Matagorda County Obituaries
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Henry Cadena

Graveside services for Henry Cadena, 85, of Bay City are scheduled for 2 pm today with the Rev. Edward Boren officiating. Burial to follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. 

Mr. Cadena was born Jan. 11, 1908 in Wharton to Lazaro and Inez Molinar Cadena and died Nov. 25, 1993 in Bay Villa Nursing Home.

A resident of Bay City for 25 years, he was a member of the Catholic church.

Survivors include a daughter, Juanita Cadena Mendoza of Rosenburg and a sister, Catarina Cadena of Bay City.

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

Daily Tribune, December 2, 1993              Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 


Adam Cadriel

Requiem mass for infant Adam Cadriel, seven months old, was held at 8 am Monday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

The baby, son of Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Cadriel Jr. of Van Vleck, was dead on arrival at Matagorda General Hospital Sunday, and had been ill for most of its life due to birth defect.

Rev. J. P. Shannon officiated at the rites; interment was in Roselawn Memorial Park under the direction of Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Survivors include the parents, four sisters; Josephine, Delores, Carmen and Martini; three brothers, Solomon, Ray and Modestal, all of Van Vleck.

The Daily Tribune, May 9, 1963              Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 


Erma Bonner Caesar

March 7, 1946 – September 5, 2019 

Funeral services for Erma Bonner Caesar, 73 of Houston, Texas will be held Saturday September 14, 2019, at 12 p.m. at Enterprise Baptist Church in Bay City, Texas. Visitation and guest book registry will be Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Enterprise Baptist Church.

Final arrangements have been entrusted to Lakeside Memorial Funeral Home, 703 N. Brooks Street, Brazoria, Texas 77422; 979-798-5253.

Bay City Tribune, September 11, 2019
 


J. W. Callis

Ganado--J. W. Callis, 68, of Ganado died Tuesday, Feb. 9, 1993.

He was born Nov. 8, 1924 in Bay City to the late Sylvester and Sefronia Woofard Callis. He was a World War II veteran, serving from January 1943 to March 1946. He was married May 30, 1944. He was a retired rice dryer for Duncan and Cory and a member of Prosperity Baptist Church.

Survivors: wife, Ida Mae Callis; daughters, Julia F. Hardeway of Houston and Ethelda Washington, Monia Ruth Diggs and Cheryl Edwards, all of Ganado; son, James Douglas Callis of Ganado; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation: 9 a. m. Friday at Cook-Butler Funeral Home, Edna.

Services: 1 p. m. Saturday at Prosperity Baptist Church, the Rev. L. B. Elliott officiating.

Burial: Ganado Community Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Don Sodia, Lincoln Edwards, Alvin Stovall, Keith Caesar, Arthur Williams and David Randle.

Memorials: Prosperity Baptist Church.

Cook-Butler Funeral Home, Edna, 782-3821.

Victoria Advocate, February 10, 1993
 


Petra Camancho

January 18, 1940 - February 7, 2020

Petra Camancho, age 80, of Bay City, Texas, passed away on February 7, 2020 in Bay City, Texas.

She was born in Brownsville, Texas on January 18, 1940 to Silverio Lopez and Inocencia Bejaran Lopez.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at 1 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Bay City.

Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery in Bay City.

Condolences may be shared with the family at duncanrobertsfh@ gmail.com

Arrangements with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas; 979-245-5197.

Bay City Tribune, February 12, 2020 
 


Bruce Aden Campbell

July 16, 1947 - September 17, 2019

Bruce was born to Delose and Cecel Campbell in Cortland, NY.  He was the youngest of 11 children born to this union.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Campbell; three sons, Frank Simpson, Troy Campbell and Craig Campbell; four daughters, Rhonda, Robin, Becky and Michelle; his buddy, Austin Campbell; four brothers, two sisters, 20 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

Graveside service, Saturday, September 21, 2019, 1:00 PM, Cedarvale Cemetery, Golden Avenue Bay City, TX 77414

Green's Mortuary, Bay City              Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham


 


Consuelo "Connie" Cantu

February 24, 1979 - April 17, 2020

Connie Cantu, 41, of Wharton, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2020 at a Wharton hospital.   She was born on February 24, 1979 in Bay City to parents, Juan and Teresa Salazar Cantu.

Connie was raised in Wharton and graduated from Wharton High School in 2000.  Connie was a fun loving, happy person, never meeting a stranger. She enjoyed listening to music, playing bingo, watching Houston Texan’s games with her father and being around her family. Connie is preceded in death by her mother, Teresa Cantu.

Connie is survived by her father, Juan Cantu; sisters, Erica Castellano and husband, Gene, and Lisa Cantu; brothers, Juan Cantu, Jr., and Roberto Cantu and wife, Teresa Ramirez Cantu all of Wharton; nieces, Angel Granado, Emily Cantu, Kayla Cantu, Mia Castellano, Emma Cantu, Cami Cantu, and Lily Compian along with her nephews, Ryan Castellano, John Anthony Castellano, Evan Cantu and Cory Cantu and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorial services will be held at a later time.

Condolences can be left at whartonfuneralhome.com Funeral services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.

Wharton Funeral Home


Rachel Carillo

A Funeral Mass for Rachel Carrillo, age 67 of Palacios, was held Feb. 24 at St. Anthony of Padua's Catholic Church in Palacios, followed by burial at Palacios Cemetery.

Rachel was born on March 23, 1952 in Palacios, Texas to the late Porfirio and Alice Rodriguez and passed away Sunday, February 16, 2020.

Rachel is survived by her husband of 40 years. Antonio Carrillo of Palacios. Son: Otilio Guillen (Andrea Reyes) of Lake Jackson. Daughter; Luisa Carrillo (Rocky) of Palacios, Sister; Sylvia Sandoval of Lake Jackson, Brothers; Frank Rodriguez (Gingi) and Robert Lawrence (Helen) of Freeport. She is also survived by Grandchildren; Antonio. Mercedes and Bella of Palacios.

She is preceded in death by her Parents. Brother: Johnny Heinaman: and infant Son; Angel Guillen. Jr.

Pallbearers will be Pablo Carrillo. Francisco Carrillo, Jr., Robert Lawrence. John Frank Lawrence. David Sandoval, Jr., and Matthew Sandoval.

Services were held under the direction of Angel Lucy's Funeral Home of Port Lavaca

Palacios Beacon, February 26, 2020
 


David Randall Carroll

February 18, 1947 - July 23, 2019

David Randall Carroll of Bay City, TX was born February 18, 1947 in Velasco, TX to his loving parents, Ebbie B. Cummings and Lois Lusk Cummings. He was called to his Heavenly home July 23, 2019 at the age of 72.

David graduated from Van Vleck High School in 1967, and Wharton County Junior College in 1971. He retired from Celanese Chemical Plant in August of 2010 after 37 years of working in Operations.

David always felt that the Lord was calling him to help others in their time of need. One of the ministries he loved was the Harvest House Food Pantry. He loved seeing all the people that came on Wednesdays. When David retired, he was blessed to be able to volunteer all of his free time at the Harvest House, and to serve and feed the hungry in our community and Matagorda County.

David is preceded in death by his parents; mothers-in-law Ann Sciba and Dorothy Cartwright; father-in-law Mack Cartwright; niece Diana Cartwright, and brother-in-law Ted Grantham. He is survived by the love of his life for 48 years, Brenda Cartwright Carroll; daughters Kristi Organ (Scott) of Bay City, Stephanie Carroll of Georgetown, TX, Leslie Schmerber (James) of Rosharon, TX and Shannon Henning (Ryan) of Aledo, TX; grandchildren Emily and Seth Organ, Lindsey and Lauren Schmerber, and Conner, Kloey, Evan, Drew and Luke Henning; sisters Lynda Westbrook (John), Connie Blakley (Jimmy), and Genelle Logan (Pat); brother Kenneth B. Cummings; brother-in-law Phil Cartwright (Susan); numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly, and fur babies Molly Belle, Falcon, Gigi, Oliver and Lily.

Visitation will be 4:00-6:00pm Sunday July 28 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Celebration of Life is 10:00am Monday, July 29, 2019 at Nichols Street Church of Christ with Matt Springfield officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers are Conner Henning, Robert Campos, Todd Sevenski, Justin Hawthorne, Chris Warren and Michael Blakley. Honorary pallbearers are Doug Davis, Terry Baker, Allan Brown and James Williams.

A special thank you to the staff of Angels Home Care for their excellent care, and Houston Hospice staff for their loving care of my precious husband as he was preparing to go to his Heavenly home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Harvest House Food Pantry, 1200 Nichols St., Bay City, TX 77414.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home        Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham


 


Helen Frances Lange Carter

Helen Frances Lange Carter, 82, of Bay City, passed away March 20, 2020. She was born on September 10, 1937 in Fredericksburg, Texas to the late Julian W. Lange and Eleanora Schild Lange.

She is survived by her son, Julian R. Carter of Arkansas, and her daughters, Eleanor L. Carter of Bay City, Linda C. Schiurring & husband J. Brent Schiurring of El Campo, Shiryl C. Redding & husband John Redding of Beeville; Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Byron “Terry” Carter; brother, Julian Robert Lange.

Graveside services were held Monday, March 23 at Garden of Memories Cemetery in El Campo. A memorial service to celebrate Helen’s life will be held at a later date.

Helen was a devoted mother and grandmother and a lady of many talents, from caring for her family by cooking wonderful meals to playing cards and dominos to all hours of the night with her family; her laugh was contagious. Her talents included but not limited to being an awesome seamstress for the many clothes she made for her family over the years to being a sign painter for years. Helen was a hard working woman never saying no. She was a very intelligent woman and no task was too large. She was a devoted catholic never losing sight of her religion no matter how challenging her health issues got. Her everlasting impression she left on us is to always put God first and trust in him.

A special thanks to the wonderful nurses at Matagorda Regional Hospital in the ICU unit and to the special people at the South Texas Hospice Team in Victoria.

Triska Funeral Home, El Campo, 979-543-3681

Triska Funeral Home, El Campo
 


Travis Lee Cartwright
 


Arthur Cervantes, Sr.

September 05, 1949 - June 06, 2019

Arthur Cervantes, Sr., 69, of Van Vleck passed away June 6, 2019. He was born September 5, 1949 in Bay City, TX to the late Pedro Cervantes and Consuelo Reyes Cervantes.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Mary Esther Trevino and a brother Ruben Garcia.

Survivors include sons Arthur Cervantes, Jr., Josh Cervantes, Michael Cervantes and Ishmael R. Cervantes; siblings Pete Cervantes, Ernest Cervantes, Richard Cervantes, George Cervantes, Virginia Cervantes, Marie Mendoza, Yolanda Perez, Frances Cortez-Cervantes, Connie Alamia and Hortencia Garcia; grandchildren Kayla Hutton, Kassandra Cervantes, Devin Cervantes, Moriah Guzman, Macie Morales, Michael Cervantes, Madison Cervantes, Princess Jones and Sophia Cervantes and great grandchildren Mabel Hutton and Joseph Morales.

Visitation will be 5PM until 7PM Tuesday with a rosary beginning at 6:30PM at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck, TX. Pallbearers will be Devin Cervantes, Michael A. Cervantes, Eric Cervantes, Mark Cervantes, Steven Cervantes and Martin Huerta, Jr.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 


Stanley Gordon Chadwell

August 03, 1956 - September 25, 2019

Stanley Gordon Chadwell, 63, of Boling, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, September 25, 2019, at his home to be with his Lord and Savior.  Stanley was born on August 3, 1956, in Bay City, Texas,  to the late Gordon Derrel and Mary Lynda Ryals Harris Chadwell.

Stanley was raised in Bay City and graduated from Bay City High School where he excelled in the high school band, playing coronet.  He received a band scholarship to Wharton County Junior College. Shortly after attending WCJC, Stanley was employed at Crafts Furniture Store, at the South Texas Project for Zachary Construction, OxyChem, and Equistar in purchasing and at Teppco Pipeline as an office manager. Stanley married Sherrie Jahn on December 28, 2012 in Wharton. He enjoyed playing his guitar, playing in several bands over the years including Crystal Blue, Dulwich Fox & Hotwire, fishing, cooking BBQ, going to the beach and small engine repair. He was a member of St Joseph Catholic Church Mission in Boling and a 3rd degree Knight of Columbus.

He is survived by his wife, Sherrie Chadwell of Boling, TX, daughters, Sarah Brook Chadwell Andrus and husband, Chris of Salt Lake City, UT, Rebecca Lee “Becca” Chadwell Longoria and husband, David of Markham, TX, step children Justin Kumaga and wife, Carmen of Clyde, TX, Jessica Kumaga Ayres and husband, Brian of Dickenson, TX, and Amanda Gayle McCarty of Houston, TX, sister, Rebecca Lynn Mariani of Bay City, TX, brothers, Samuel Ryals Chadwell and wife, Monica of New Braunfels, TX, and John Paul Chadwell of Rockdale, grandchildren, Tyler Longoria, Kayla Longoria, Jaden Ocean Andrus, Jasper River Andrus, and step grandchildren, Cain Dalton Kumaga, Eli Matthew Aryes and Emma Grace Ayres, a niece, nephews and cousins all around Texas.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at Wharton Funeral Home after 9 am. The service will begin at 11 am at the Chapel of Wharton Funeral Home with Father Bob Knippenberg officiating. Private family burial will follow in the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Wharton.

Funeral services under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.  Condolences may be left at www. whartonfuneralhome.com.

Wharton Funeral Home & Bay City Tribune, October 2, 2019
 


Wilbur Darrell Chambers

December 15, 1942 - September 11, 2019

Wilbur Darrell Chambers, 76, of El Campo, passed away Wednesday September 11, 2019. Wilbur was born in Dickenson, TX to Wilber Ray and Alma Marie Chambers. He worked for many years for Marathon Oil Company and loved high school football, The Dallas Cowboys, golf, and fishing in Matagorda Bay. Wilbur was a fantastic cook, a devoted grandfather, and quite a character. He will be greatly missed.

Wilbur is survived by his 3 children: Cheryl Smith, Darrell Chambers and Jennifer Hawley; 3 grandchildren: Emma Chambers, Luke Smith, and Vivian Smith; his former wife: Janey Beth Chambers; his longtime friend and companion: Daphne Hensley; 3 sisters: Martha Cartwright, Wanda Rayburn, and Delores Delgrorno; and brother: Dennis Chambers. He was preceded in death by his parents: Alma and Wilber Chambers, and 2 brothers: Jimmy and Kenneth Chambers.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Monday September 16, 2019 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Matt Springfield officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be: Earl Smith, Darrell Chambers, Jimmy Jurek, Craig Schraub, Roy Green, and Bruce Labay.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Wilbur’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home        Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham


 


Shirley Elizabeth Chick

Graveside services for Shirley Elizabeth Chick, 56, of Bay City will be held at 10 am Wednesday at Roselawn Memorial Park, Van Vleck, with the Rev. John Graves of Bay City officiating.

Mrs. Chick was born Sept. 9, 1929, in Stoughton, Mass., to Edward and Emma Real Bennett and died May 5, 1986, in Galveston.

She was a resident of Bay City for the last 10 years.

Survivors include her husband, Rodney Chick of Bay City; a daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Sam Shelby of Bay City; and four grandchildren.  Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City.

Daily Tribune, May, 1986                   Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 


Ma. Margarita Cisneros

Ma. Margarita Cisneros, 75 de Bay City, Texas, fallecio Lunes 20 de Abril del 2020. Ella nacio el 8 de Octubre de 1944 en San Jeronimo Araceo, Mexico a los ya fallecidos Federico Cisneros y Ma. Guadalupe Ramirez.

Le sobreviven un hermano Manuel Cisneros , hijos Jorge Lara (Lupe), Lole Lara (Eufemia), Jose Luis Lara (Luciana), Gregorio (Margarita) diez nietos, cinco bisnietos y muchos familiares.

Debido alas circumstancias que estan pasando en el mundo los servicios funebres van hacer privados si desean acompañar ala familia el zepelio sera el jueves 23 de Abril alas 11 en el panteon Cedarvale Cemetery en Bay City, Texas. 

 Taylor Bros. Funeral Home                   Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham


 


A Tragic Death – Ray Clark

Ray Clark who recently died at Palacios was quite well known by a number of our people who will be pained to learn of his peculiar and untimely death. We take the following account from the Palacios Beacon:

Last Saturday afternoon T. S. Clark and his youngest son, Ray, a young man nearly twenty-two years old, went out on east bay fishing in a small gasoline launch they had recently purchased. They intended to go to Collegeport while on the bay, which the family knew. About six o’clock in the evening a blizzard sprang out of the north, and the wind blew a chilling gale all night long, and the bay was about as rough as it has ever been. Mrs. Clark and the son at home felt little concern for the absent ones, and were confident that they were ashore at Collegeport, and wouldn’t attempt to return until the storm had passed. Early Sunday morning George Clark went to the bay shore to look for his father and brother, and saw the boat well to the Collegeport side riding at anchor. Realizing at once that there was something wrong he made haste to secure assistance to go to the rescue, and was fortunate in securing Burton Jones, who at once took Mr. Clark in his launch and sailed for the anchored boat. When they reached the boat they found the father almost paralyzed from the cold and exposure, and the young man, Ray, lying dead in his father’s arms. The sea was rough and it was with difficulty that the well-nigh helpless father and the remains of the son were transferred to Mr. Jones launch, but which was accomplished, and they were speedily brought to shore and taken to the Clark home on Pavillion street, at about ten o’clock Sunday morning.

It was sometime before the father regained full consciousness and the power of speech, but when he did he explained just how the great misfortune occurred. They had started home from Collegeport early in the evening, and when half way across the bay, the big gale from the north struck them. As too often happens the engine of the little boat failed to work, and the young man labored to almost complete exhaustion in his efforts to make the engine go. He finally gave up and with an oar and fish pole the two were working the boat toward land when the young man suddenly expired, it is presumed from heart failure superinceded by the excitement and the work over the engine. The father then anchored the boat, fearing that if he made any effort to proceed, the body of his son would be thrown overboard by the waves and the rocking of the boat which is a very small one. And thus he remained out on the bay in the chilling gale with the lifeless body of his son awaiting help.

Phillips County Post, Phillipsburg, Kansas, December 30, 1909
 


David Elton Cockrell

November 21, 1932 - March 10, 2020

David Elton Cockrell, 87, passed away March 10, 2020. He was born November 21, 1932 in Logansport, LA to the late Benjamin Lewis Cockrell and Annie Marie Spraggins Cockrell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Frank Cockrell and John Cockrell and two sons, Karl Cockrell and Gregg Cockrell.

Survivors include his wife Bobbie Ruth James Cockrell; sons John Cockrell and Matthew Cockrell & his wife Lisa; grandchildren Franklin Cockrell, Benjamin Cockrell, Sarah Cockrell and Katie Cockrell; sisters-in-law Ruth Cockrell and Tona Lawhorn and brother-in-Law Curtis James and a host of nieces and nephews.

David and Bobbie were married on February 12, 1954 and shared 66 wonderful years together. He had enlisted in the Navy that same April and they moved to San Diego, California. For the next four years he served on the Sub-Tender U.S.S. Nereus AS-17. He learned the craft of metallurgy and became an expert welder, which was the profession he continued until his retirement.

In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and playing bluegrass on the banjo and French Harp. He was a life-long member of Bay City Masonic Lodge #865 and was a Past Master. David was a member of the First Baptist Church of Van Vleck.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM Friday at the First Baptist Church in Van Vleck followed by funeral services at 2:00 PM. Rev. Bob Hobbins and Rev. Matthew Gore will officiate. Pallbearers will be Harry Janise, Ernie Geffert, Chad Lawhorn, Clint Lawhorn, Franklin Cockrell and Benjamin Cockrell. Emory Jackson and Curtis James will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home               Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham


 


Allan Moody Cole
December 3, 1952 - April 26, 2020

Allan Moody Cole, 67, of Bay City passed away, April 26, 2020.  He was born December 3, 1952 in Bay City, Texas to Rosser Moody Cole and Virginia Davis Cole. 

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his wife Jana Bryant Cole, and brother David Rosser Cole.  Survivors include his brothers Raymond Cole of Bay City, and Roy Cole (Kathy) of Tomball; step sisters Janie Flemming (Richard) of Bay City and Mona Davenport of Hallettsville; son Keith Allan Cole (wife Andrea) of Palacios, daughters Kimberly Cole Staff of Victoria, and Kelli Cole Daley of Kyle, Texas; grandsons Tyler Cole, Jordan Staff, Blake Staff, Dylan Staff; and Cole Daley, granddaughter Jovie Daley; great-grandson Easton Cole; great-granddaughter Kynnedy Staff along with many nieces and nephews.

Allan grew up working on his family’s grass farm contributing to the team effort of fertilizing, watering, mowing, and spraying weeds for months until the turf grass was ready for harvesting, and then, after harvesting, repeating the process all over again.  When the grass business got slow at one time, he took classes in Houston and got his paralegal degree. 

Allan enjoyed cooking Bar-B-Que and was the host of many get-togethers with friends and family with plenty of Bar-B-Que and sides for all.  He had a good sense of humor and always kept everyone entertained.  There was never a dull moment when Allan was around.

Allan really loved music and enjoyed playing the drums in his younger days.  He was actually really good at it and had a sound system with amplifiers and an array of large speakers.  He would crank up the volume on the speakers and play right along with the music from the top bands of the 60’s and 70’s without missing a beat. 

Later in life, Allan assisted his father drilling and repairing water wells.  He liked being out and active.  He enjoyed reading the bible and would spend endless time talking about different scriptures and giving his interpretation as to their meaning. Allan will be sorely missed by those that knew him. 

A private graveside service will be held by the family at Cedarvale Cemetery with  Matt Springfield officiating. Honorary Pallbearers are Tyler Cole, Jordan Staff, Blake Staff, Dylan Staff, Marshall Van Dyke, and Joe Davis. 

In lieu of flowers, send memorials to MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home              Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham


 


Rosser Moody Cole

December 11, 1931 - September 07, 2019

Rosser Moody Cole of Bay City, Texas, 87, passed away peacefully in his sleep with family next to him on September 7, 2019. Rosser was born on December 11, 1931 in Sugar Valley, Texas to the late David William Cole, Sr. and Lillian Loftin Cole. 

Rosser is preceded in death his wife, Ada West Cole; his former wife Virginia Davis Cole, his son David Rosser Cole; his brothers, including the former Sheriff of Matagorda County, J.B. (Jack) Cole, W.L. (Waddie) Cole; John Nubert Cole, David William Cole, Jr.; William Cole of South Carolina, Jenoye Cole of Conroe; and sisters Elizabeth Burkhart Hite, Lillian Milberger, Dorothy Dietrich and Annie Lee Hale Jones.

He is survived by three sons: Raymond Cole and Allan Cole of Bay City, Texas and Roy Cole (wife Kathy) of Tomball, Texas; step-daughters, Mona Davenport of Hallettsville and Janie Flemming (husband Richard) of Bay City, Texas. His grandchildren include Clinton Minter Cole of Houston, Texas; Victor Rosser Cole of Natchitoches, Louisiana; Ashley Rae Zinn (husband Jeremy) of Bay City, and Jessalyn Elizabeth Cole of Sugarland, Eric Newton Cole of Houston, Amy Renee Cole of Tomball, Tara Elizabeth McKinley (husband Dan) of Austin, Keith Allan Cole (wife Andrea) of Palacios, Kimberly Cole Staff of Victoria; and Kelli Cole Daley of Kyle, Texas, Amy Amsden (husband Brian) of Hallettsville, Jess Davenport (wife Summer) of Hallettsville, Courtney DeWitt of Bay City, and Chance Cole Cartwright (wife Amber) of Leander.  There are also numerous nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren.

Rosser was raised on a farm along with his 6 brothers and 4 sisters. During the time when his older brothers went off to war in the 1940’s, he was left at home to operate the family farm with his father, raising mainly cotton and corn at that time.  They not only farmed enough vegetables to cover their own needs but also to use as barter with local merchants for their other needs.  Family farm animals were used to supply the needs for beef, chicken, pork, milk, butter, and eggs. 

Rosser worked on drilling rigs in the oilfield during his early twenties. He was injured when a drill pipe fell and hit him.  After that, he decided to go back into farming corn, cotton, sorghum, turfgrass, and often times, a very substantial amount of vegetables in his extra-large personal garden, where friends were often invited to fill their needs.  He continued farming for forty years.  He was either the first, second or third turfgrass farmer in state (depending on whose recollection is relied upon).  He and his brother, the former Sheriff Jack Cole, took up ranching as a side-line, for a period of time.  In later years, after getting out of the turfgrass business he reinvented himself with his pursuit of drilling water wells, a trade he had learned working as a teenager back in 1949.  He really enjoyed this line of work and it seemed to be his true calling. 

Rosser, liked hearing about his ancestry. His 4th great-great grandfather served in the American Revolution under Francis Marion (the Swamp Fox) in North and South Carolina.  Rosser’s father, David William Cole, Sr., had moved to Texas from South Carolina where he met and later married, Lillian Loftin in Navasota, Texas.  David and Lillian moved to Matagorda County in the early 1930’s.  Rosser enjoyed talking about the time he went back to South Carolina with his dad and visited relatives there.

Rosser’s 3rd Great-Grandfather on his mother’s side of the family was active in the formation of the state of Texas.  He served in the Army of the Republic of Texas and was elected to the Texas House of Representatives for the First Congressional Session, but lost the election for the Second Congress.  Rosser enjoyed talking about his relatives on his Mom’s side of the family.

Pop, as he was called in later years, loved the company of others. He was unassuming.  He had no enemies and he loved the company of others.  Those who were not fortunate enough to have met Rosser have missed the experience of being in the presence of this most colorful man and delightful man.  When asked on his death-bed whether he had accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, he promptly exclaimed “Oh hell yeah”. 

Not enough can be said on behalf of this man. If he were tired, sick, or hurt, rarely would it show. Among his progeny, it is hard to recall when, if ever, Rosser may have slept late in the morning.  His clothes set alight by gasoline in the field one day, he scoffed at the idea of being transported to the hospital until “we have finished this job.”  Those who know him well can surely say, “Pop, you can rest now because you have finished your job and finished it well.”  Rosser Moody Cole will certainly be missed by his family and friends. 

The family will receive friends and relatives from 5 PM until 7 PM Friday, Sept. 13, 2019 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Eric Cole, Blake Staff, Dylan Staff, Jordan Staff, Marshall Van Dyke, and Randy Cole. Honorary Paul Bearers are Hadden Dietrich Sr., Chance Cartwright, Jess Davenport, Richard Flemming, Shawn Dykes and Brian Amsden.

Bay City Tribune, September 11, 2019             Photos courtesy of Faye Cunningham


 


Hazel Lowery Conner

April 30, 1942 - March 25, 2020

Hazel Lowery Conner of Bay City, Texas passed away March 25, 2020 from Alzheimer’s.  She was born in Halifax County, VA on April 30, 1942 and was 77 years of age. She was the daughter of the late Herbert G. Lowery and the late Melissa Conner Lowery.

She is survived by her husband William (Billy) Carl Conner Sr.; children, Sharon Conner Wilson, Mitzi Dawn Conner, and William Carl Conner Jr. all of Bay City, Texas; grandchildren, Tina Wilson Frausto, Roy Wilson (Carrie), Krystale Wilson; great-grandchildren, Samantha Pena, Pablo Frausto III, Blake Frausto, Miguel Santes Jr., Kiera Huerta, Mario Huerta Jr. and Octavian Wilson; brothers, Wallace S. Lowery, and Danny M Lowery (Lori) both from Alton ,VA.; sisters, Sandra L. Blanks (Jimmy) from Roxboro NC  and Kathryn L. McDowell (Forrest) from South Boston VA. Hazel is preceded in death by her siblings, Alvin F. Lowery, Virginia L. Jones Abel and Brenda L. Gravitt.

Friends and family may mail cards and condolences to 14742 Farm Market Rd 2668, Bay City, TX 77414

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

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 


Haskell Haywood Cooke

February 13, 1925 - December 7, 2019

A better friend, a kinder heart and a stronger man you will never find.  Haskell Haywood Cooke, 94, of Matagorda, TX left this world to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 7, 2019 after a long, hard fight with cancer.

Haskell was born on February 13, 1925 in Ft. Worth, TX to Haskell and Frances Cooke.  He was the older of two children.  He was in the U.S. Navy, stationed out of San Diego, CA and served a total of 3 years 2 months and 4 days with 27 months of sea duty on the USS Wichita with rank as an Electrician’s Mate 2c V-6 USNR.  When he was honorably discharged he requested work with an oil company in the Texas Region.  He was hired by Exxon, where he worked his entire career and retired at the age of 65.

He was married to his soul mate, Fay Griffith Sparks, in May 1995.  They loved to fish together.

He is survived by his wife Fay; his daughter, Lee Cooke Bond and husband Steven; other loving daughters, Annette Sparks Cochran and husband John, Crystal Allison and husband Grant; sons, Jim Sparks and wife Kim, David Sparks and wife Tena; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by both parents; and his brother, Lee Cooke.

He was a member of the Church of Christ.  He lived a good, long life, had many friends who loved him dearly and was extremely blessed in this life on earth.  He loved to joke and tease.  As a loving husband, father and friend, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Bay City Tribune, December 15, 2019


Yvonne "Tiny" Pierce Cormier

February 18, 1941 - November 28, 2019

Yvonne “Tiny” Pierce Cormier passed away Thursday, November 28, 2019.  She was born February, 18, 1941 in Bay City, Texas to the late Clyde and Freda Williams.  She attended Tidehaven High School.  At Tidehaven HS, she met her first love, Mike Pierce Sr.  They were married on May 21, 1961.

Tiny was the secretary at Tidehaven High School from 1964 through 1994.  She loved her work and took great pride in performance of her duties.

Tiny’s most pleasurable moments were time spent with her family and friends.  She loved to travel, go to parties and taking pasture tours with Mike Sr.  She was an avid bowler and loved the Wednesday night leagues in Bay City.

After Mike Sr. passed, she met her second love, Randy Cormier and moved to Corpus Christi on the beach where she met many new friends.  She was able to enjoy her golden years living on the beach and traveling.

She was preceded in death by Mike Sr. and 2nd husband Randy Cormier.

She is survived by her son Mike Jr. (Jackie) Pierce of Blessing, her daughter Stacy (Joe) Wolf of Windthorst, Texas.  Stepdaughters, Shara Cormier of Jasper, Michele (Trey) Wilkerson of Diboll.  Grandson, Michael Wolf, Granddaughters, Heather Pierce of Bay City and Wendy (Michael) Gothard of Cypress.  Mikayla Brown, Annabeth Wilkerson, Ryann Wilkerson. Great grandchildren, Peiden Morris, Levi Girdt and Blaze Sanders.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hawley Cemetery, P.O. Box 343, Blessing, TX 77419.

Visitation will be at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City on Monday, December 2, 2019 at 12:00 pm. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm with Rev. James Abernathy officiating.  Burial will take place at Hawley Cemetery following the services. Pallbearers are Fredrick Pierce, Logan Pierce, Philip Zarate, Michael Gothard, Michael Wolf, Scott Jackson.  Honorary pallbearers are grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 


Constantino "Cacho" Corona
March 11, 1959 - January 14, 2020

Constantino “Cacho” Corona, 60, of Palacios, Texas passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2020. He was born March 11, 1959 in Mexico, to the late Santiago Corona and Maria de las Nieves Calderon. He was a shrimper for many years of his life.

He is survived by his daughters, Desarie Gonzales, and April Corona; sisters, Maria Guadalupe Zavala, Hilda Amparo Corona Calderon, Reyna Corona Calderon; brothers, Honorio Corona Calderon, and Martiniano Corona Calderon; brother-in-law, Pablo Tavera Machuca; niece, Keila Paloma Esparza Corona; grandchildren, Eric Alexander Ortega, Lissandro Cavani Yax, Jazlyn Marley Barrios, and Angelika Juliana Barrios. He is preceded in death by his parents.

The family will receive visitors from 5pm to 7pm Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at the Palacios Funeral Home with a rosary beginning at 6pm.  Mass will be 10am Thursday, January 23, 2020 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Palacios, Texas. Interment will follow at Palacios Cemetery.  Pallbearers for Cacho will be Eric Alexander Ortega, Jose Yax, Tony Zavala, Freddie Zavala, Mauro Gonzalez, Tono Corona, Antonio Zavala, Martiniano Corona Calderon, and Mario Alberto Rangel Corona.

Arrangements are with the Palacios Funeral Home (361) 972-2012.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 


Gonzalo Cortez
December 28, 1942 - December 28, 2019
 

Gonzalo Cortez, 77, of Bay City, Texas passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2019 after a battle with cancer.

Gonzalo was born on December 28, 1942 in San Benito, Texas to Alfredo and Ruperta Cortez. He married his wife of 58 years, Patsy Munoz Cortez, on July 29, 1961. They had seven children and seven grand children. Gonzalo dedicated his life in service to Jehovah in January 1973.

A memorial service will be held for Gonzalo at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 917 Nichols Avenue, Bay City, Texas 77414 on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 11 am.

He would have loved for all who knew him to attend his services.

Bay City Tribune, January 1, 2020


Juan Cortez Sr.
October 20, 1932 - November 9, 2019

Juan Cortez Sr., age 87, of Bartlett, Texas and formerly of Bay City, Texas passed away November 9, 2019 in Taylor, TX.

He was born in San Benito, Texas on October 20, 1932 to Federico and Leonor Cortez.  He was the third oldest out of 15 children.

He worked with his family as a migrant farm worker in his youth and was only able to complete grade six.  He moved to Bay City, Texas at the age of 23 and there is where he met and married his wife Eliza Martinez on August 12, 1956.  This is where their five children were born and raised.

Mr. Cortez was an extremely hard worker, a man of few words, well loved by his friends and co-workers, and was a jack-of-all trades.  He was primarily a carpenter, part time mechanic, concrete finisher, plumber, general construction, and woodworker.  His main recreation during his 20’s and 30’s was playing Semi-Pro baseball on a variety of baseball teams in the Bay City area.  He retired in 1992 after working a variety of jobs throughout his life.  His hobbies in his life included activities like fishing, making cast nets, guitar playing, oil painting by number, making outdoor furniture, and watching his beloved Houston Astros and Dallas Cowboys.

He enjoyed his time with his very large family, especially at the Annual Cortez Family reunion which is now in its 34th year.  In his later years he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  The last two years he spent at the S.P.J.S.T. Senior Living Community in Taylor.  He was truly loved by the staff and caretakers there.  Unfortunately, in these last years he suffered from a case of severe dementia, which ultimately lead to his passing.  His family, friends and all those who took care of him these last few years will miss him dearly.

Juan was preceded in death by his parents, Federico and Leonor Cortez; his brothers, Rogerio Cortez, Fermin Cortez, Fernando Cortez Sr., Federico Cortez Jr., Roberto Cortez Sr., and Ramiro Cortez; his sister, Ofelia Perez; and his son, Juan Cortez Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Eliza Cortez; his children, Fermin Cortez and wife Charlene of Blanket, Texas, Martin Cortez and wife Marla of Bay City, Texas, Melinda Cortez, and Felica Cortez-Luna and husband Jesse of Bartlett, Texas; his daughter-in-law, Celeste Cortez of Van Vleck, Texas.; his siblings, Anita Ortiz, Estefana Miller, Manuel Cortez, Emelda Luna, Emilia Gonzales, Leonor Ramos, and Juanita Luna; his 11 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday November 14, 2019 from 6 pm to 8 pm at Goodnight Funeral Home in Bartlett, Texas, with a Rosary at 7 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday November 15, 2019 at 10 a.m. at SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Granger, Texas.

The Burial service will be in Bay City, Texas at Cedarvale Cemetery at 1 p.m. on Saturday November 16, 2019.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons. Christopher Cortez, Matthew Smith, Corey Cortez, Juan Cortez III, Alexander Cortez, and Joshua Cortez. Honorary pallbearers will be Jesse Luna Jr., Albert Garcia Sr., Martin Perez, Adrian Ortiz.

Bay City Tribune, November 17, 2019
 


Glenn Crouch

June 28, 1938 - December 03, 2019
 

Glenn Crouch 81, of Van Vleck, passed away December 3, 2019. He was born June 28, 1938 in San Antonio, TX to Robert Lee Crouch and Hazel Keith Crouch.

Glenn retired from the US Navy after 20 years of service.

He and his wife owned and operated G&S Tropical Fish Haven in Bay City for 22 years.

Glenn is preceded in death by his parents, and son Michael Glenn Crouch. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sharon Wilson Crouch; sons Larry Mitchell Crouch and wife Pamela, and Thomas Lee Crouch; sisters Virgie Sue House and Glenda Crouch; grandchildren Jacob Crouch and Derek Russell Crouch, and great-grandson Tristopher Gilbert.

A graveside service with military honors will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at Hawley Cemetery.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 


Cathy M. Crunk

July 08, 1952 - December 22, 2019

Catherine M. Crunk, 67, of Blessing, passed away December 22, 2019. She was born July 8, 1952 in Denver, CO to Harold Alton Morris and Audrey Allman Morris.

Catherine is preceded in death by her parents; daughter Crystal Crunk, and son Joshua Caleb Crunk, and Mary Jo Reid. She is survived by her husband Ronald Crunk; daughters Tonya Lie and Veronica Kay Crunk; son Alton Lee Crunk; sisters Barbara Ruth Kadmiel, Charlene Rose Morris, Carol Faye Shell, Jacque Spires and Cyrena Brown; brothers David Morris and William Morris, and grandchildren Addison Lee Crunk, Mason Crunk, Larry Kenneth Lie, Lorreta Kimberly Lie, Leeann Catherine Lie, Leilanie Lie, Klaudia Lie, Lillian Kirstien Lie, Tressity Crunk and Miracle Lebo.

The family will receive friends and relatives 5:00-7:00 pm Friday, December 27 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Funeral services are 10:00am Friday, December 28, 2019 at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 


 

Copyright 2019 - Present by Carol Sue Gibbs
All rights reserved

Created
Jun. 10, 2019
Updated
Sep. 20, 2019
   

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