthouse, he added.

The other names on the honor list carved in the monument are Staff Sgt. Martis Leon Haynes, Spt. 4 Casimiro Rodriguez Jr., Cpl. Glen Knoblock, Capt. Ernest McFeron, Pfc. Tony Turner and Sgt. Louis Janca.

The tall granite monument on the courthouse lawn pays tribute to all Jackson County veterans of the Vietnam war. The names of those killed in action are carved in the stone. The Edna Jaycees raised the funds to purchase the monument and dedicated it in the summer of 1970.

Victoria Advocate, September 30, 1972
 

Edna Memorial Re-Dedicated for Vietnam Dead

EDNA--"Our Vietnam war veterans will receive full credit for their important contribution to our continued search for world peace and freedom," State Rep. Tim Van Dohlen of Goliad assured his audience at the Saturday afternoon rededication of the Jackson County Vietnam Memorial Monument, on which are carved the names of seven county servicemen who had died in action in that war.

The seventh name has been added since the second rededication  service was held last summer. It is the name of Sgt. James Anthony Maresh, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin J. Maresh of Lolita, who was killed in action Sept. 3, 1971.

Nearly 200 persons attended the ceremony on the courthouse lawn in Edna, including several relatives of the servicemen listed on the granite monument and city and county officials.

Chamber of Commerce Manager Bill Farquhar, who retired as a lieutenant colonel after serving 20 years in the Army, was the master of ceremonies, and added his tribute to all veterans of the war. He then asked County Judge Sam Seale, on behalf of the Edna Jaycees, to present the Jaycee certificate of Honor for Sgt. Maresh to his mother, Mrs. Edwin Maresh, and brother, Edward.

Rep. Von Dohlen said, "those heroes whose names are carved on this monument and many like them, gave their lives to keep our country the home of the free and the brave, and our veterans, deceased and living always will be remembered for their contribution to the dream of world peace."

He said, "We all pray we can end the war soon, and reach an honorable peace, and I feel we will because our nation is dedicated to this end." He commended the Jaycees for sponsoring the lasting memorial to the county's Vietnam veterans.

Farquhar introduced Von Dohlen, noting "he is serving us well in the legislature in his first term he has been on many important committees and has become well known and respected in Austin.

The other names on the honor list cared on the monument are S. Sgt. Martis Leon Haynes, Sp. 4 Casimiro Rodriguez Jr., Cpl. Glen Knoblock, Capt. Ernest McFeron, Pfc. Tony Turner and 1st Sgt. Louis Janca.

The program was opened with a short band concert by the Edna High Band, conducted by Mike Fassino. A unit of Boy Scouts raised the flag as the band played the national anthem. The Rev. R. A. Hicks gave the invocation, and the benediction. Jaycee Leo Butler was chairman of the program.

The Edna Jaycees raised the funds to purchase the 7-foot granite monument and dedicated it in the summer of 1970.

Victoria Advocate, October 1, 1972
 

A CO, 2ND BN, 35th INFANTRY, 25th INF DIV, USARV

Purple Heart	National Defense Service Medal	Vietnam Service Medal	Vietnam Campaign Medal

Find A Grave                The Virtual Wall
 

John Willis Allen

John Willis Allen was born on June 5, 1945. According to our records Texas was his home or enlistment state and Harris County included within the archival record. We have Houston listed as the city.

PFC Allen was drafted into the Army. Entered via Selective Service. Served during the Vietnam War. He enlisted November 15, 1966. He began his tour on April 24, 1967. He had the rank of Private First Class. Occupation or specialty was Light Weapons Infantry. Service number was 54509373. Served with 25th Infantry Division, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry, A Company.

Allen experienced a traumatic event which resulted in loss of life on July 15, 1967. Recorded circumstances attributed to: "Died through hostile action, explosive device". Incident location: South Vietnam, Quang Ngai province.

John is honored on the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Washington DC. Name inscribed at VVM Wall, Panel 23e, Line 72.
He received the Purple Heart.

Courtesy of Heather Storz Jennings
 

A CO, 1ST BN, 7TH CAVALRY, 1ST CAV DIV, USARV
 

Purple Heart	Army Good Conduct Medal	National Defense Service Medal	Vietnam Service Medal	Vietnam Campaign Medal

Find A Grave          Virtual Wall
 

Pvt. Martis Haynes Taking Training

Pvt. Martin L. Haynes, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis N. Haynes, Vanderbilt, recently completed six months of active military training under the Reserve Forces Act program at Fort Knox, Ky.

Haynes is a 1957 graduate of Industrial High School.

Edna Herald, March 20, 1958
 

Pvt. Martis Haynes In Army Maneuvers

FORT LEWIS, WASH. (AHTNC)--Army Pvt. Martis L. Haynes, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis N. Haynes, Vanderbilt, recently participated with the 34th Armor in "Exercise Rocky Shoals," a joint Army-Navy maneuver held on the California coast.

Haynes, is regularly assigned as a truck driver in Company A of the armor at Fort Lewis.

He is a 1957 graduate of Industrial High School.

The Edna Herald, November 27, 1958
 

PFC Martis Haynes Serving in Korea

U. S. FORCES, KOREA--Army PFC Martis L. Haynes, 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis N Haynes, Vanderbilt, recently arrived in Korea and is now a member of the 1st Cavalry Division.

Haynes entered the Army in August 1958 and is an honor guard in the division's Headquarters Co.

He is a 1957 graduate of Industrial High School.

Edna Herald, August 6, 1959
 

Area Soldier In Maneuver

VANDERBILT--Army Sgt. Martis L. Haynes, 24, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis N. Haynes, Vanderbilt, and other members of the 25th Division's 27th Infantry participated recently in Exercise Lave Ridge III, a combined Army-Air Force mobility exercise in the Hawaiian Island.

Sgt. Haynes, a squad leader in Company E of the infantry's 1st Battle Group, entered the Army in 1955 and was stationed at Fort Hood, Tex., before arriving in Hawaii in August, 1961.

He is a 1957 graduate of Industrial High School. His wife, Beverly, is with him in Hawaii.

Victoria Advocate, March 7, 1963
 

Sgt. Haynes on Hawaii Exercise

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii--Army Sgt. Martis L. Haynes, 25, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis N. Haynes, Vanderbilt, and nearly 3000 other soldiers of the 25th Infantry Division's 2d Brigade Task Force began leaving Hawaii by air Jan. 25 for Okinawa to participate in Exercise "Quick Release." The month-long exercise is scheduled to end Feb. 25.

Task Force personnel are carrying only essential light combat equipment. Heavy equipment, including artillery weapons and tanks, will be issued from ships of the Military Sea Transport Service, a forward floating depot, after the men deplane on Okinawa.

This new logistical approach, being tried for the first time in the Pacific Command, is expected to speed the movement of troops to trouble spots and to reduce airlift requirements during an operation's initial stages.

Sergeant Haynes, a squad leader in Company A, 1st Battalion of the division's 27th Infantry at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, entered the Army in 1955 and arrived at the barracks on this tour of duty in August 1951.

Haynes attended Industrial High School. His wife, Beverly, is with him in Hawaii.

Edna Herald, February 6, 1964
 

Soldier Qualifies As Rifle Expert

VANDERBILT--Army Sgt. Martis L. Haynes, 27, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis N. Haynes of Vanderbilt, qualified as expert in firing the high-powered M-14 rifle at Fort Hood, Tex., recently.

Sgt. Haynes, a squad leader with Company C, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry of the 2d Armored Division at Fort Hood, entered the Army in 1957 and was last stationed in Hawaii.

Victoria Advocate, October 15, 1965
 

6 Texans die in Viet Nam

WASHINGTON -- Names of two Texans who died in Viet Nam were released Thursday by the Defense Department which also listed four killed in action during the week ending Aug. 6.

Army Staff Sgt. Martis L. Haynes, husband of Mrs. Beverly Haynes, 325 Sunshine Ave., Sinton, killed in action...

Brazosport Facts, August 12, 1966
 

Former Vanderbilt Boy Killed in Viet Nam War

Viet Nam war action has claimed the life of Staff Sgt. Martis Leon Haynes, 28, of Sinton, a former resident of Vanderbilt.

Sgt. Haynes, whose parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. N. Haynes, reside in Vanderbilt, was killed Monday. He had been in the Army 12 years and served with the 1st Cavalry Division near Saigon the last seven months. He was stationed at Fort Hood before being sent to Viet Nam.

Haynes was a graduate of Industrial Consolidated High School in Vanderbilt. He was born in Athens, Tex.

Among the survivors is a brother, Wayne Haynes of Victoria. Other besides his wife, Beverly Kay Haynes and a three-year-old daughter, Cynthia Kay Haynes, both of Sinton, and three other brothers, Herbert Haynes of Bryan, Harold Haynes of Corpus Christi and Robert Haynes, with the Air Force in Austin, plus the parents.

Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced by Goodwin Funeral Home in Sinton.

Victoria Advocate, August 14, 1966
 

Martis Leon Haynes

SINTON--The body of Army Staff Sgt. Martis Leon Haynes, 28, of Sinton, a former resident of Vanderbilt, was scheduled to arrive Tuesday night at Goodwin Funeral Home.

The body will be taken to the First Baptist Church at 2 p m. Wednesday where funeral services will be held at 4 p. m. The Rev. Hoyt Hunnicutt, pastor of Vanderbilt, will officiate with burial, with military honors, in Sinton Cemetery.

Sgt. Haynes, a graduate of Industrial Consolidated High School in Vanderbilt, was killed Aug. 8 in South Viet Nam.

His parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. N. Haynes, reside in Vanderbilt. One of four brothers, Wayne Haynes, lives in Victoria. He is also survived by his wife. Beverly Kay Haynes and a three-year-old daughter, Cynthia Kay Haynes, both of Sinton.

Victoria Advocate, August 17, 1966
 

Cynthia E. Haynes

VANDERBILT--Cynthia Elsie Haynes, 85, of Vanderbilt died in a Victoria hospital Tuesday, Nov. 26, 1991, following a lengthy illness.

Mrs. Haynes was born Oct. 4, 1906, in Timbo, Ark., to the late Cornelius and Ellen Johnson Branscum. She married the late Louis N. Haynes on Aug. 2, 1932, in Eustace, was a member of the Vanderbilt Sewing Circle, a homemaker and member of Vanderbilt Baptist Church.

Survivors: sons, Harold and Herbert Haynes both of Corpus Christi, Wayne and Robert Haynes both of Victoria; sister, Alma Anzie May of Winnsboro; 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by husband; sons, Clarence and Martis Haynes; sister, Nora Lillmon; and brothers, Robert and Cecil Branuscum.

Services 2 p. m. Friday at Vanderbilt Baptist Church, the Rev. Jack Hutson officiating.

Burial in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Slavik Funeral Home, Edna, 782-2152.

Victoria Advocate, November 28, 1991
 

Louis Nicholas Haynes

Louis Nicholas Haynes was born March 3, 1904, in Jackson County and had lived in Vanderbilt most of his life. Haynes was employed by Missouri Pacific Railroad for 35 years as a fireman. He was a member of Vanderbilt Baptist Church.

Funeral will be at 10 a. m. Wednesday from Vanderbilt Baptist Church with the Rev. Hoyt Hunnicutt officiating. Burial will be in Memory Gardens of Edna with Slavik Funeral home in charge of arrangements.

Surviving are the wife, Mrs. Elsie A. Haynes of Vanderbilt; four sons, Harold of Corpus Christi, Herbert of Lafayette, La., Wayne of Victoria and Robert of Vanderbilt; four brothers, Ed and Basil of Vanderbilt, Jack of Edna and Ted of Victoria; two sisters, Mrs. Ruth Hoffman of Houston and Mrs. Marie Gholson of Pasadena; and nine grandchildren.

Victoria Advocate, February 3, 1970
 

DV TEAM 22, HQ, MACV ADVISORS, MACV

Silver Star	Army Good Conduct Medal	National Defense Service Medal	Vietnam Service Medal	Vietnam Campaign Medal

Find A Grave           Virtual Wall
 

Sgt. Louis E. Janca

Sgt. Louis E. Janca, whose wife Norma Jean, resides in Kenton, recently returned to Heilbronn, Germany, after participating in the 9th Infantry Division's "Autumn Moon" training maneuvers. He served as an assistant platoon sergeant in the 60th Infantry Regiment's Company B during the maneuvers, held in the hills of southern Germany, to test the division's combat readiness. A veteran of more than five years in the Army, he has been awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action. His parents are Mr. and Mrs. Oscar W. Janca of Ganado, Tex.

Marion Star, Marion, Ohio, October 20, 1954
 

Sgt. 1C Louis E. Janca

Sgt. 1C Louis E. Janca, son of Mr. and Mrs. O. W. Janca, Ganado, is assigned to Headquarters Co. 4th Armored Division's 41st Infantry. He entered the Army in 1949 and holds the Silver Star and Combat Infantryman's Badge. His wife Norma is in Germany with him.

Victoria Advocate, March 13, 1958
 

Sgt. Janca Takes Part in Maneuver

SEVENTH ARMY, GERMANY (AHTNC)--Army Sergeant First Class E. Janca, son of Mr. and Mrs. O. W. Janca, Ganado, recently participated in "Sabre Hawk," a Seventh Army maneuver which involved more than 100,000 troops in Germany.

Sergeant Janca, assigned to Headquarters Company of the 4th Armored Division's 41st Infantry, entered the Army in 1949. Among his decorations, he holds the Silver Star and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

The sergeant attended Ganado High School. His wife, Norma, is with him in Germany.

The Edna Herald, March 13, 1958
 

Ganado Soldier Given Training in Kansas

GANADO--Army S. F. C. Louis E. Janca, 29, whose mother, Mrs. Mary Janca, lives in Ganado, recently participated with other personnel from the 1st Division's 5th Infantry in Exercise Red Arrow, a 31-day series of tactical field training maneuvers at Fort Riley, Kan.

Sgt. Janica, a rifle squad leader in the Infantry's Company E at the fort, entered the Army in September, 1949, and completed basic training at Fort Ord, Calif. His wife, Norma, lives in Manhattan, Kans.

Victoria Advocate, May 24, 1962
 

Sgt. Janca Takes Field Maneuvers

FORT RILEY, KAN.--Army Sergeant First Class Louis E. Janes, whose mother, Mrs. Mary Janca, lives in Ganado, recently participated with other personnel from the 1st Division's 5th Infantry in Exercise Red Arrow, a 31-day series of tactical field training maneuvers at Fort Riley, Kan.

Exercise Red Arrow designed to maintain the "Big Red One" Division in combat ready condition, featured artillery, mortar and small arms firings and combat training maneuvers against an "Aggressor" force.

Sergeant Janca, a rifle squad leader in the infantry's Company E at the fort, entered the Army, in September 1949 and completed basic training at Ft. Ord, Calif.

The sergeant attended Ganado High School.

The Edna Herald, May 31, 1962
 

Ganado Sergeant In Army Maneuvers

Ganado--S. F. C. Louis E. Janca, son of Mrs. Mary Janca, Ganado, participated with more than 70,000 Army and Air Force personnel in Exercise Swift Strike II, a two-week Strike Command maneuver in North and South Carolina that ended Aug. 17.

Janca, a platoon sergeant in the 5th Infantry's Company E regularly stationed at Fort Riley, Kan., entered the army in 1949. He attended Ganado High School.

Victoria Advocate, September 2, 1962
 

Ganado Soldier Given Amphibious Training

GANADO--Army Platoon Sgt. Louis E. Janca, son of Mrs. Mary Janca, Ganado, is undergoing 17 days of amphibious training with other members of the 1st Division's 5th Infantry a Little Creek, Va.

Janca, a platoon sergeant in the infantry's Company E, which is regularly stationed at Fort Riley, Kan., entered the Army in September, 1949. The 29-year-old soldier attended Ganado High School. His wife, Norma lives in Manhattan, Kan.

Victoria Advocate, October 5, 1962
 

NATO EXERCISE

Platoon Sgt. Louis E. Janca, 30, son of Mrs. Mary Janca of Ganado, is taking part in the NATO support Exercise Long Thrust VII as a member of 2nd Battle Group, 1st Division, 26th Infantry. The group recently left Fort Riley, Kans., for the exercise in Germany.

Victoria Advocate, May 9, 1963
 

3 Georgians Die in Vietnam

WASHINGTON--Three more Georgia soldiers have died in Vietnam, the Pentagon reported Monday.

They were First Sgt. Louis E. Janca, husband of Mrs. Norma J. Janca of Augusta; Pvt. Harry J. Lumpkin, son of Victor Green of Albany, and Spec. 4 James T. Savage, son of Mr. and Mrs. James H. Savage of Winder.

Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, October 20, 1970
 

Mary Janca

GANADO--Mary Janca, 84, of Ganado, died Tuesday in a Ganado hospital following a short illness.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Thursday at St. James Lutheran Church in Ganado with the Rev. Don Marquart, pastor, officiating.

Burial will be in Ganado City Cemetery under direction of Ganado Funeral Home.

Mrs. Janca was born Nov. 26, 1903, in Czechoslovakia, daughter of the late Joseph and Rozie Reha Belicek. She was a retired housewife and member of St. James Lutheran Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar Walter Janca, on March 1, 1961.

Survivors are four daughters, Pat Morgan of Kennedy, Angie Rowe of Ganado, Georgia Boothe of Cuero, and Lillian Little of Baytown; four sons, Jerry Janca of Refugio, Charlie Janca of Texas City; Laddie Joe Janca of Houston; and Marvin Janca of Rosenberg; two brothers, Frank Belicek of Ganado and Emil Belicek of Fort Smith, Ark.; 24 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Janca was preceded in death by a son, Louis Janca, who died in the Vietnam War.

Victoria Advocate, June 8, 1988
 

Dinners Honor 2 Service Men

Glen Knoblock, who is leaving soon for the Army and Randy Snyder, who is on leave from the Navy, were honored recently with two dinner parties.

Mr. and Mrs. Don Snyder of La Ward honored the pair with a barbeque supper, and Mr. and Mrs. Otis Knoblock, Glen Knoblock's parents honored the two with a farewell dinner.

Knoblock will be stationed at El Paso, and Snyder will be stationed in California.

Victoria Advocate, August 28, 1969
 

Soldier Honored At Farewell Party

Pfc. Glen Knoblock, U. S. Army Infantry, of Ft. Ord, Cal., was special guest at a dinner held in the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Otis Knoblock of Lolita.

Glen will be leaving for Vietnam from Oakland, Cal. on Feb. 25.

Other guests present were Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rutherford and sons, Dickie and David of Bay City;  Mr. and Mrs. Otis Ray Knoblock of Victoria; Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Nunley of Houston; Everette Simmons of Ganado; and Miss Sandra Tracy of Blessing, Pfc. Knoblock's fiance.

Victoria Advocate, February 24, 1970
 

Letters to the Editor

Questions Withdrawal

I was not too enthused when I read the article on your front page, March 3, 1970, regarding the return of our troops from Vietnam. From all information I can gather and from the reports of the servicemen from Vietnam, there is another loaded with the same amount of boys leaving for Vietnam. You don't see this in the papers, but you still read everyday about someone's son on leave just before an assignment in Vietnam.

The last words my son spoke over the phone as he was leaving for Vietnam Feb. 25 were: "Mother there are thousands of boys here processing to leave for NAM and Nixon says he is bringing them all home." Don't misunderstand me, I think our young men should defend our country. And I am proud that I had two sons to serve. I also like your paper, but I feel that both sides are not being printed for the public to read about.

And one more item I've not seen published. When these training centers are closed in Texas and other non-Nixon states, they are reopened in California and other Nixon territories. As you know, this all boils down to politics. And our sons are still over there fighting and you are printing that they are coming home.

Mrs. Otis Knoblock
Lolita, Texas

Victoria Advocate, March 9, 1970
 

Pfc. Glen Knoblock

IN VIETNAM--Pfc. Glen Knoblock, son of Mr. and Mrs. Otis Knoblock of Lolita, is serving with the 196th Infantry near Chu lai, Vietnam. He graduated from Industrial High School in May 1960 and enlisted in the Army in August of that year. He left for combat area in February of 1970.

Victoria Advocate, March 19, 1970
 

Glen Lester Knoblock
Lolita Soldier Dies In Vietnam Combat

LOLITA--Army Pfc Glen L. Knoblock, son of Mr. and Mrs. Otis Knoblock of Route 4, Lolita, was killed in action Thursday in Vietnam.

Knoblock, who was 19, entered the service in August and had been in Vietnam since Feb. 25.

A telegram from the Department of the Army said the young soldier "was on a combat operation when a hostile force was encountered."

Knoblock graduated from Industrial High School last spring. He played on the golf team.

Besides his parents, he is also survived by a sister, Mrs. Sandra Rutherford of Blessing, and a brother, Otis Ray Knoblock of Victoria.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete pending arrival of the body in the United States. A spokesman for the family said this might be in seven to 10 days.

Victoria Advocate, May 5, 1970
 

Services Set In Lolita for War Victim

GANADO--Funeral services will be held Sunday for Glen Lester Knoblock, 19, of Lolita, who was killed in action in Vietnam April 30.

He was born Nov. 29, 1950, in Anderson, Ind., and was a 1969 graduate of Industrial High School. He entered the service soon after graduation and had been assigned  in Vietnam since Feb. 25.

Services will be conducted at 2 p. m. from the First Baptist Church of Lolita with burial, with military rites by an honor guard from the U. S. Army, in Ganado City Cemetery.

The body will lie in state from 11 a. m. Thursday, at Psencik Funeral Home in Ganado, until time of the service.

Survivors include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Otis Knoblock of Lolita, a sister, Mrs. Sandra Rutherford of Blessing, a brother, Ray Knoblock of Victoria and his paternal grandfather. Lewis Knoblock of Anderson, Ind.

Victoria Advocate, May 7, 1970
 

Posthumous Honors Due for Area Soldier

LOLITA--Mr. and Mrs. Otis Knoblock of Lolita have been notified by the office of the Adjutant General in Washington that their son, Glen Knoblock, has been promoted posthumously to the permanent rank of Corporal.

In addition, he has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroism, the Purple Heart, Good conduct Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge. Prior to his death, he had been awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Expert Badge with rifle bar.

Presentation of these awards will be made to his parents by a representative of the Commanding General, Fourth Army.

The Department of the Army told Knoblock's parents that the platoon of which he was a member was returning from an operation 21 miles west of Tam Ky City, in Quang Tin Province, when attached by a hostile force. Knoblock was killed by a grenade which fell at his feet.

Victoria Advocate, July 22, 1970
 

Bertie Nora Simmons Knoblock

EDNA - Bertie Nora Simmons Knoblock, 93 of Edna passed away on Monday, March 7, 2016. Bertie was born on February 2, 1923 to A. C. E. and Hattie Stephens Simmons in Edna, Texas. Bertie lived and worked in Jackson County most of her life. She graduated from Ganado High School and then went on to attend Durham Business College where she graduated with a degree in business. She was a member of Lolita Ladies VFW, she worked for Alcoa for 5 years, then worked for PCN Railroad as a clerk and then as an agent for 25 years. Bertie married Otis Knoblock, and together they had three children.

Bertie is survived by her daughter; Sandra Childers of Blessing, Texas and her son; Otis Ray Knoblock of Bryan, Texas, as well as six grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bertie is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her son Glen Lester Knoblock, four sisters, and six brothers.

There will be a celebration of life graveside service on Friday, March 11, 2016 at 10:00 am at Ganado Cemetery, with her grandson Korey Davis officiating.

Services have been entrusted to Russell Todish of Slavik-Edna Funeral Home, 209 N. Allen St. Edna, TX 77957 361-782-2152.

Victoria Advocate, May 9, 2016
 

Otis Knoblock

Otis Knoblock, 77, of Victoria, formerly of Lolita and Anderson, Ind., died Friday, July 31, 1992.

Mr. Knoblock was born Nov. 11, 1914, in Daleville, Ind. to the late Lewis and Gertie Patterson Knoblock. He and his wife Birdie were married on April 15, 1943, at the Fort Crockett Chapel in Galveston. He was a World War II veteran of the U. S. Army receiving the FAME ribbon with three bronze stars and the American defense service medal and served in Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 166 and retired in 1976 from Alcoa Aluminum Company.

Survivors: wife, Birdie Knoblock; daughter, Sandra Rutherford of Blessing; son, Ray Knoblock of College Station; sisters, Rose Mary Roland and Norma Jean Arnold, both of Anderson, Ind.; brothers, Dan Knoblock, Eugene Knoblock and William Knoblock, all of Anderson, Ind.; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by parents: and a son, Cpl. Glen Knoblock on April 30, 1970 while serving in Viet Nam.

Services 3 p. m. Sunday at the Ganado Funeral Home chapel, the Rev. Paul Lynn, pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Ganado officiating.

Burial in Ganado Cemetery, Ganado Funeral Home, Ganado, 771-2120.

Victoria Advocate, August 1, 1992
 

2ND PLT, D CO, 1ST BN, 6TH INFANTRY, 198TH INFANTRY BDE, AMERICAL DIV, USARV

Purple Heart	National Defense Service Medal	Vietnam Service Medal	Vietnam Campaign Medal

Find A Grave           James Maresh
 

Jackson County Counts Seventh War Casualty

LOLITA--Mr. and Mrs. Edwin J. Maresh, Lolita, have been notified that their son, Spec. 4 James Anthony "Tony" Maresh, 21, was killed in action in Vietnam on Sept. 3. Maresh was the seventh serviceman from Jackson County to lose his life in the Vietnam war.

The parents were notified Sunday night by an Army captain from Houston. They have not yet learned the location or circumstances, only that their son was killed during action with hostile forces on that date.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete, pending arrival of the body, and will be announced by Psencik Funeral Home in Ganado.

Maresh was born Aug. 23, 1950 at Lolita, and was an athlete at Industrial High School, where he graduated in 1969. He entered the Army that same year and took basic training at Fort Polk, La. He had been in Vietnam eight months, serving with an infantry unit.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, are four brothers, Edwin Jr., David Wayne, Michael and Scott; and two sisters, Brenda Joyce and Susan Maresh

Victoria Advocate, September 8, 1971
 

James A. Maresh

GANADO--Funeral services for Spec. 4 James Anthony "Tony" Maresh, 21, of Lolita, who was killed in action Sept. 3 in Vietnam, will be held at 1:45 p. m. Sunday at Psencik Funeral Home Chapel, and at 2 p. m. at Assumption Catholic Church in Ganado.

The Rev. Michael O'Shaughnessy of Yoakum will officiate, with burial in Ganado Catholic Cemetery with full military honors.

The body is expected to arrive Friday afternoon. Rosary will be recited at 6 p. m Saturday at the funeral home.

Maresh, who was Jackson County's seventh war victim, was born Aug. 23, 1950, in Ganado.

Survivors include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin J. Maresh, of Lolita; four brothers, Edwin Joe of Edna, David of Laredo, Michael of Lolita and Scott of Lolita; two sisters, Brenda and Suzane Maresh, both of Lolita; and grandparents, Mrs. Annie Maresh of Ganado, Mrs. Betty Baker of Edna, and W. L. Baker of Alice

Victoria Advocate September 10, 1971 p 13
 

Melva Maresh

Melva Louise Maresh, of Lolita, Texas, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 12, 2018, at the age of 90. She was born in Ganado on Jan. 13, 1928, to the late William Lorin Baker and Betty Dru Wells Baker.

Melva is survived by her daughters, Brenda Maresh Rose, Suzanne Maresh Matak and husband Willie; sons, Edwin Joe Maresh III, and wife Brenda Jo, David Wayne Maresh and wife Rosie, Michael Maresh and wife Brenda, and Scott Maresh and wife Liz; sisters, Helen Fletcher, Virginia Calder; 13 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and best friend, Betty Hendry.

Melva worked at Sears, Circle R Drive In, sold Avon, and she was loved by everyone. She had many great qualities about her. A few of them were working in her flowerbeds, her funny sense of humor, cooking for all of her family, she also loved to read and write poetry.

Melva is gone but never forgotten by her loving daughters, sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, sisters, nieces, nephews and numerous extended family.

In addition to her parents Melva is preceded in death by her husband; Edwin Joe Maresh; son, James Anthony “Tony” Maresh; sisters, Ethel Mosley and Betty Ann Carroll; brothers, Gene Baker and Billy Baker.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 15, 2018, from 1-2 P.M. with a Funeral Service to begin at 2:00 P.M., in the Oaklawn Funeral Home Chapel in Edna. Burial will follow in the Red Bluff Cemetery in Lolita. Reverend Jack Hutson will be officiating.

Pallbearers will be Bowen Rose, James Smith, Tyler Maresh, Donald Barfield, Ray Young, and David Stewart. Honorary pallbearers are Tony Maresh, Wade Maresh, and all of Melva’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna. 361-782-2221.

Jackson County News, July 18, 2018
 

Edwin Joe Maresh
January 6, 1923 - October 8, 1977

LOLITA--Funeral services will be held Monday in Edna for Edwin Joe Maresh, 54, who was born Jan. 6, 1923 at Ganado and formerly was an Alcoa employee.

The services are set for 2 p. m. Monday at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Edna with the Rev. Joe Hubner officiating. Burial will be in Ganado Catholic Cemetery under direction of Slavik Funeral Home of Edna. Pallbearers will be Donald Barfield, Ed Koker, Larry Buchanan, Gene Schumaker, Jim Phillips and Jodie Petrash.

Surviving are two daughters, Suzanne of Lolita and Brenda of Edna; four sons, Michael and Scott of Lolita and Edwin Joe and David of Edna; three sisters, Agnes Kresta and Julie Janecka of Ganado and Evelyn Rcik of Louise; two brothers, Marcell of Edna and Albert of  Point Comfort; and by three grandchildren.

Victoria Advocate, October 10, 1977
 

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