Letha Mae Loose Bailey
September 15, 1936 – May 25, 2014

Letha Mae Loose Bailey, 77, of Bay City, Texas, passed away May 25, 2014.

She was born September 15, 1936 in Matagorda County, Texas, to the late Marcell Loose and Annie Janice Loose.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Newie Bailey; and brothers, Walter Loose and Henry Loose.

Survivors include four daughters, Vickie Walker and husband Otto of Brazoria, Marcella Gardener and husband Johnny of Wharton, Lisa Reed and husband Wendell of Markham, and Karin Bennetsen and husband Dan of Markham; 10 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, May 30, 2014 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 11 a.m., Friday until service time.

Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Jordan Bailey, Brad Bennetsen, Dan Bennetsen, Donald Gardner, Doug Sanders and Jerrett Bigelow.

Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home (979) 245-4613.

Bay City Tribune, May 28, 2014              Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Arthur Barber
May 1, 1940 – April 17, 2014

Arthur (AJ) Barber, of Bay City, Texas, passed away at age 74, at Matagorda General Hospital, on April 17, 2014.

He was born in Pharr, TX, on May 1, 1940, to Arthur and Ada Barber. He was raised on a farm and loved to work the land. One of his greatest joys was to drive the old Farmal tractor. AJ was a responsible son, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed outdoor hobbies like fishing, and gardening. AJ loved spending time with friends and family. He also loved to travel.

AJ served in the US Air Force as an Air-Crash Rescue fireman, stationed in France. After returning from military service, he gave 33 years of service to the Texas Employment Commission (TEC). TEC promoted him and moved his family to Bay City in 1976, where he worked until his retirement. In his younger years, AJ was a member of the Bay City Lions Club and various community organizations. He donated his time and energy to youth organizations, like Little League Baseball, Boy Scouts of America and Pee-Wee football.

AJ is survived by his mother, Ada Grundwall of Alamo, TX; his wife, Sylvia “Jo” Barber, of almost 51 years; one daughter, Cindi Mendez of Sweeny; and three sons, Martin Barber of Seabrook, TX; SSgt Marshall Barber of Fort Hood, TX and Darrell Barber of Dickenson, TX.

He is also survived by one sister, Grace Lewis of Ports Mansfield TX; and a total of nineteen grand and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father, Arthur Barber Sr.; and a half- brother, William (Bill) Barber of California.

A celebration of AJ’s life will be held between 10 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, April 26, 2014, at the Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City TX, for friends and family.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, 979-245-4613.

Bay City Tribune, April 23, 2014
 

James “Brutus” Barbour
July 4, 1938 - August 14, 2014

James “Brutus” Barbour passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2014.

James was born on July 4, 1938, in Bay City, Texas, to the late William and Lillian Swansey Barbour. James was a volunteer with the Bay City Volunteer Fire Department and the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Department. James was retired from Chevron-Texaco as a Production Supervisor. James married Betty Lou Clark on March 24, 1958, in Bay City. James was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

James is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Betty Barbour; children, James Perry Barbour, Melissa Ruth Swan and husband Willard, and Todd Alan Barbour; grandchildren, Nathan Mize, James Mize, Adam Edwards, Benjamin Thomas, and Timothy Barbour; and great-granddaughter, Leslie Cherese Mize.

James is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Stanley Daunt Barbour.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Saturday, August 16, 2014, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Burial followed at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Serving as pallbearers were James Perry Barbour, Todd Alan Barbour, Willard Swan, Richard Clark, Robert Clark and Bobby Woodruff.

Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Joe Cannon, Buddy Biggerstaff, Don Noska, Doug Sexton, Bill Jordan, Chris Bischoff, Bryan McDonald and Bobby Clark.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net

Bay City Tribune, August 15, 2014                        Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Theodore Bear
(February 2, 1940 - May 15, 2014)

Theodore Bear, 74, of Sargent passed away May 15, 2014. He was born February 2, 1940 in Chicago, IL to the late Arthur Bear and Permilla Nehmer Bear. He was a steel worker; volunteer fireman in Lansing, IL; member of Model A Club; member of Caney Creek Chapel in Sargent and loved to square dance. He spent 23 years in Lansing, IL and 14 years in Pearland, TX prior to moving to Sargent 17 years ago. Survivors include his wife of almost 55 years, Joyce Jonkman Bear of Sargent; daughter Cathy Williams of Pearland; sons Timothy Bear & wife Gay of Arlington, TX and David Bear & wife Judy of Freindswood; grandchildren Kristina Ray, Sara Cassel, Paula Bear, Joshua Williams, Robert Williams, Amy Bear and Dustin Schriever and great grandchildren Kaleb, Adrianna, Korban, James “J. D.”, Caylee and Ronald. The family will receive friends and relatives from 3pm until 5pm Sunday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Monday, May 19, 2014 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Chapel with Rev. Bert Hill officiating. Graveside service will be 2:00 PM Monday, May 19, 2014 at South Park Cemetery in Pearland, TX. Memorials in his name may be made to Caney Creek Food Pantry.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Joe Ray Beard
(March 17, 1936 - April 29, 2014)

Joe Ray Beard, 78, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 29, 2014 in Matagorda Regional Medical Center, Bay City, Texas. Joe was born on March 17, 1936 in Palacios, Texas to Joe Everett and Alice Lucille Gillespie Beard. Joe was a member of Blessing American Legion Cecil Lee Post #649. He ran track in high school and with Victoria College which he received awards and medals. Joe enjoyed farming most of his life when he was not driving 18 wheelers. You might even catch him dancing and singing in the church choir. One of his favorite past times was an occasional road trip with his Family. They could end up down by the bay or just searching for the perfect pot of gold. He always had the luck of the Irish since he was born on St. Patrick Day.

Joe was preceded in death by his Father & Mother, Joe Everett & Alice Lucille Gillespie Beard; Brother: Everett Lee Beard; Sisters: Margaret Lucille Beard; Alice Jeanette Partain; Stepson Brian Leslie West. Joe is survived by his wife of 18 years, Imogene Rose Beard; children; Beth Yablon, Barbie (Tom) Dearman; step children; Sandra Gayle West; Scott Alan West, Grandchildren; Natalie Yablon, Caroline Yablon, Reagan Yablon and Lillie Yablon; Ruth Dearman, Josh Dearman, Sister Thelma Holloway, Brothers; Donnie Beard & wife Carol Ann; Lonnie Beard & wife Rosalie; Thomas Beard & wife Mary Kay; Joe is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 3:00 PM Friday, May 2, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church in Palacios with Rev. David King officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Thursday at the Palacios Funeral Home. Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home (361) 972-2012.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home               Photo courtesy of Dan Vacek

Josephine Louise Beard
August 2, 1938 – July 10, 2014

LEWISBURG, KY. - Josephine Louise Beard, age 75, of Lewisburg, Ky., formerly of Sweeny, Tx. went to be with the Lord July 10, 2014, at her daughter's home, surrounded by family after a long illness. She was born on August 2, 1938 at Bay City, Tx., daughter of Joseph and Louise Billeau.

On Feb. 15, 1958 she was united in marriage to Bobby G. Beard. She was a homemaker, raising 7 children. She loved to read, sew, crochet, play cards and spend time with family and friends. She was an active member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Russellville, Ky. and a former member of FBC Old Ocean, Tx.

She is survived by 3 sons; Bobby J. Beard and wife Shelly of Port Lavaca, Tx., James L. Beard and wife Mary of West Columbia, Tx., and Denver Beard of Gatesville, Tx.,; 3 daughters; Becky Wombwell and husband Travis of Macon, Mo, Yvonne Neal and fiancé Mark Jacobs of Van Vleck, Tx., and Darlene Wright and husband Rodger of Lewisburg, Ky.; 26 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. Other survivors include 4 brothers; Eddie Billeau of Clute, Tx., Wilton Billeau of Sweeny, Tx., Wilson Paul Billeau of Richwood, Tx., and Wilbert Billeau of Van Vleck, Tx., ; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Josephine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her baby daughter Bethenia Lynn and her 2 sisters, Margaret Billeau and Wilda Ryman, both of Matagorda County.
Visitation Tuesday 5-7p.m. and funeral Wednesday 10:00 A.M. at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, Texas. Interment will follow at Palacios Cemetery in Palacios.
Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net

Published in the Victoria Advocate on July 15, 2014
 

Andrew M. Bellinger

Died on Saturday, at the residence of Mr. A. Mitchell, Andrew M. Bellinger, aged 26 years.

Matagorda Bulletin, September 6, 1837
 

Oscar Albert Besler
May 7, 1928 – June 9, 2014

On June 9, 2014, God called home his “good and faithful” servant, Oscar Albert Besler, at the age of 86. 

Oscar, one of thirteen children, was born May 7, 1928 in Bison, SD to Christian and Julia Besler.  His hard-work ethic and love for his Lord and Savior served as an inspiration to his family, friends, and all who came in contact with him.  He was a WWII veteran serving in the army, stationed in Japan.

Oscar grew up in the northern plains of South Dakota in the small ranching community of Bison, South Dakota.  After his service in the army, Oscar returned to Bison. 

While eating regularly at the town café he met and fell in love with a waitress, Mary Thompson, the love of his life.  They would soon marry and the adventure began! 

Starting out their married life in Faith, South Dakota they soon moved to Rapid City, where Oscar was employed by the South Dakota Highway Department.  Through the years he would work for various construction companies in the area.  It was in Rapid City that they raised their five children. 

In 1971, the family moved to eastern South Dakota, and then in 1974, made the big move to Texas.  Oscar worked for Brown & Root and other companies until he decided to start his own business.  He operated Besler Sandblasting & Painting, which he ran until the passing of his wife, Mary, in 2008.

Left to cherish his memory are his children,  Naomi Phillips (Larry), Eldon Besler (Kathy), Tammi Besch (Wayne), Sonya Hanna (Mark), and Brent Besler (Judy);  grandchildren,  Jamie Mathenia, Joshua Self, Jessica Garcia, Brad Besler, Bobbie Jo Besler, Melissa Green, Rachel Brower, David Hanna, Sarah Rojas, Rebekah Booher, Leah Hanna, Garrett Besler, Nathan Besler and Katelyn Besler; numerous great-grandchildren;  brothers,  Victor (Pauline), Wayne (Barbara), LeRoy (Virginia), Ralph (Renae) and Marlin (Dorothy); sisters,  Alma O’Rourke and Esther Haggart; sister-in-law, Linda Besler; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death is his wife of 57 years, Mary; his parents; his brothers,  Leland, Raymond, Elmer, and Darrell; sister, Elsie; sister-in-law, Ellen Besler; and brothers-in-law, Larry O’Rourke, Sherman Wells and Jim Haggart.

A memorial service was held Saturday, June 14, 2014, at 11 a.m., at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 504 Dugger St, Edna, TX  77957.

Memorials can be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Philippians 3:20-21 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Bay City Tribune, June 15, 2014
 

Russell R. Bloom Sr.
July 9, 1943 – July 12, 2014

Russell R. Bloom Sr., 71, of Blessing, Texas, passed away Saturday, July 12, 2014, at home, from a long illness.

He was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy. He served on the USS Independence during the Cuban crisis.

He was born in Irvonia, Pennsylvania, to the late Mable and Glenn Bloom II.

Survivors include his wife Donna, of 49 years; son, Russell Jr. and wife Penny; daughter, Tina Bloom and Ron Leathers; daughter, Kathy Bloom and William Wymack; brother, Glenn Bloom III and wife Joyce; three step-brothers and wives; four grandchildren, Patty, Ashley and husband John, Justin and Jason; two great-grandchildren, Hunter and Dylan; many nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Colleen Labar and husband Steve; sister-in-law, Dawn Hare and husband Dean.

Military memorial services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 2, 2014, at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing, Texas.

Bay City Tribune, July 30, 2014
 

Henry Allen Bradford
October 8, 1949 –June 5, 2014

Henry Allen Bradford, 64, of Bay City passed away June 5, 2014.

He was born October 8, 1949, to the late Henry Bradford and Nell Tobek Bradford. He was a 1969 graduate of Bay City High School and served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War.

He retired as Superintendent from LCRA after 36 years. He also worked for Celanese and was Manager at Farmer’s Co-op. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 3070, life member of Philip H. Parker VFW Post 2438 and a member of the Bay City Volunteer Fire Department. Henry was an avid fisherman and enjoyed rodeos and racing. He was a supporter of 4-H, FFA and Matagorda County Drill Team. He also enjoyed coaching little league baseball and girls softball.

He was preceded in death by siblings, Frances Mitchell, Mary Hairell, Evelyn Love and Jesse Thompson.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann Bradford; son, Lane Allen Bradford and wife Siena; daughter, Tiffany Ann Bradford; grandson, Caden Alexander Bradford; and his brother, J. O. Thompson and wife Evelyn.

Visitation will begin at 5 p.m., Sunday, June 8, 2014, followed by a rosary at 6 p.m., at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, Texas.

Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m., Monday, June 9, 2014 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Msgr. Casey Jarzombek officiating.

Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Pallbearers will be Will Meyerdirk, Shawn Johnson, Dallas Mabry, Curtis Dykes and Stewart Lynn.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, 979-245-4613.

Bay City Tribune, June 8, 2014                       Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Guy Montgomery Brinkley

Guy Montgomery Brinkley, longtime resident of Midfield, passed away at 5:10 a. m. Tuesday, August 25, at the age of 63 years, 8 months and 9 days.

The deceased is survived by his widow, Mrs. Annie Brinkley; four daughters, Mrs. Clifford Slaughter, Miss Cecil Brinkley, Mrs. Johnnie Zapalac and Mrs. Aulton Calloway, one son, Claude Brinkley; one sister, Mrs. C. A. Shaw, and twelve grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 4 o’clock Wednesday, August 26 at Hawley Cemetery. Reverend Black officiating. Funeral arrangements are in charge of Taylor Bros.

Daily Tribune, August 25, 1942
 

Mae Ella Brown
 

Donald Earl Brown
September 20, 1924 - August 11, 2014

Donald Earl Brown, 89, of Bay City, Texas, passed away August 11, 2014.

He was born September 20, 1924, in Nova, OH, to the late George Wilbur Brown and Mary Leona Wolf. He proudly served his country as a member of the US Navy during WWII.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Jane Brown of Bay City; daughter, Diana Lee Brown (Frank Lynn Ferguson) of Bay City; son, Jeffrey Earl Brown (Cassandra) of Jeromesville, OH; sister, Betty Jane Lawrence of Ashland, OH; grandchildren, Mary Miranda Reynolds, Michael Earl Brown and Leona Elizabeth Brown; and great-grandson, Grayson Orland Reynolds.

A private celebration of his life is being planned by his family.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.nett.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City.

Bay City Tribune, August 15, 2014
 

Wayne Roy Burditt

Wayne Roy Burditt, 74, of Van Vleck, Texas, passed away Friday, July 4, 2014, at Bay Villa Nursing Home in Bay City, Texas, after a lengthy illness.

A memorial service is pending at a later date.

Bay City Tribune, July 9, 2014
 

Jesse Matthew Burford

Jesse Matthew Burford, 77, of Alvin, Texas, passed away August 2, 2007. He was born on July 20, 1930 to F. Caldwell and Daisy Bell (Nesbett) Burford in Angleton, Texas. In January 1953 he married the love of his life, Aleatha. He moved from Pasadena, Texas, to Alvin, Texas, in 1962. He was a member of South Park Baptist Church. Jesse was a veteran of the Korean Conflict with the United States Marines. He retired from Monsanto Oxy-Chem Chemical Plant.

He is survived by his loving wife, Aleatha Maxine Burford of Alvin, Texas; daughter, Vickie Renee Helms and husband, Roger; sons, Matthew Allen Burford of Alvin, Texas, Christopher Mark Burford and wife, Cecelia, of San Diego, California, and Patrick Brian Burford and wife, Deana, of Alvin, Texas; sisters, Elsie McCagg and husband, Elzie Lee, and Rhea White and husband, John; and grandchildren, Adrienne Helms, Kendra Helms, Cassie Burford, Jessica Burford, Christopher Burford Jr. and Rachel Burford.

The visitation will be held on Sunday, August 5, 2007, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Jeter Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, 311 N. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, Texas 77546. (281) 992-7200.

The funeral service will be Monday, August 6, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at South Park Baptist Church, 1718 S. Johnson St., Alvin, Texas 77511, with Dr. Bruce Peterson officiating.

Condolences may be sent to the Burford family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at jeter@flash.net. www.jeterfuneralhome.com.

Brazosport Facts, August 5, 2007                              Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

Melvin Gene Burkett
December 21, 1937 – April 24, 2014

Melvin Gene Burkett, 76, of Pearland, Texas, passed away April 24, 2014.

He was born December 21, 1937 in Bay City, Texas, to the late Sidney Norman Burkett and Annie Mae Ogden Burkett. He was raised in Sargent, Texas and attended Van Vleck High School, participating in football, basketball, track, band, FFA, Drama and Class Officer. His family worked hard as farmers, and then the shrimp business. He worked in the oil fields prior to becoming a certified Master Electrician employed with Houston Lighting & Power for 15 years and the City of Houston for 32 years. He was a decorated veteran with honorable discharge from the Texas National Guard.

He was a loving and devoted father and grandfather, who served as the Coach to his two boys Little League football and basketball teams for six years, and umpired baseball. He was proud to attend all of his boys sporting events throughout High School. He obtained his pilot’s license and loved flying his plane. He was an avid fisherman, who loved spending time in a boat with his family and friends. He was a member of Shadycrest Baptist Church in Pearland, TX.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Rosie Marie Burkett of Pearland; sons, Kent Douglas Burkett and wife Brandy of Pearland, and Bret Howard Burkett and wife Linda of Porter, Texas; and grandchildren, Skyler Lee Burkett, Jordan Reese Burkett, Kaitlynn Elizabeth Burkett and Danny Jacob Burkett.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Sidney Carlton Burkett, Lora Vernice Williams, Hurl Damon Burkett and John Henry Burkett.

The family received friends and relatives from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., Friday, April 25, 2014, at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held at 3 p.m., Saturday, April 26, 2014, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Chapel with Pastor Ryan Jennings officiating.

Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Pallbearers were Kent Burkett, Bret Burkett, Jordan Burkett, Danny Burkett, Wes Concklin and Fred Hastings.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Shadycrest Baptist Church, 3017 Yost Blvd., Pearland, Texas 77581.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, Texas, 979-245-4613.

Bay City Tribune, April 25, 2014           Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Sidney N. "Son" Burkett & Annie Mae Burkett - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Sidney Norman Burkett

Sidney Norman “Son” Burkett, 79, of Cedar Lane died June 24 at his residence.  He was the owner and operator of Burkett’s Bait Camp near Sargent for the past 25 years and had resided in Sargent for 45 years.  Survivors include wife, Mrs. Annie Mar Burkett of Cedar Lane; daughter, Lora Vernece Slomchinski of Galena Park; sons, S. C. Burkett of Port Lavaca, Hurl D. Burkett of Galena Park, John Henry Burkett of Cedar Lane, Melvin G. Burkett of Pearland; sisters, Lilly Eninger of Los Angeles, Hattie Powell of Broaddus, Oma Hargrove of Broaddus, Birdie O’Bannion of Prarie Lee, Lucille Hodges of Broaddus; brother, Monroe Burkett, Bill Burkett, and I. D. Burkett all of Broaddus; 16 grandchildren.  Funeral services were held Monday, June 26, at 3 pm at the Cedar Lane Baptist Church with Rev. Charles Cochran and Rev. M. F. Rucker officiating.  Interment was at the Roselawn Memorial Park, Van Vleck, with pallbearers being: Raymond and Wayne Handley, Craig, Ronnie, Sidney, and Buster Burkett, Jack and Hesse Hargrove.  Arrangement under the direction of Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

Daily Tribune June 26, 1978          Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

Bertie F. Burwell & Mary E. Burwell - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Bertie Franklin Burwell

Graveside funeral services for Mr. Bertie Franklin Burwell, 69, of Markham were scheduled for 2 pm today at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck, with the Rev. Dan Villarreal officiating.

Mr. Burwell, who died at home January 7, 1984, was born March 22, 1914, in Haskell, Okla. He had retired from Superior Oil Co.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ellen Burwell of Markham; three daughters, Alma Bump of Van Vleck, Sue Burwell of Pasadena, Texas, and Betty Hayman of Iowa Park, Texas; a son, Don Shelby of New Augusta, Miss.; five sisters, Marie Laurence, Maxien Gregory, Jean Alcers and Wilma Reid of Pasadena and Anna Mae Harbison of Okmulgee, Okla.; one brother, Wilburn L. Burwell of Humble; and 13 grandchildren. Funeral Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Daily Tribune, January 1984              Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

Dennis C. Butler, Jr.
May 28, 1927 – June 21, 2014

Dennis C. Butler, Jr. passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2014, in Bay City, Texas.

Dennis was born on May 28, 1927 in Houston, Texas, to the late Dennis Carlton, Sr. and Effie Simmons Butler. Dennis served his country during WWII in the U. S. Navy. He was a graduate of Texas A&M University, class of 1948. He retired in 1985 from Ingersoll-Rand.

Dennis was an avid hunter, including big game hunting in Africa. Dennis enjoyed traveling with his wife. When they went to Africa to hunt, they traveled extensively in Europe.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 57 years, Wilma Butler of Bay City; daughter, Denise Solomon and husband Mike of Markham; son, James Butler of Houston; and two granddaughters, Makenna Solomon and Lauren Butler.

A Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday, June 28, 2014, at 6:00 p.m., at the family property on CR 417, (Hoffman Rd.) in Markham with the Rev. Hoss Gwin officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzeimer’s Association, Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter, 2242 W. Holcombe Blvd., Houston, Texas 77030-2008; Houston Hospice, 1102 N. Mechanic, El Campo, Texas 77437 or the CTRW Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 688, Belton, Texas 76513.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, 979-245-4613.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.netBay City Tribune, June 25, 2014