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Cemetery & Obituary Index |
| A | BA-BI | BO | BR-BY | CA-CE | CH-CY | D | E | F | GA-GE | GI-GU |
| HA-HE | HI-HY | I-J | KA-KE | KL-KU | LA-LAU | LAX-LU | MC | MA-MIL | MIS-MU | N-O |
| P-Q | RA-RI | RO-RU | SA-SC | SE-STE | STO-SU | T | U-V | WA-WH | WI-WO | Y-Z |
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Lee Layden Ulbricht, of Edna, Texas, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, at the age of 70. She was born in Houston, Texas on December 4, 1947, to the late Peter John Layden and Ruth Delores Lee Layden. Lee was a retired school teacher. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who will be greatly missed. Lee is survived by her husband, Willard Ulbricht; sons, Will and Lisa Ulbricht, P.J. Ulbricht, Adam and Merrill Ulbricht; sisters, Lou Egg and Kim Pelham; grandchildren, Trace and Cort Ulbricht, Ella Ulbricht, Harrison, Hayes, and Hattie Ulbricht; along with nieces and nephews. Lee is preceded in death by her parents. A funeral Mass will begin at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 21, in the St. Agnes Catholic Church of Edna. Rev. Michael Petering will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations may be sent to Susan G. Komen Dept.41831, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, Texas 75265. Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna. 361-782-2221.
Jackson County Herald,
November 21 & 28, 2018 |
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Betty Josephine Koop Unger, 84, of Edna, passed away Thursday,
Feb. 2, 2012. She was born Oct. 13, 1927 in Karnes City to the
late William A. and Josephine Blaise Koop. Betty was a
homemaker. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandma. She was
strong in her faith, and was a member of
Betty is survived by daughters, Donna Holm, of Farmers Branch,
Marsha and husband Billy Vaughan,
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Simon Unger;
brother, William (Bill) Koop; sister, Visitation was Feb. 3 at the Slavik Funeral Home in Edna. Services were Feb. 4, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church with Pastor Paul Kaiser officiating. Interment followed in the Memory Gardens Cemetery. Pallbearers were Mike Unger, Lance Smiga, Jeff Sughrue, Chad Holm, Matt Vaughan, Ryan Vaughan, and Quintin Kirk. The family requests that donations be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Edna. Arrangements under the direction of Slavik Funeral Home, Edna, 782-2152.
Jackson County Herald-Tribune,
February 8, 2012 |
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Charles Allen Unger, of Edna, went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 5, 2021, at the age of 73. He was born in Premont, Texas on November 26, 1947 to the late Simon Harrison Unger and Betty Koop Unger. He grew up in Edna, Texas and graduated from Edna High School in 1966. He attended the University of Houston, met the love of his life Sherri Reed Unger and married on March 8, 1969. He enjoyed a lifelong career as a gas compression specialist. This career took him too many interesting places around the world. Along the way he made and continued friendships with many close friends that he cherished. And oh the stories they would tell. Charles loved nothing more than spending time with his family camping, water skiing, playing washers and cornhole. It was a simple, yet wonderful life filled with loving memories. He will forever be known as a loving husband and best friend, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and the fun uncle. The great-grandfather title was one he was newest at and he loved his times playing with her. Charles was a big man with a big laugh, and a big heart. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Sherri, along with their son Mike Unger (Kim), grandchildren, Taylor Unger (Mark Rojas) and Rhiannon Unger, great granddaughter Malleaha Brooke Rojas and great grandson coming in April Elijah James-Allen Unger, sisters Marsha Vaughan (Billy), Sandra Smiga (Kenneth), and Jeannie Owens (Ray), numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and cousins. Charles is preceded in death by his parents, beloved son Todd Allen Unger, sister Donna Holm, niece Wendy Smiga Kirk and cherished mother-in-law and father-in-law John Lloyd and Orenell Eileen Reed. Pallbearers are Todd Hicks, Brian Borchardt, Marvin Nelson, Lance Smiga, Clif Sears, Allen Hastings. Honarary pallbearers are his Cherished Gas Compression Family. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm, with the Funeral service beginning at 1:00 pm, in the Oaklawn Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Robert Krause officiating the funeral service. The burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Edna with Reverend Paul Kaiser officiating the graveside service. In lieu of Flowers, Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Edna, 309 Cottonwood St., Edna, Texas 77957 or Saint Paul Lutheran Church, 108 East Gayle St., Edna, Texas 77957.
Jackson County Herald–Tribune, March
3, 2021 |
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Edna—Todd Allen Unger, 18, of Edna died Friday, Dec. 10, 1993. He was born July 8, 1975, in Houston to Charles Allen and Sherri Reed Unger of Edna. He was a graduate of Edna High School and attended his first year of college in Uvalde. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Edna and past member of FFA at Edna High School. Survivors: parents; and brother, Michael Reed Unger of Victoria. Services: 3 p. m. Wednesday, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Edna, the Rev. Lewis Wunderlich officiating. Burial: Memory Gardens Cemetery of Edna, Slavik Funeral Home, Edna, 782-2152. Pallbearers: Allen Hastings, Drake Pate, H. S. “Sandy” Maxwell, Brian Hyden, Danny Koop and Mike Fojtik. Memorials: St. Paul Lutheran Church or Christian Youth Organization of donor’s choice.
Victoria Advocate, December 14, 1993 |
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Edna—Anna Upchurch, 90, of Edna, died Friday, Feb. 19, 1993. She was born Dec. 13, 1902 in Edna to the late Joseph and Agnes Teuber Volkmer. She was married in 1949 and was a homemaker. She owned Edna Bakery and retired from the business in 1947. She was a charter member of the Catholic Daughters of America and a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Edna. Survivors include; sister, Louise Girndt of Edna. Preceded in death by: husband, Ferrel S. Upchurch, April 18, 1952, and brothers, Frank Volkmer, Joe Volkmer and Fritz Volkmer. Rosary: 8 p. m. today at Slavik Funeral Home chapel. Services: 2 p. m. Sunday at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Edna, the Rev. Michael O’Shaughnessy officiating. Burial: Memory Gardens of Edna. Pallbearers: Warren Volkmer, Frank Volkmer, Doug Marek, Joel Webb, Tom Blake and Robert Volkmer. Honorary pallbearers: Bruce Wright, Charles Slavik, Donnie Batterton and Dr. Giles W. Willis. Memorials: Donor’s choice. Slavik Funeral Home, Edna, 782-2152.
Victoria Advocate, February 20, 1993 |
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Mrs. Cora Bell Upchurch, a pioneer resident of South Texas, passed away at her home in Edna Tuesday night following a heart attack. While her death came suddenly, she had been in poor health for the past year or two. The funeral was held at 1:00 p.m. today at the Hevelka Funeral Home, and was conducted by Rev. Frank Hollan, pastor of the Red Bluff Baptist Church. Interment was made in the Hallettsville Cemetery. Mrs. Upchurch was born in Lavaca County November 6, 1865, and her maiden name was Cora Bell Kelley, being a member of a prominent pioneer family of that section. She moved to Edna in 1928 and since that time had made her home here with her son, Mr. Ferrell Upchurch. She was more or less a home body and lived close to her home and family, yet she made a large circle of friends among our people, and her death brought sorrow to many hearts. This good woman is survived by the following children: Mrs. Berdie Johnston of San Antonio, Mrs. Zee Upchurch of Houston, Mrs. Johnnie Flournoy of Bay City, and Messrs. Ed Smothers of Edna, Kelly Smothers, Step Smothers, Tommy Upchurch and Carl Upchurch of Houston and Ferrell Upchurch (Jr.) of Edna. The Herald joins the other friends of the family in extending sympathy in their hour of sorrow. Staples, H. K. Edna Weekly Herald (Edna, Tex.), Vol. 39, No. 27, Ed. 1 Thursday, May 16, 1946, newspaper, May 16, 1946, page 1.
Courtesy of Heather Jennings |
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Numerous relatives and friends attended the services Sunday at 2:30 o’clock for Ferrel Smothers Upchurch, 46, well known Edna barber, who died suddenly at his home at 401 North Ed Linn St. last Friday night. He had been in declining health for some time. However, he had been in his shop all day Friday and had visited with friends early that night. Rev. Frank Hollan, pastor of the Red Bluff Baptist Church, officiated at the services from Slavik Funeral Home. Burial was in the Edna Cemetery. Pallbearers were Warren Volkmer, A. J. Sowders, Ed Partridge, Ernest Crabb, John DeVille and Bill Gloor. There were many beautiful floral tributes. Mr. Upchurch was born in Lavaca County on January 3, 1906, a son of the late Thomas and Cora Kelly Upchurch. He moved to Jackson County 26 years ago. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Anna Upchurch, and the following brothers and sisters, Mrs. Birdie Johnston of San Antonio, Ed Smothers of Morales, Kelly Smothers, Stepp Smothers and Carl Upchurch of Houston, Mrs. Emmitt Upchurch and Mrs. Tony Upchurch of Almeda, Mrs. Milam Flournoy of Bay City, Mrs. Cora Lampley and Mrs. Ethel Terry of Yoakum and Mrs. Katy Mixon of Kenedy.
Edna Herald,
April 24, 1952 |
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On September 14, 1941 James Louis Utesey was born to Odes and Rosie Utesey of Edna, Texas. He was the older of two children. Growing up in Edna, James loved the outdoors and working on anything that had an engine. Hunting, fishing and gardening were just a few of his many passions. James did many, many jobs in his lifetime but is most famously known as "The Water Well Man". James and his late wife, Shirley, created J&S Water Well Service in 1971, a business that lasted until the day of his death, Sept. 5, 2018. On December 19th, 1970, James married Shirley Richmon, the love of his life. She passed away on April 30th, 2018. James deeply mourned her passing and longed for the day he would be reunited with her. James is survived by two children, Betty "Sissy" Valchar (Terry) and Alisa Jones (Ryan) ,both of Victoria; sister, Shirley Odell (Harry) of Edna; two beloved sisters-in-law, Deanna Mccue of Victoria and Oleen Cook of Port Lavaca. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, John and Anna Deluna, Quinton, Jordan, Kaden, Vallery, and Victor Jones and 5 great-grandchildren, the last of which was born just two hours before he passed away. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews. He affected them all in so many positive ways in only the way that a man as unique as James could. James lived a full life, doing many things on his own terms and in his own way. He battled cancer three times and won three times. James leaves behind many great friends. He leaves us all with many smiles and many great memories. A memorial service was held on Thursday, Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. at Grace Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at Prosperity Bank c/o Alisa Jones to defray medical and funeral expenses. Cremation Services Entrusted to Victoria Mortuary & Cremation services, Inc. Victoria, Texas.
Jackson County Herald-Tribune, September 19, 2018 |
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Edna—Mrs. Mollie Utesey, 90, of Edna died Monday in a local rest home. Funeral services have been tentatively set for 10 a. m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church of Edna, under the direction of Jackson County Funeral Service. Mrs. Utesey was born Sept. 29, 1996 in Lavaca County. Surviving are two daughters, Alberta Polasek of Edna and Lee Aken of Houston; two sons, Sam Utesey of Edna and Rufus Utesey of Victoria; a sister, Berdie Herll of San Antonio; 16 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Victoria Advocate,
June 7, 1977 |
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Rosie Kneblick Utesey of Edna died peacefully Friday, August 11, just three days shy of her 91st birthday. She was born August 14, 1915 in Victoria County to the late John and Frances Kutchka Kneblick. She was known for her big beautiful vegetable garden and loved her milk cows. She could take a baby calf from near death and nurse it back to health. She often reminded her family of the difference between a need and a want and always made sure her family had what they needed. Rosie is survived by her daughter, Shirley Odell and husband Harry of Edna, son, James Utesey and wife Shirley of Victoria and brother Edmund “Sonny” Kneblick. Grandchildren include Alisa Utesey of Victoria, Sheri Odell Biggers of Lake Jackson and Chance Odell of Edna. Great grandchildren include Kaden Jones and Haley Biggers. She was preceded in death by her husband, Odes Utesey, her parents, sister Julia Kneblick, brother Phillup Kneblick, and beloved sister-in-law Alberta Polasek. Visitation will be 5-7 Monday at Slavik Funeral Home Chapel. A rosary will be recited at 9:30 a. m. Tuesday at the chapel. Services will be 10 a. m. Tuesday at Slavik Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at Memory Gardens of Edna, Slavik Funeral Home 361-782-2152. Pallbearers will be Alvin Hilgart, Jesse Hernandez, Joe Neumann, Charles Kulow, David Sneed and James Odell. Honorary Pallbearers will be Lessie Gipson, Jeremy Biggers, Jason Thompson, and Dennis Quarles.
Memorials may be made to Brackenridge Plantation in Edna or the
Edna |
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Edna—Funeral services for Samuel Cee Utesey, 63, of Edna, who died Tuesday, will be held at 2 p. m. Thursday at the Slavik Funeral Home chapel in Edna. The Rev. Joe Webb, pastor of First Baptist Church of Edna, will officiate. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens of Edna. Pallbearers will be C. D. Kornegay, Allen Novian, Dennis Quarles, Larry Raybon, Harvey Reynolds and William Yendrey. Honorary pallbearers will be Victor Billings, Bill Bischoff, Chester Borzozowske, C. R. Hicks, Douglas Hicks, Henry Hopes, Phillip Knebleck, Louis Pagel, B. T. Washington and Dr. Marshall Wiener. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn of Edna; a daughter, Mrs. Joyce McPherson of Edna; two sons, Carlton Van and Sammie Wayne Utesey, both of Edna; two sisters, Mrs. Chloilee Akins of Houston and Mrs. Alberta Polasek of Edna; and two grandchildren.
Victoria Advocate,
July 19, 1964 |
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Edna—Andrew S. Utz, 81, of Edna died Tuesday, Sept. 26, 1995. He was born March 6, 1914, in Victoria County to the late Daniel and Mary Debault Utz. He was a farmer and rancher. Mr. Utz was a Baptist. Survivors: wife, Verdella Utz; daughter, Barbara Ann Utz Brown of Cuero; sons, Donald Utz of Edna and Richard Utz of El Campo; sister, Rhoda Carroll of Edna; brother, Daniel Utz of Edna and Walter Lee Utz of Morales and four grandchildren. Services will be held at 10 a. m. Thursday at Slavik Funeral Home chapel, the Rev. Joe Rubak officiating. Burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Slavik Funeral Home, Edna, (800) 214-2152. Pallbearers: Arthur Ray Seicko, John Crabb, Leon Jansky, T. K. Anderson, Michael Carroll, Larry Carroll and Wayne Crabb
Victoria Advocate,
September 27, 1995 |
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Edna—Daniel E. “B. I.” Utz, age 89, passed away Friday, March 14, 2008. He was born Jan. 6, 1919, to Daniel D. and Mary I. Utz. “B. I. served his county in the United States Army during World War II. He was a P. O. W. and a Purple Heart recipient. After returning from the war, he made his living farming and ranching. He was a member of the Morales Baptist Church. B. I. is survived by his wife of 62 years, Erna; son, Morris and wife Sherri; daughters, Diann Cottrell and husband James, and Linda Utz; grandchildren, Shane Cottrell, Jason Utz and wife Janeen, Brandy Cottrell and great-granddaughter Haylee Nicole, Justin Utz and wife Kari, Cassy Utz and Ryan Utz. He was preceded in death by his son, Randy Utz; father, Daniel Utz; mother, Mary Utz; sisters, Lilly Mae Gates and Rhoda Carroll; and brothers, Willie, Andrew and Walter. Funeral services will be held at 3 p. m., Sunday, March 16, 2008, at Slavik Funeral Home in Edna. Burial will be at Memory Gardens of Edna. Pallbearers are Shane Cottrell, Jason Utz, Justin Utz, Ryan Utz, James Cottrell and Billy Gates. Slavik Funeral Home, Edna, 361-782-2152.
Victoria Advocate,
March 16, 2008 |
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Edna—Erna Corrine Utz, age 79, passed away Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008. She was born Jan. 16, 1929, to Thomas Alvin and Lula Chivers Thomas. She was a member of Morales Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Daniel Edward “B. I.” Utz; son, Randy Utz; father, Alvin Thomas; mother, Lula Thomas; and brothers, A. T. Thomas, Travis Thomas, and John Thomas. She is survived by her son, Morris and wife Sherri Utz; daughters, Diann Cottrell and husband James, and Linda Utz; grandchildren, Shane Cottrell, Jason Utz and wife Janeen, Brandy Cottrell and great-granddaughter Haylee Nicole, Justin Utz and wife Kari, Cassy Utz, and Ryan Utz; sister, Alice Reynolds; and stepmother, Carrie Crawford. Visitation will be held from 6 – 8 p. m. today, Nov. 5, at Slavik Funeral Home in Edna. Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008 at the Memory Gardens of Edna. The services will be conducted by Brother J. V. Helms. Pallbearers are Shane Cottrell, Jason Utz, Justin Utz, Ryan Utz, Lynn Utz, and Glenn Hermes. Slavik Funeral Home, Edna, 361-782-2152.
Victoria Advocate,
November 6, 2008 |
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Edna—Lucille Airhart Utz, 86, of Edna, went home to be with the Lord and her loving husband, Skeeter, on April 25, 2008. She was born Nov. 23, 1921, in Yoakum, to Earl and Ethel Quarles Airhart, but came to Jackson County at the age of four months. She attended and graduated from Blair School north of Edna. On Sept. 13, 1947, she married Walter Lee “Skeeter” Utz in Hallettsville. They resided most of their married life in the Morales Community. She was a dedicated housewife as well as being an active partner in their farming and ranching operation. She was an early member of the Morales Baptist Church. She was a lifetime member of the Morales Home Demonstration Club and for many years was a mainstay in the Morales Frito Pie Fundraiser Supper. She was a loving person and was always helping to take care of relatives and friends as well as being “Aunt Lucy” to many of the young people who grew up in the Morales Community. Survivors: son, Lynn and wife Anna, of Edna; brothers, James Airhart and wife Geneva of Edna; grandson, Joel Utz and wife Tracie of Plano; grandson, Todd and wife Joanna of Victoria; two great-grandchildren, Deanna and Billy Utz of Plano; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by: husband, Walter “Skeeter” Utz; parents, Earl and Ethel Airhart; sister, Mildred Singleton; and infant brother, Roy Earl Airhart. Family visitation will be from 6-8 p. m. today at Slavik Funeral Home in Edna. Services will be held at 10 a. m. Monday, April 28, 2008 at Slavik Funeral Home with the Rev. Jack Hutton officiating. Burial will be in Memory Gardens of Edna. Pallbearers: Chad Airhart, Justin Airhart, Larry Braddock, Dennis Quarles, Morris Utz, and Richard Utz. Memorials: Bluebonnet Youth Ranch, Brackenridge Events Center, or donor’s choice. Slavik Funeral Home, 209 N. Allen St., Edna, 361-782-2152.
Victoria Advocate,
April 27, 2008 |
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Edna—Funeral services for Mrs. Mary I. Utz, 84, of Morales will be held at 3 p. m. Thursday from the Morales Baptist Church, with the Rev. William J. Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the Edna Cemetery, under direction of Slavik Funeral Home. Morris, Lynn and Donald Utz, Ronnie and Billy Gates, and Wayne Carroll, all grandsons, will serve as pallbearers. Mrs. Utz was born Oct. 13, 1887 in Sublime, and had lived in this county since 1919. A member of the Morales Baptist Church, she died Tuesday at her residence in Morales. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Lillie Mae Gates and Mrs. Rhoda Carroll, both of Edna; four sons, Willie, Andrew, Daniel and Walter, all of Edna; a sister, Miss Augusta Debault of Yoakum; two brothers, Bill and Emil Debault of Yoakum; 22 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Victoria Advocate,
March 30, 1972 |
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Randy Alvin Utz of Edna passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2006. Born on June 23, 1954 to Daniel and Erna Utz he was 52. Randy was a welder by trade, but a Cowboy at heart. He is survived by his parents, children, Cassy Utz of Round Rock and Ryan Utz of Pflugerville; brother, Morris Utz of Edna, sisters, Diann Cottrell of Richmond and Linda Utz of Rosenberg; nieces and nephews, Diann Cottrell, Brandy Cottrell & Haylee, Jason and Justin Utz. Graveside funeral services will be held at 10:00 A. M. Saturday, August 19, 2006 at Memory Gardens of Edna. Brother J. V. Helms officiating. Pallbearers, James Cottrell, Shane Cottrell, Justin Utz, Richard Utz, Lynn Utz, James Koop. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Brackenridge Recreational Complex.
Victoria Advocate,
August 19, 2006 |
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Edna—Verdella Hattie Schuenemann Utz, 70, of Edna, died Friday, Aug. 14, 1998. She was born Jan. 9, 1928, in Nordheim, to the late August and Matilda Ormond Schuenemann. She was a beautician and was a member of Morales Baptist Church and Home Demonstration Club. Survivors: daughter, Barbara Brown of Cuero; sons, Richard Utz of El Campo and Donald Utz of Morales; sister, Betty Tumlinson of Conroe; brothers, Herbert Schuenemann of Orange Grove and Ernest Schuenemann of Florida; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by: husband, Andrew Utz. Services will be 10 a. m. Monday at Slavik Funeral Home chapel, the Rev. Joe Wes Rubac officiating. Burial will be at Memory Gardens of Edna. Slavik Funeral Home, Edna, 782-2152. Pallbearers: Arthur Ray Siecko, David James, Leon Jansky, Brent New, Tommy Srp and Leon Whitley. Honorary pallbearers: David Brown, Kristopher Utz, Steven Utz and Michele Hudson.
Victoria Advocate,
August 16 & 17, 1998 |
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Walter Lee “Skeeter” Utz, 79, of Edna, rode off into the sunset to be with the Lord on March 4, 2006 after years of struggling with diabetes. He was born Sept. 8, 1926 in Morales, Texas to Daniel and Mary DeBault Utz. He attended Morales Schools. He served in the Marine Corps during the end of WWII. On Sept. 13, 1947 he married Lucille Airhart in Hallettsville, Texas. He was a respected rice farmer; and a cattle rancher in Jackson County all his life. He loved to work cattle, train horses, work his cow dogs, hunt, play dominos and tell cowboy and hunting stories. He worked hard but he also played hard. To all that knew him he was a generous and loving person especially to his family, friends, and the many young people of the Morales area. He was a member of the Morales Baptist Church. Survivors; wife, Lucille; son, Lynn and his wife Anna of Edna; brother Daniel E. Utz of Edna; grandson, Joel Utz and his wife Tracie of Plano; grandson, Todd Utz of Victoria; two great grandchildren, Deanna and Billy of Plano; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by: parents, Daniel and Mary Utz; sister, Lillie Mae Gates; brother, Willie Utz; brother, Andrew Utz; and sister, Rhoda Carroll. Family visitation will be Sunday, March 5, 2006 from 5 to 7 p. m. at Slavik Funeral Home with Rev. Jack Hutson officiating. Burial will be in Memory Gardens at Edna. Memorials to the Brackenridge Complex Event Center Fund, Bluebonnet Youth Ranch, or donors choice. Pallbearers: Larry Braddock, Justin Airhart, Jason Utz, Justin Utz, Richard Utz, Billy Gates, Jon Poole, Leonard Steffek.
Victoria Advocate,
March 5 & 6, 2006 |
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Walter Lynn Utz was born September 15, 1948, in El Campo, TX and was the only child of Walter Lee “Skeeter” Utz and Lucille Airhart Utz. He grew up in Morales and attended Edna schools. He was a proud member of the Edna Cowboys Football team that reached the State Finals in 1965. Lynn graduated from Texas A&I University in Kingsville with a degree in Agriculture Education. He met Anna Collamore on a blind date to the Annual A&I Rodeo and began a partnership that lasted 56 years. They married on August 30, 1968. Lynn climbed off a rice combine to go to Pleasanton to get married. Everyone around them said it would not last because they were children, but boy were they wrong! Lynn’s first teaching job was in Runge. During this time, their first son Joel was born. In 1973, Lynn took a job in Bloomington. This began a long association with the Victoria County Livestock Show. He spent many nights in that show barn watching over his students’ animals. He started a livestock judging contest the grew to be “The One” that was the kickoff to the spring livestock judging season. Teams came from all over South Texas to participate. It was during this time; his second son Todd was born. In 1979, Lynn moved on down the road to Industrial where he found his home as part of the “Industrial Family”. IYKYK He continued to train prize winning livestock judging teams. Highlights included placing second at the Texas FFA State Livestock Judging Contest and qualifying to go to the National Western Livestock Show in Denver, CO, and bringing home lots of banners and ribbons. Joel won the Houston Livestock Show Judging Contest as a Junior and won a scramble heifer certificate which began our journey into showing Charolais cattle and Todd’s team placed 3rd at the Texas FFA State Judging Contest. Because Industrial ISD is in both Victoria and Jackson Counties, Lynn continued with the Victoria Livestock Show and added the JCYF, the Jackson County Youth Fair. His students were very successful, including his own boys winning Grand Champion Lamb multiple times. He and Dee Darilek worked together to increase community participation for the auction at the JCYF. Totals went from $60,000 to over $1,000,000 in recent years. Needless to say, that was one of his crowning achievements. A few years ago, Lynn turned the Auction Chairman title to Justin Bonnot but continued to work behind the scenes to ensure a smooth and profitable auction for all. Lynn was the Chairman of the Jackson County Beef Cattle Committee and President of the Jackson County Cattle Raisers Association. With his leadership and tireless efforts, they have given out over $45,000 in scholarships to the youth of Jackson County. In 2000, he retired from teaching and took over the daily operations of the family ranch in Morales. Cattle, hay, tractors, and hunting occupied his time until the very end. Lynn took pride in the quality of calves he took to the local auction rings. After much experimentation, he found the magic formula for quality feeder calves in Jackson County. He crossed high quality Beefmaster cows with Charolais bulls. When his calves hit the sale ring, the buyers immediately recognized the quality and paid a premium price. While doing all this ranch work, he rediscovered his passion for woodworking and began to make outdoor furniture for sale. He had always made wedding signs for former students, friends and family but he took it a step further and started selling furniture. Many of us are blessed to have one of his pieces in our backyards, porches, or outdoor living areas. His grandchildren were the shining spot in his life. He attended many a 4H Shooting Sports competition for Deanna and William and delighted in every bullseye. He paid them a “bounty” for every pig silhouette they knocked down. They both earned some big buck and more than once Papa had to write a check because he didn’t bring enough cash that day. When Hannah and Emma began activities, he went to soccer matches and dance recitals, which was something totally new for him. When the girls started showing an interest in shooting, he made sure they had everything they needed to learn how to shoot. He delighted in their achievements and desire to learn to get better. Lynn was very proud of where he came from and loved Jackson County. From growing up a Cowboy and retiring as a Cobra, he touched hundreds of young lives and families was proud of all of their accomplishments as adults. Lynn Is survived by his wife, Anna, his sons Joel (Tracie) and Todd (Joanna). He is also survived by his grandchildren Deanna (Erik), William, Hannah, and Emma. He is also survived by many extended family members and countless students and their families. The family will receive visitors on Monday November 25, 2024, at 10:00am at First United Methodist Church in Edna with a funeral mass beginning at 11:00 am. Pallbearers will be Jason Utz, Justin Utz, Shane Siecko, Justin Airhart, Chad Airhart, Rusty Johnson, J.P. Strickland, Ryan Utz, and Jeremy Kretser. Memorials can be made to Dornburg Center-Hospice of South Texas, First United Methodist Church, or donor's choice. Lynn’s family thanks everyone for their prayers, their presence, and their love during this time. Special thanks to the nurses on the 3rd floor of Detar Hospital, his great doctors, and the staff at Dornburg Center-Hospice of South Texas. Services have been entrusted to the Todish family of Slavik & Ganado Funeral Homes.
Slavik Funeral Home |
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Edna—Willie John Utz, 73, of Edna, died Tuesday at his residence following a long illness. Born April 21, 1912, in DeWitt County to Daniel D. and Mary Inez Utz, he was a farmer and rancher and a member of the Morales Baptist Church. He was a veteran of World War II in the U. S. Army. Funeral services will be held at 3 p. m. Thursday at Slavik Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. William Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Edna under the direction of Slavik Funeral Home. Surviving are a sister, Rhoda Carroll of Edna; and three brothers, Andrew, Daniel and Walter Utz, all of Edna. Pallbearers will be Morris, Randy, Richard and Lynn Tuz and Ronnie and Danny Gates. Honorary pallbearers will be Everett and Wayne Carroll and Donald and Billy Gates. In lieu of usual remembrances, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society or to the donor’s charity of choice.
Victoria Advocate,
July 17 & 18, 1985 |
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Mrs. W. A. Utzman, prominent Edna woman, died at 2 p. m. Wednesday in the Caney Valley Hospital at Wharton. She had been a resident of Edna about 30 years. Funeral arrangements have not been announced. Her husband was in business here for many years prior to his death a few years ago. A more extended mention of Mrs. Utzman’s death will appear next week. Edna Weekly Herald, March 29, 1951 [The April 5th issue, is not available.] Mr. W. A. Utzman Died Here Monday Monday evening, October 24, at his home in Edna, Mr. W. A. Utzman, a prominent business man of this city passed away following several months of illness. The funeral service was held at the Allen Memorial Presbyterian Church Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 o’clock, and was conducted by his pastor Rev. John J. Marse. The remains were laid to rest in the Edna Cemetery. The following were pallbearers: Messrs. Claudius Branch, Thad Rose, Otis Good, Virgil Miller, Oliver Parr and Louis Nagel. Winfield A. Utzman was born at Waterloo, N. Y., March 20, 1872, hence was 77 years and 7 months of age. Before coming to Edna in 1912, he was engaged in the mercantile business in Toledo and Freemont, Ohio. March 20, 1914, he was united in marriage to Miss Inez Galbraith of Toledo. Mr. and Mrs. Utzman came to Edna to make this their home. When he first located in our midst, Mr. Utzman engaged in farming and stock raising but for the past fifteen or twenty years he had conducted an appliance and service station business on Main street on the location of the new Faires Drug Company building. In fact, he occupied this site so long it was spoken of as the “Utz Corner.” A few months ago he moved his appliance business to the Ezzell building on East Main street. “Mr. Utz,” as a great host of friends called him, was a progressive and enterprising man. For many years he was active in Chamber of Commerce work and took a leading part in every movement that had for its purpose the improvement of our town and county. He personally financed several chamber of commerce projects that later proved a valuable asset to Edna. He was indeed a big hearted man; a man who was ever ready to lend a helping hand to a friend or the needy. During the first World War he was county chairman of the Red Cross and served in this capacity for several years after the close of the war. Mr. Utzman’s firm belief that there was oil in Jackson County led him to form a company for the purpose of drilling in the Edna area. And among Jackson County’s first wildcat wells was on the Calhoun-Lackey farm and was drilled by his company. Mr. Utzman was reared an Episcopalian, but after coming to Edna he became affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. He was a Knight Templar and a 33rd degree Mason and shriner. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Inez Utzman, and one brother, Mr. Franklin M. Utzman of San Angelo, California. The Herald joins the many other friends of the family in extending sympathy.
Edna Weekly Herald, October 27, 1949 |