Matagorda County Obituaries
B
Robert Andrew Barber
October 25, 1954 - April 15, 2017
Robert Andrew Barber, 62, of Bay City, Texas passed away April 15, 2017 in Bay City.
He was born October 25, 1954 to Andrew Barber and Dorris Rickaway Barber.
Survivors include brothers, Dwight Barber (Regina), and Joe Barber; and one niece, one nephews and many cousins.
A memorial service was held at Nichols Street Church of Christ at 6 p.m. on April 21, 2017.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nichols Street Church of Christ, 1200 Nichols Street, Bay City, Texas 77414.
Bay City Tribune,
April 23, 2017
Lloyd Wayne Barr
(September 8, 1935 - October 11, 2016)
Retired Captain Lloyd W. Barr, 81, of Bay City passed away October 11, 2016. He was born September 8, 1935 in El Campo, TX to the late Roy A. Barr and Martha Tobola Barr.
He was a member of the Texas National Guard, 136th Tank Battalion Medical Detachment. His Police career spanned 38 years beginning in El Campo, Lake Jackson and ending in Bay City for the last 35 years of his career, awarded as an Outstanding Peace Officer, retired in 1996. He was well known for leading Bay City’s Crime Prevention Unit overseeing DARE, Teen Court, Crime Stoppers, portraying McGruff the Crime Dog and visiting local schools to discuss how the community could get involved. He was an active member of the Bay City Lion’s Club receiving the Melvin Jones and Jack Wiech Fellow awards. He served on the Bay City ISD School Board for 9 years and was a member of the Masonic Lodge since 1965.
He was preceded in death by Norma Jeane Barr to whom he was married for 55 years.
He is survived by his wife of 5 years, Bonnie Barr of Bay City; daughter Carol & Ronny Schumaker of Lolita; son Darrel & Laura Barr of Bay City; step-daughters Nancy & Ernie Janes of Washington and Lacey & Steven Gilbert of Bay City; step-son Robert Reed of Rockport; brothers Kenneth & Cindy Barr of Port Lavaca and Larry & Sherry Barr of Sugar Land; grandchildren Martha Harvey and husband Lee, Cathleen McKnight, Michael Barr and wife Caitlin, Allan Tucker, Stacey LaBauve and husband Kory, Zachary Schumaker, Ashley Gilbert, Hunter Gilbert, Samantha Janes, Brandy & Katherine Taylor and great grandchildren Taylor & Brooke Harvey, Carter, Kylee & Keslie McKnight, Wyatt & Paityn Tucker, Mason Cooper and Sara Addie Anderson.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 5:00-7:00pm Friday at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. The family will host a reception at the church for family members and friends from 1:00-2:30pm Saturday, prior to the service. Funeral services will be 3:00pm Saturday, October 15, 2016 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Lane Pardue officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bobby Head, Jamie Buis, LeRoy Cunningham, Tommy Lytle, Robert Garcia and Rory Hafernick. Honorary pallbearers will be Sharon Spiller and Gary Quinn.
Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
Photo
courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise
Norma
Jean Barnes Barr
(October 19, 1936 - April 10, 2011)
Norma Jeane Barnes Barr, 74, of Bay City went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 10, 2011 in Bay City. She was born on October 19, 1936 in Ingleside, in San Patricio County, Texas to the late Claude B. & Myrtie Williams Barnes. She loved to fish, camp, and travel. She was a wonderful homemaker, and a loving wife, mother, & grandmother. She was a longtime member of the Calvary Baptist Church, and was a resident of Bay City Since 1961. Norma grew up in Pledger, and graduated in 1955 from Boling High School.
She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years: Retired Captain Lloyd W. Barr; son: Darrel Barr & wife Laura; daughter: Carol Schumaker & husband Ronny; 4 grandchildren: Martha Harvey & husband Lee, Cathleen Barr, Michael Barr, and Allan Tucker & wife Casara; 5 great grandchildren: Taylor, Brooke, Carter, Kylee, and Keslie; 3 brothers: Carl, Waymond, and Kenneth Barnes; sister: Sandra Brooks; and mother-in-law: Martha Barr. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister: Goldia Hanson; and 2 brothers: Clarence and Johnny Barnes.
The Family will receive visitors from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Tuesday April 12, 2011 at the Funeral Home. A funeral Service will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Chester Sassman officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing. Donations may be made to the Texas Lions Camp, P.O. Box 290247, Kerrville, Texas 78029-0247 or Charity of your choice.
Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
Patricia Darlene Barrs
(Barnes)
June 23, 1954 - December 13, 2016
Patricia Darlene Barrs (Barnes), 62, of Houston, TX died on December 13, 2016 at the Methodist Sugarland Hospital, Sugarland, TX surrounded by her children, family, close friends, and a very dedicated Hospital staff.
Patricia is survived by her children, Melinda Willams “Nikki” of Houston, TX, Christopher Williams (Tanya) of Jacksonville, NC, Tiffany Barrs (Barry) of Houston, TX, and Whitney Barrs (George) of Rosenberg, TX. Her siblings include, Richard Mckinley (deceased), Mark Barnes (D’loris), De’Andre Barnes, Rogers “luvell” Brown (Matilda), Lawrence “Chucky” Cockrell (Diane), Joy Matthews, Sharon Brown (Joe), LouElla Williams (James, deceased), Greg Williams (Tam), Samuel Williams “Junior” (deceased).
Patricia was born in Bay City, TX, June 23, 1954 to the late Richard Barnes and the late Emma Jean Cockrell. She was baptized at an early age by the late Reverend L.C. Cunningham Sr. of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Bay City, TX. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.
A visitation service is scheduled for Tuesday, December 20, 2016 between the hours of 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., at Green’s Mortuary, 2702 Avenue C, Bay City, TX 77414.
The decedent wished to be cremated.
Flowers and condolences may be offered at 2702 Avenue C, Bay City, TX 77414.
Final arrangements are entrusted with Green's Mortuary, Bay City, TX. å979-245-3489.
Online condolences may be sent to www.greensmortuary.com.
Bay City Tribune, December 16, 2016 online
David Baumann
December 17, 1951 - August 17, 2016
David Baumann, 64, of Palacios, Texas, passed away Wednesday, August 17, 2016.
He was born in Yorktown on December 17, 1951, to the late Alfred B. and Martha Vornsand Baumann. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Palacios.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Marsha Baumann; sons, James (Nicole) Baumann, Cody (Natalie) Baumann; stepsons, Wesley (Christine) Wisian and Clayton (Brooke) Wisian; five grandchildren, Layne, Grahm, Abigail, Eli and Michael. He is also survived by his sisters, Marian Baumann and Nelda Fraga; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 27, 2016, at First Presbyterian Church in Palacios.
Memorials can be given to First Presbyterian Church in Palacios, Houston Hospice or American Cancer Society.
You are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.masseyfh.com
Arrangements by Massey Funeral Home, Yorktown, Texas. 361-564-2900
Bay City Tribune,
August 21, 2016
Dennis William Bensfield
(August 22, 1954 - December 11, 2016)
Dennis William Bensfield, 62, of Bay City, passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2016. He was born on August 22, 1954 in Cicero, Illinois to William and Mary Denis Bensfield.
Dennis served his country in the United States Air Force. He worked for the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Department for 35 years. Dennis was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #3070 in Bay City where he served as a Recorder, he was also a member of the Bay City Lions Club for 6 years, and was a member of the American Legion Post # 11. He played Santa Claus for the past 12 years at the Women’s Crisis Center. Dennis served his community in many ways, and will be greatly missed by all. Dennis had an impact on this community that will forever be remembered.
Dennis is preceded in death by his father William Walter Bensfield and his brother Bruce Edward Bensfield. He is survived by his wife Rosa Bensfield; Mother Mary Elaine Bensfield; Daughter Lacey Green; Brother Stephen Bensfield; Sister Mary Ann Koudelik; Step-daughter Rosanna Lenzi, step-sons Ricardo Pena and Donny McWilliams; grandchildren, Jacey Green, Gavin Lenzi, Gage Lenzi, Areanna Pena, Adrian Pena and Aaliyah Pena.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 5:00-8:00pm at the funeral home, Friday, December 16, with the rosary service at 6:00pm. Funeral services will be 10:00am Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez and Rev. Mitch Sauls officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers are Capt. Monty Mozley, Jake Roberts, Manuel Trevino, Steve Bensfield, Jason Bensfield and Joe Koudelik. Honorary pallbearers are Ryan Koudelik, Jesse Barrera and Gene Lentz. V
Taylor Brothers Funeral Home and Bay City Tribune, December 14, 2016
Photo courtesy of Heather
Serrill Janise
Michael J Bernhardt
(September 13, 1959 - February 11, 2017)
Michael J Bernhardt, 57, of Bay City, passed away February 11, 2017. He was born September 13, 1959 in El Centro, California to Richard L. Bernhardt and Fumiko Kurita Bernhardt.
Michael served his country in the US Navy aboard the USS Seawolf, as a reactor operator from 1980-1986. After leaving the service, he came to work for STP as a reactor operator in October 1987.
Michael is preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his mother; his cousin Mizuyo Yoshioka; his significant other, Kim Hensley and many, many friends.
Visitation will be Thursday, February 16 at the funeral home from 5:00-7:00pm. Funeral services will be 10:00am Friday, February 17, 2017 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Interment will be 10:30am Monday, February 20, 2017 at Houston National Cemetery in Houston, TX.
Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
28 July 1943 – 16 February 2017
BAY CITY - Ysabel Ramirez Bermea, 73, of Bay City passed away in her sleep on Thursday, February 16, 2017.
Ysabel was born July 28, 1943 in Edna Texas but resided in Bay City since the late 70's. She was preceded in death by: her father, Francisco Ramirez Sr.; mother Juliana Hernandez Ramirez; sons Ronnie Bermea, and Joe Frank Ramirez and brother S.H. Ramirez.
Survivors include: sons Johnny J. Perez Sr.; Ezechial Bermea; Daniel Bermea; Edward Perez; and Steve Ramirez Sr. of Bay City: daughters Patricia Bermea; Jessica Wright of Bay City. She had numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sisters, Mamie R. Tijerina; Maria R. Zamora, of Bay City; brothers, Frank Ramirez Jr. of Arkansas and Manuel Ramirez of Garland Texas.
The Rosary will reside at 6 p.m. Sunday February 19, 2017, at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.
The Funeral Mass will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 20, 2017 at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Burial followed at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City.
A special thank you to her grand-daughter; Natalie Nicole Bermea for coming home to take care of her grandmother.
Pallbearers: Jordan Wright, Steve Ramirez Jr., Johnny J. Perez Jr., Joshua Perez, Jaime Tobias and Isacc Rodriguez.
Victoria Advocate, 18 February 2017
Ysabel Ramirez Bermea
July 28, 1943 - February 16, 2017
Ysabel Ramirez Bermea, 73, of Bay City, Texas passed away in her sleep on Thursday, February 16, 2017.
Ysabel was born July 28, 1943 in Edna Texas but resided in Bay City since the late 70’s.
She was preceded in death by her father, Francisco Ramirez Sr.; mother, Juliana Hernandez Ramirez; sons, Ronnie Bermea, and Joe Frank Ramirez; and brother S.H. Ramirez.
Ysabel was a member of The Holy Cross Catholic Church, she was a woman of prayer, and faith she wanted what was prosperous for her family and always lifted people up, no matter what she was going through. She climbed mountains that many of us still conquer each day and overcame those mountains by waiting for her Lord. God gave her the Strength and endurance to finish her race and that she Did.............Ysabel loved football. As long as the Cowboys were playing you found her cheering "Go Cowboys" from her recliner. She was known by her grandchildren as MO or MOMO and grandma Isabel. Her Home on Grace Street will never be the same without her, she will be greatly missed. We love you Mom.
Survivors include sons, Johnny J. Perez Sr., Ezechial Bermea, Daniel Bermea, Edward Perez and Steve Ramirez Sr., of Bay City; daughters, Patricia Bermea and Jessica Wright of Bay City. She had numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sisters, Mamie R. Tijerina and Maria R. Zamora of Bay City; brothers, Frank Ramirez Jr. of Arkansas and Manuel Ramirez of Garland Texas.
The Rosary will reside at 6 p.m. Sunday, February 19, 2017, at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay City.
The Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday, February 20, 2017 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bay City.
Burial will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City.
A special thank you to her granddaughter; Natalie Nicole Bermea for coming home to take care of her grandmother.
Pallbearers are Jordan Wright, Steve Ramirez Jr., Johnny J. Perez Jr., Joshua Perez, Jaime Tobias and Isacc Rodriguez.
Bay City Tribune, February 19, 2017 Photo courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise
May 23, 1946 - Wednesday, Feb 1, 2107
Carolyn Ann Bernsen, 70, of Bay City, TX, was called home to join the celestial choir on Wednesday, Feb 1, 2017.
Carol was born on May 23, 1946 in Dowagiac, Michigan to William and Mary (Fisher) Magin, and was the second oldest of seven children.
She was a 1964 graduate of Dowagiac High School and earned an Associate’s Degree in Arts at Lake Michigan College. She served our country in the U.S. Air Force for five years, where she found her husband, Richard Bernsen. They met on a blind date on Valentine’s Day of 1969, and were married five months later on July 5, 1969.
Throughout her 23 years as an instructional assistant, she touched the lives of countless students and coworkers, first in Beeville ISD, and then at Cherry Elementary in Bay City, TX, where she retired in 2015.
She lived a life of faith, devoting her time and talents to the Catholic church as a Eucharistic minister, Sacristan and an avid member of the choir.
Her kindness, compassion and love of life were obvious to those who knew her, and her smile and positivity brightened any room she entered. She lived a life of service, putting others above herself in everything she did, and her love was limitless.
Carol is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Richard Bernsen of Bay City, TX; three children, Paula King and her husband Matthew King of Brandon, FL, Lorin Bernsen of Dallas, TX, and Joel Bernsen and his fiancé Jenna West of Dallas, TX; two grandchildren,; and her siblings, Robert and his wife Mary Magin of Katy, TX, Ronald and his wife Reggie Magin of Richland, MI, Christopher and his wife Peggy Magin of Dowagiac, MI, Mark and his wife Jeanne Magin of Kalamazoo, MI, and Carolyn Baiers of Sister Lakes, MI.
She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary; her brother, Michael Magin; and her sister Kathleen Magin.
Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. Monday, February 6, 2017 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, with a rosary at 6 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bay City.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church, in her name.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net.
Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX. 979-245-4613.
Bay City Tribune, February 5, 2017
[Buried Houston National Cemetery]
Mattie Lee Urps Bess
20 July 1922 – 30 September 2016
Funeral Service for Mattie Lee Urps Bess, 94, of Sweeny will be 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at Bethlehem Christian Church, 639 CR 279, Bay City, Texas 77414 (Cedar Lake Community) where Rev. Kenneth Bree is Pastor and the Rev. Carl L. Allison will be the eulogist. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Church Cemetery, Cedar Lake.
Visitation will be on Friday, September 30, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at E. Viola & Son Funeral Home in West Columbia.
Mattie was born on July 20, 1922 in Bay City, Texas to Eddie Urps Sr. and Corine Durgan Urps, and passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 in Bay City surrounded by her loving family.
She attended public school in Cedar Lake and was employed as a domestic engineer. She loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren. In her younger years, Mattie enjoyed traveling with her children, sewing, cooking, fishing and foremost serving God to the best of her ability. She was a member of Mount Pilgrim First Baptist Church in Sweeny. In earlier years she attended Bethlehem Christian Church in Cedar Lake.
Preceding Mattie in death are her parents; husband, Neal Bess Sr.; three brothers, Albert, Eddie Jr. and Lester Urps; and two sisters, Willie Lou Moore and Ella Mae Hawkins.
Left with cherished memories are her six sons, Will (Joslyn) Bess, John L. (Sun) Bess, Robert (Melba) Bess, Jessie (Annette) Bess, Neal Jr. (Audrey) Bess, Anthony (Jackie) Bess; two daughters, Cora Bouldin and Ida (Ray) Martindale; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Final arrangements entrusted to and under the direction of E. Viola & Son Funeral Home, 205 N Broad Street, West Columbia, Texas 77486
Online condolences may be left for the Bess family by signing the guestbook at www.violafh.com.
Published in the Brazosport Facts on 29 September 2016.
Richard E. “Gene” Bickham
September 18, 1930 - October 3, 2016
Richard E. “Gene” Bickham passed from this life into the heavenly life on October 3, 2016, in College Station, Texas.
He was born in Bay City, Texas, on September 18, 1930; graduated from Van Vleck High School in 1948; and from The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas in 1952. He served in the U.S. Army Infantry from 1952-1954.
He is survived by his wife, Zanna Roy; two sons, one daughter, and their families.
A memorial service was held at First Baptist Church in College Station on Thursday, October 6, 2016, at 2 p.m.
A graveside service was held at Roselawn Cemetery in Van Vleck, Texas, on October 7, 2016, at 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Food Pantry or the Benevolence Fund at First Baptist Church, College Station or to Hospice Brazos Valley. May God Bless you all!
Please visit Gene’s tribute page at www.hillierfuneralhome.com to share memories and stories.
Bay City Tribune, October 9, 2016 Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
Ann Blackmon
(March 19, 1934 - October 13, 2016)
Ann Blackmon, age 82, of Sugar Valley stepped over into Heaven on Oct 13, 2016. She was born on March 19, 1934 to Earl and Mary Gibbens. Ann was a lifelong resident of Sugar Valley, a loving wife, mom, sister, daughter, aunt, friend, grandmother and great grandmother.
Ann worked for Southwest Land and Title before finishing her career at STP Nuclear Operating Company. Her passion was sewing and she made and sold many little girl dresses. She also spent hours mowing and working in her yard.
Survivors include her four daughters: Kelly Ross, Paula Blackmon, Mary Amick and husband Bruce Amick, and Connie Blackmon, as well as the son she loved so much, Donald Reed and his beautiful wife Sarah Reed, her two sisters, Bonnie Heidrich and husband Buddy Heidrich, and Jean Talafuse. She is also survived by grandchildren Stephen DeWayne Ross, James Donald Ross, Tony Lee Ross, Carey Donald Appling, Bruce Wayne Amick, Jr., Ashley Ann Amick, and 14 great grandchildren. She was proceeded in death by her husband James Walter Blackmon, her parents Earl and Mary Gibbens, and two brothers Richard and Jack Gibbens.
The family will receive visitors from 5:00-7:00pm Sunday October 16, 2016 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. The funeral service will be 10:00am Monday, October 17, 2016 at Cedar Lane Baptist Church with Donald and Sarah Reed officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers are her grandsons Stephen DeWayne Ross, James Donald Ross, Tony Lee Ross, Carey Donald Appling, Jr. ,and great grandsons Stephen Lee Ross and Travis DeWayne Ross.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Open Door Ministries, PO Box 569, Van Vleck, TX 77482.
A special thanks to Heart to Heart Hospice, Stephanie Satterfield and Kristin Adams, who took such great care of Ann during her illness.
Online 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, October 16, 2016
Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
Bernice Bohuslar
(November 9, 1929 - March 28, 2017)
Bernice Bohuslar, 87, of Markham passed away March 28, 2017. She was born November 9, 1929 in Matagorda County to the late Grady Moss and Zella Maxwell Moss.
She is survived by her husband Willie Henry Bohuslar, Sr. of Markham; daughters Patricia Frieda of Markham and Tammy Efting (Lee) of Shertz, TX; son Willie Henry Bohuslar, Jr. (Elaine) of Markham; sister Dorothy Wolfe of El Campo; grandchildren Tim and Jeremy Bohuslar, Robbie and Russell Frieda & Erin and Kaitlyn Efting and 7 great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 5PM until 7PM Thursday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Friday, March 31, 2017 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Ramsey officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tim Bohuslar, Jeremy Bohuslar, Robbie Frieda, Russell Frieda, Erin Efting and Kaitlyn Efting.
Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Photo courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise
Modesto R. Bosques
June 15, 1941 - February 27, 2017
Modesto R. Bosques, 75, of Midfield, Texas, passed away on February 27, 2017.
He was born June 15, 1941 to Desiredio and Seferina Bosques. He married his love of his life, Rosa Elia Bosques, in 1971 and was happily married. He was a great loving husband always provided for the family. His wife will always have a place for him in her heart.
His son Juan says, “Dad you were such a hardworking man never complained. Every morning you woke up at 5 a.m. to go to work all day till midnight, day in and day out. You provided for your family, you taught me to do the same for my family, no matter the pain I put my body through I will always make you proud to be the hardworking man you raised me to be.”
His son Modesto Jr. says, “Dad you taught me how to do mechanic work , how to paint, how to do carpenter work and most of all you showed me how to play catch.”
His son Alvaro says, “Dad you taught me how to work, raise my children, also the love you had for my children. You raised my son Julien. You were there for my daughters.”
His daughter Noemi says, “Your life was love and labor. Your love for your family was true, you did your best for all of us we will always remember you.”
His daughter Argelia says, “Daddy I will always remember and love you with all my heart, you were a wonderful dad.”
His daughter Irma says, “Daddy you were the best dad a girl could have. Always there for all of us.”
His daughter Maria says, “Daddy you were the stronghold of our family. You gave all you had to provide for us. I adore your love, kindness, generosity. You always made everyone welcome to your home. I will never forget you, I will always Love you. I will Miss you Daddy.”
He was survived by his wife, Rosa Elia Bosques; four daughters, Maria Barnes and husband Barnard Barnes from Danevang, Texas, Noemi Deleon and husband Joseph Deleon from El Campo, Texas, Argelia Chino and her husband Tomas Chino from Bay City, Texas and Irma Garcia and husband Carlos Garcia from Lolita, Texas; three sons, Alvaro Bosques and his wife Jessica Bosques, Juan Bosques and his wife Aurbre from Lawton, Oklahoma, and Modesto Jr. and his wife Micha from Lawton , Oklahoma; three sisters; 26 grandchildren; and one great grandchild.
He is preceded in death by his father; mother; brother; and sister.
Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday March 5, 2017, with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6 p.m., at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, Texas.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Monday March 6, 2017 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Bay City.
Interment will follow at Midfield Cemetery.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net.
Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas. 979-245-4613.
Bay City Tribune, March 5, 2017
Photo courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise
Verner "Butch" Bowers
(July 24, 1941 - March 31, 2017)
Verner “Butch” Bowers was a Palacios community leader and a dedicated Longhorn. Born in Collegeport, his leadership and dedication to Palacios started in high school where he served as Class President throughout high school. After graduating from Palacios High School, he made his way to the University of Texas in Austin, where he graduated from college and then went on to the University of Texas School of Law.
In 1966, he moved back to Palacios and began his law practice with Eli Mayfield. He served Palacios as an attorney for almost 50 years, at least 40 of those years with his loyal assistant Rita Cepak by his side, who started working for him when she was in high school. His office housed the history of Palacios in real estate transactions and birth and death records. The son of a rancher and farmer, Butch looked forward to spending his retirement tending to his cows.
Butch was the Municipal Judge for Palacios for almost 40 years and served over 40 years as a Palacios Volunteer Firefighter, where he was named Fireman of the Year. Other organizations that benefitted from his leadership include the Matagorda County Economic Development Committee, the Palacios Economic Development Committee, the Palacios Area Fund, the Palacios Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club, the Matagorda County Fair Association, the Palacios Recreation Association, the Rainbow Land Day Care Center Board, the Matagorda County Hospital District, and the Palacios Medical Foundation.
When Butch was awarded Man of the Year by the Palacios Chamber of Commerce, it was noted that Butch spent his life giving to and selling the town of Palacios and that he thinks of Palacios as he does his Texas Longhorns – the greatest things to happen to Texas. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving as the Chair of the Charter Commission for the City of Palacios’ first charter.
Butch died peacefully at 75 after a battle with lung and heart disease, with his wife of 47 years at his side. Butch will be buried in his Longhorn game day attire. The family welcomes burnt orange at the funeral service. Be prepared to give this Longhorn one last “hook’em” before he rides off into that great big burnt orange sunset.
The welcoming party in heaven includes Butch’s parents, Verner and Elva; his sister-in-law, Susan Bell; his nephews, Stewart and Rocky Flewellen; his good friend Cliff Elliott; and his canine companions over the years – Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Bentley and Pepper.
Loved ones left behind include his bride, the beautiful blonde from Wichita Falls, Nancy; his two dear daughters and their husbands, Allison & Aaron Hamilton and Christa & Mikey Saha; his precious grandchildren, Susie Hamilton, Cash Saha, and Casen Saha; his sister, Laverne King; and nephew and wife, Brian & Melissa Flewellen.
Services are Monday, April 3rd at 3:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Palacios. Burial will be at Hawley Cemetery. A dinner for all friends and family will be held at Beneath the Oaks. Visitation will be held Sunday, April 2nd, from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Palacios Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Butch’s name to the Volunteer Fire Department of Palacios, the Palacios Medical Center, or a charity of your choice.
Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
Leonard E. Braden
March 5, 1919 - October 19, 2016
Leonard E. Braden, 97 years, 7 months, of Bay City, TX, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at the Eagle Lake Nursing and Rehabilitation in Eagle Lake, TX.
Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, October 23, 2016 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, TX.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Monday, October 24, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church in Bay City with the Rev. Tracy Williams officiating.
Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City.
Leonard chose as his pallbearers nephews, Earl L. Braden Jr., Dwight L. Hadley, great-nephews, Brian L. Hadley and Russell R. Hadley; close friends, Louis Kopnicky and Gerald Hackfield.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the charity of your choice.
Leonard was born March 5, 1919 in Eagle Lake, TX, the second son of Edmund J. and Julia Elizabeth (Polcheck) Braden. He married Mildred Ellis on January 29, 1981. She passed away February 13, 2008. There were no children born of this marriage.
Leonard is survived by his brother, Charley Braden of Eagle Lake, TX; nephews and nieces, Earl L. Braden Jr. and wife Ann, Susan Braden Hadley and husband Dwight, Sandra B. Dutcher, Patti B. Hough and husband Jack, Betty Navarro and husband Rudy, and Bobby Braden. There are eight great nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by a close friend, Louis Kopnicky of Markham, and next door neighbors, Gerald and Stephanie Hackfield and Sarah of Bay City.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; oldest brother, Earl L. Braden Sr.; and youngest brother, Emanuel (BB) Braden.
Leonard graduated from Eagle Lake High School in 1937. He, along with his brothers, played football in High School. They all had nicknames and Leonard’s was Zephyr. After graduation, he went to work for a gas company out of Bellville, TX and later went to work for the Texas Highway Department out of Columbus, TX. He helped to build the highway between Columbus and Sealy (Hwy. 90) and then helped build the highway between Eagle Lake and Hallettsville (Hwy. 90-A).
On November 18, 1940, he joined the National Guard and then on May 24, 1943, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and became a First Lieutenant of the 81st Troop Carrier Squadron on the 436th Troop Carrier. He served in Northern and Southern France, Rhineland Ardenas; Normandy Rome-Arno and Central Europe. He flew flights on D Day (June 6, 1944) across France’s Normandy Region to begin the liberation of Europe in World War II, and also flew and dropped the squad in who went in search of Private James F. Ryan. He was honorably released from active duty on October 13, 1945. During his service to our country, Leonard received the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Unit Citation Badge and the EAME Campaign Medal with 7 Bronze Service Stars. He was received medals for his sharp-shooting.
When he returned to Eagle Lake, TX in 1945, after his service to our country, he owned his own short haul trucking service and a short time later began his career with Phillips 66 Refinery in Sweeny, TX, where he worked for 36 years before retiring in 1981. He loved occupying his spare time with the game of golf, where he played almost daily, and where he met Mildred Ellis. They played many games of golf, which they both enjoyed tremendously and they won many tournaments. When he was no longer able to play golf, he occupied his time by watching golf on TV. He was a member of the Bay City Country Club, New Gulf Country Club and Freeport Golf Club and would also come to Eagle Lake to play golf and visit his family. He reported that a friend once told him “Leonard, you have very little ability in playing golf, but you can always score!”
He enjoyed visiting with old friends and his Eagle Lake family who were very near and dear to him. He drove to Eagle Lake once a month to check on everyone, up until the age of 96 ½. He loved talking politics and kept up with current events and was very knowledgeable about many subjects. He enjoyed getting out in his yard and working on things around his house and reading. He was a member of five bowling leagues in the area while working for Phillips Petroleum, which he said he had the highest average.
He and Mildred loved dancing, along with his brother and his wife, Ruby and Earl Braden Sr. of Eagle Lake. They enjoyed getting together and dancing every weekend. They belonged to dance clubs in Wallis, Sealy, Bay City and Brazoria. Once a month they played in a domino club with close friends in Bay City. He especially enjoyed visiting with Raywood and Eleanor Brasseaux, formally of Bay City, and Ruby and Earl, Eating Bar-B-Q ribs on Sunday afternoons. When his niece Susan would ask him how he was feeling and if he was okay, he would always reply to her, “I guess I am well, I have never been this old before.” Then they would smile and laugh.
He had been a faithful member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church of Bay City, and upon marrying Mildred Ellis, he became a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bay City.
Online condolences may be share with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net.
Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, TX. 979-245-4613.
Bay City Tribune, October 23, 2016 Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
Funeral services for John L. Brinkley Sr., 84, of Van Vleck, Texas, will be held Saturday, December 24, 2016, at 11 a.m., at St. John Baptist Church in Van Vleck.
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., Friday, December 23, 2016, at Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Bay City.
Arrangements with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas 77414. 979-245-5197.
Bay City Tribune, December 21, 2016
Charlotte Marie Brown
May 10, 1921- December 20, 2016
Charlotte Marie Brown, 95, of Bay City, Texas went to be with the Lord Tuesday, December 20, 2016.
She was born May 10, 1921 in Chester, Pennsylvania to the late Charles Herbert and Roberta Lawton Dessauer. She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church Van Vleck, Texas. Charlotte loved the Lord and lived her life with kindness and love. She always placed the needs of others first and was in every way a Great, Great Grandmother.
Charlotte is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald M. Brown; daughter, Burta Brown McIntosh; three brothers and three sisters; grandson, Martin Strong; and great-granddaughter, LeAnn A. Moon.
She is survived by daughter, Donna Brown Ramirez (Medardo); grandchildren, Richard Ramirez (Ellen), Donna Ramirez Elrod (Brent) and Cheryl Moon (James); great-grandchildren, Rachel Ramirez, Richard Ramirez Jr., LeiNyssa Baharona (James), Madelyn Ramirez, Crystal Leatherwood (Jeremy), Andrew Elrod and Thomas Elrod; great-great-grandchildren, Charlie Salinas, Jonathan Fierro, Anay Barahona and Stone Leatherwood.
The family received friends and relatives from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, December 22, 2016 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Friday, December 23, 2016 at First Baptist Church in Van Vleck, Texas with the Rev. Bob Hobbins officiating.
Interment followed at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City, Texas.
Pallbearers were Richard Ramirez, Brent Elrod, James Moon, Andrew Elrod, David McIntosh, Terrance Westbrook and Thomas Elrod.
Honorary pallbearers were the Deacons of First Baptist Church Van Vleck, Bryan McDonald and Matt Cockrell.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church in Van Vleck.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net.
Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas. 979-245-4613.
Bay City Tribune, December 25, 2016
Garey Gene Brown
February 9, 1944 - September 18, 2016
Mr. Garey Gene Brown of Fredericksburg, Texas, passed away on Sunday, September 18, 2016, at the age of 72 years.
Garey was born February 9, 1944 in Bay City, Texas, to Shirley W. and Florence Alexander Brown. Garey was married to Jane Hayes Brown for 41 years, and she preceded him in death.
Garey is survived by a daughter and spouse, Angela and Michael Thompson of Thomasville, NC; grandson, Oliver Thompson; long-time beloved companion, Regina Rouse of Fredericksburg; Regina’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; sister-in-law:, Patricia Miller of Portland, Texas; nieces and nephews, Suzanne Campos, Kyle Lackey, and Lissa Willason; and aunt, Barbara Middleton of Bay City, Texas.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 22, 2016, at 2 p.m,. in the chapel of the Schaetter Funeral Home of Fredericksburg with the Rev. Sid Spiller officiating.
Graveside services and interment followed in the Greenwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the SPCA, Fredericksburg Vol. Fire Dept, or to the charity of one’s choice.
Visitation for Garey Brown was held on Thursday September 22, 2016, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., in the Chapel of the Schaetter Funeral Home.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com.
Arrangements are by the Schaetter Funeral Home of Fredericksburg, Texas.
Bay City Tribune, September 25, 2016
Funeral services for Timmie Earl Brown, 60, of Bay City, Texas, will be Saturday, November 26, 2016, 12 p.m., at New Fellowship Tabernacle Church with the Rev. Andrew Floyd, Pastor and Pastor James Ashton Jr. officiating.
Visitation will be Friday, November 25, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., in the chapel of Green's Mortuary, Bay City.
Burial will follow immediately after services at Eastview Cemetery, Bay City.
He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, LaVernn Williams-Brown; three daughters, Timisha Brown, Myika Brown and Kimberly Brown; six siblings, Linda Kay Turk, Cleophus "Cookie" Brown (Ethel), Alvin Brown, Paula Brown-Fletcher (Eric), Adrienne Montgomery, and Gerald Brown (Sharmane); mother-in-law, Veree Williams; one aunt, Alfreda Gaskin (Billy Ray); and a host of other relatives and friends.
Final arrangements are entrusted with Green's Mortuary, Bay City, Texas. 979-245-3489.
Bay City Tribune, November 23, 2016
Photo courtesy of Kenneth L. Thames