Cedarvale  - Bay City Cemetery

Photos courtesy of Betty Crosby
 

George Pinckney Hardy          Mabel Leibold Hardy

Funeral Services For G. P. Hardy Sr., 67, Are Held Tuesday

Funeral services for G. P. Hardy Sr., 67, were held at the First Baptist Church here Tuesday afternoon with burial in the Cedarvale Cemetery.

Mr. Hardy, vice-president and director of the Bay City Bank & Trust Company, collapsed in the bank Monday morning while discussing business with another official, L. B. Luder, when he was stricken. He died immediately.

Mr. Hardy was the father of Judge G. P. Hardy Jr. of the 130^th District Court.

Survivors are his widow, Mrs. Mabel Hardy; his son, Judge Hardy; one sister, Mrs. Lila Horn; four grandchildren, all of Bay City. He was a native of Old Waverly in Walker County and was the son of John Calhoun Hardy, pioneer of the pre-Civil War period.

Taylor Brothers Funeral home was in charge of the arrangements.

Matagorda County Tribune, September 22, 1949
 

Susie Cunningham Hardy

Susie Lou Cunningham Harvey

Susie Lou Cunningham Harvey, 66, of Bay City died March 19 at the Hermann Hospital in Houston. Survivors include: husband, G. P. Hardy, Jr. of Bay City; 4 daughters, Patricia Sue Townsend and Susie Lou Phillips of Bay City, Timothy Ann Sloan of Odessa, and Melinda Jane Horn of Houston; son, G. P. Hardy III of Houston; sister, Minerva Blackman of Longview; brother, Wm. Cunningham of Austin; 13 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held March 21 at 2:30 p. m. at the First Baptist Church with Rev. W. D. Baker officiating. Interment will be at the Cedarvale Cemetery with pallbearers being: Allen Townsend, Dave Sloan, William Townsend, Todd Sloan, Hayes Horn, W. T. Phillips. Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross and the Heart Association. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

Civic Leader Leaves Testimonials Of Service

Funeral services for Mrs. Sue Cunningham Hardy, age 65, wife of District Judge G. P. Hardy, Jr., will be held Tuesday at 2:30 p. m., at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Wm. D. Baker officiating Interment will be in Cedarvale Cemetery.

Her death occurred Sunday morning in Hermann Hospital in Houston, following a lengthy illness. She had been a resident of Bay City since 1935.

Mrs. Hardy was born in Comanche, Texas, and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Aaron Cunningham. The family moved to Austin, and she graduated from Austin High School. After attending the University of Texas, she attended Oklahoma University, graduating with a degree in Fine Arts.

The judge and Mrs. Hardy were married May 31, 1935, while he was a law student at the University of Texas. After his graduation they came to Bay City, Judge Hardy’s hometown, and he set up a law office.

An outstanding citizen of Bay City of seemingly endless energy, she gave of her time and talents in many areas, with her main interest always centered in her closely-knit home and family.

In 1947 she was one of the original organizers of the Matagorda County Red Cross swimming program, spending several summers doing volunteer teaching of swimming classes. Judge Hardy joined her in successful efforts in initiating competitive swimming.

The general swimming and competitive programs have continued to grow from the very beginning, always with the quiet and unassuming interest and support of Mrs. Hardy in the background.

She served two terms as a member of the Bay City Independent School Board, from April 1951 to April 1958, the most ambitious years of the school building program.

During that time the old Jefferson Davis school building was torn down, the Pierce Elementary buildings were built, and also the High School Auditorium. Hilliard School was completely renovated, and cafeterias were added to all of the Bay City schools. Mrs. Hardy was chairman of the first cafeteria committee.

She was a member of the Eastern Star, serviced the Women’s Golf Association Club and throughout the school years of her children she served the P. T. A., The Band Parents, and as one of her daughters put it, “She was always someone’s room mother at school.”

Daily Tribune, March 20, 1978
 

Udo F. Helmecke          Susan R. Helmecke

U. F. Helmecke

Mr. U. F. Helmecke, a long time and highly respected citizen of Bay City, died at his home in this city, Wednesday evening at 10 o’clock, after a long illness brought on by cancer.

At the time of his death, Mr. Helmecke was 67 years, 4 months and 10 days of age. The funeral was held in Cedarvale Cemetery this afternoon at 4 o’clock.

He is survived by his wife and four sons and one daughter: George, Cotton “Skeet” and Bill Helmecke and Mrs. R. M. Gibson of Gulf.

Decedent came to Bay City a number of years ago and conducted a tin and sheet metal shop. He had many strong and loyal friends and was affable and kind to all.

Some few months ago the disease which attacked him became vicious and in spite of every effort to keep at work Mr. Helmecke was compelled to leave his shop some two months ago.

The Tribune extends its deepest sympathy for those left to mourn the loss of a kind husband and father.

Matagorda County Tribune, September 18, 1925
 

Thomas Stanford Hightower

T. S. Hightower Passes Away

Mr. T. S. Stan Hightower, age 82 years, 4 months and 11 days, died suddenly at the Franz Hotel last night. Mr. Hightower, a resident of this city for many years, had made a host of friends who are bereaved at his passing. He had been ill but not dangerously so and his death was a surprise to everyone. Just recently he was making his usual prediction on the height the water would reach at the river.

He is survived by three nieces, Mrs. H. L. B. Skinner and Mrs. Ethel Glithero of Columbus and Mrs. Mae Cookenboo of Houston.

Funeral services, under the direction of Walker-Matchett, will be held from the Walker-Matchett Funeral Home this afternoon at 4:30. Reverend Paul Engle will officiate. Interment will be in Cedarvale Cemetery.

Daily Tribune, August 2, 1978
 

Walter R. Horn          Lusetta G. Horn

W. R. “Dad” Horn

W. R. “Dad” Horn, for many years a resident and prosperous farmer of Matagorda county, died at his home in this city last night after an illness of many months, and was buried in Cedarvale cemetery this afternoon.

“Dad,” as he was affectionately called, was universally liked, and by his frank, open way of living and acting toward his fellowman gathered about himself many strong friendships. The news of his death will be received with sadness wherever he was known.

Decedent was just a few days past 76 years of age when death claimed him. He is survived by his widow and four sons, all of whom reside here. These are G. C., R.L., T. R., and W. R. Jr., all of whom were at the bedside when the end came.

Mr. Horn and his boys moved to Matagorda county from the great Northwest many years ago and began to grow rice. They rapidly became amongst the most successful and prominent rice growers in the belt.

The Tribune joins the many friends of the family in Bay City and throughout the county in extending the most profound sympathy to the bereaved ones.

Daily Tribune, Thursday, February 9, 1928

In Memory of W. R. Horn, Sr.

In the death of “Dad” Horn, Bay City and the community at large, loses one of the most honored and best loved citizens. Genial, generous and kind to all with whom he came in contact. His friends were numbered by the hundreds. He was born in Monroe county, Missouri, February 3, 1852, and on August 7, 1873, was married to Miss Lucetta Goodpasture at Lancaster, Mo.

They became the parents of ten children, nine of whom are still living, eight of these were in close attendance and with loving ministrations helped to soothe the last sad hours of life.

Mr. Horn was well known as a cattle trader in Missouri, Iowa, Illinois and the Chicago Stock Yards during the 90’s. In 1899 he and his family moved to Osage County, Oklahoma, where they engaged in raising corn and wheat until 1906. Then the state of Mrs. Horn’s health caused them to seek new territory and they came to Matagorda county where he and his sons, now grown to manhood, have been known for many years as among the most successful rice growers of the county. In 1921 again in search of a climate better suited to Mrs. Horn’s health, they went to Idaho, where the oldest son now resides. But of course, having once been a resident of this county, they could not but feel the call to return, so, for the past several years they have called Bay City their home.

Those who survive Mr. Horn and who have the sympathy of the entire community are his wife, seven sons and two daughters, namely: Mr. O. C. Horn of Parma, Idaho; Mrs. Artie Harbord, of Caney, Kan.; Messrs. Frank, Grover, Jim, John, W. R. Jr., and Ray Horn, and Mrs. Rose Watkins, all of Matagorda County.

On February 9, 1928 at 12:15 a. m., “Dad” received the summons to come on up higher. And at 4 o’clock he was laid to rest in Cedarvale cemetery whither he was followed by a large concourse of sorrowing friends and relatives. The floral offerings were most beautiful and profuse.

The service at the home was conducted by Dr. Storey in his usual impressive manner, after which the Odd Fellows, of which organization “Dad” had been a member for thirty-seven years, took charge and at the cemetery their beautiful and touching ceremony of burial was rendered

May his rest be sweet and peaceful.

A FRIEND.

Daily Tribune, February 11, 1928

Mrs. W. R. Horn – Lusetta Goodpasture Horn

Mrs. W. R. Horn, relict of W. R. Horn, Sr., prominent farmer and at one time county commissioner, died at the home of her son, Frank, Tuesday afternoon, age 79 years.

Mrs. Horn had been in poor health for a number of years, but of late appeared to be improving. Tuesday there was noticed no alarming symptoms as she went about her daily affairs as usual. Afternoon at about 2 o’clock she suddenly passed away.

More than a quarter of a century ago Mr. and Mrs. Horn and their six sons moved to this county from Idaho and engaged in rice farming, at which business they were unusually successful. Later on the family moved back to Idaho only to return here because of the health of the mother, which was better in this country.

After settling again in Matagorda county Mr. Frank Horn provided a home in the city for his widowed mother and surrounded her with every comfort. Her other sons also moved into the city and near her, making the family circle complete with the exception of the father.

Surviving this splendid woman and mother, are six sons, all of whom reside in Bay City. They are Frank, with whom the mother lived, Grover, J. H., W. R., Jr., John and Ray.

The funeral was held from the residence this afternoon at four o’clock with interment immediately thereafter in Cedarvale.

The Tribune joins the friends of the family in an expression of the deepest sympathy.

Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, October 1, 1936
 

Christine Johnson          Ed Johnson

Mrs. Ed Johnson Expires Monday; Services Tuesday

Services for Mrs. Ed (Christine) Johnson, 71, of 3200 Avenue F, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church, Dr. A. T. Dyal officiating. Burial will be at Cedarvale. Mrs. Johnson died at 3:30 a.m. Monday at Matagorda General Hospital. She had resided here for over 30 years.

Survivors are the husband, Ed Johnson, one daughter, Mrs. Marie Shaw of Bay City; two sons, Edgar of Bay City and Howard of West Columbia; four sisters, Mrs. Josephine Delane of Highlands, Mrs. Mary Horn of Bay City, Mrs. Anna Lindgren of Sycamore, Ill., and Mrs. Martha Graff of Palacios; one brother, Johnny Gregersen of Highlands; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers named were W. F. Baxter, Jr., James Lee Shaw, Robert E. Shaw, Virgil Lee Johnson, T. L. Steubing and Audrell White.

The Daily Tribune, Monday, March 26, 1962
 

Johnson Rites Set Saturday

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday for retired dairyman Ed Johnson who passed away today in the Matagorda General Hospital.

The First Presbyterian Church will be the site of the services with the Rev. Dr. A. T. Dyal officiating. Burial will be in Cedarvale.

Johnson, 83, born in Stockholm, Sweden, had been a resident of Bay City for 50 years. He was a member of the Woodmen of the World.

Survivors include a daughter, Marie A. Shaw of Bay City; two sons, Edgar B. of Bay City and Howard of West Columbia; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

The pallbearers will be his grandsons, Virgil Johnson, Robert E. Shaw, James Lee Shaw, and W. S. Baxter Jr., as well as T. L. Steubing and A. W. White.

The Daily Tribune, October 30, 1964
 

Maggie D. Kelly

Mrs. Maggie Kelly Dies in San Antonio; Service Pending

Mrs. Maggie Kelly, 82 sister of Oscar Lewis and Mrs. F. L. Swinford of Bay City died in San Antonio Wednesday morning. Taylor Brothers Funeral Home officials have left to bring the body here for services at Taylor Brothers chapel. Time for the services has not yet been set.

Mrs. Kelly was a member of the First Baptist Church here.

She is survived by a son, Noble Kelly of New Orleans; two sisters, Mrs. Swinford, Mrs. Willie Daniel of Temple; two brothers, Oscar Lewis of Bay City and Paul Lewis of Victoria.

Matagorda County Tribune, June 28, 1956

[Burial Cedarvale Cemetery, Bay City]