Matagorda County Obituaries
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Clyde Henry Dacke          Roselawn Memorial Park     Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

 


Milburn Lee Daily, Jr.

August 16, 1956 - August 27, 2020

Milburn Lee Daily, Jr., died peacefully at his home on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020. Dad was known by most as “Mel,” but you’d most often hear him called Babe, Pop, or Papa.

In June 2019, he was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma. He never hesitated to fight for more time with his family. When the time came to stop fighting, he faced his death with the same steadfast faith he held throughout his life.

He was born on Aug. 16, 1956, in Wichita, Kansas, to Milburn Lee Daily, Sr., and Mildred Louise Daffron-Daily – Mel and Millie. It always made us boys chuckle to hear our dad called “Junior” by his folks. Dad was the oldest of three children, and he adored his sisters Patricia and Gail.

He turned 64 this month. In 1974, he was introduced to his sister’s best friend, Nancy Rowland, and he spent the next 46 years pursuing her. He convinced her to marry him in 1978, and they celebrated 42 years of marriage this July.

They made their first home on a hog farm they managed in Arkansas until Dad got into nuclear power. They roamed from New York to California while he worked in Health Physics and Radiation Protection for nuclear power plant outages. They had five sons along the way, born in New York, Arkansas, Virginia, and Texas – where they ended up staying for the next 30 years.

Once we moved to Texas, Dad started out as a pipefitter in petroleum and worked his way into management. He spent the rest of his career as a Safety Director in the petrochemical industry. Most who worked with him will remember him as the “Safety Man.”

Dad’s greatest loves were, in no particular order, his family, fishing, cars, playing cards, and chips and dips. Dad was a world-class card player – he’d beat us all at spades, hearts, or rummy. We still haven’t figured out how he cheated. Dad was also a certified mechanic. When he wasn’t working on his own cars, he was out helping someone else with theirs. When it came to fishing, we probably spent more time figuring out how to catch the big ones than actually catching them, but the hours spent with him making leaders and searching out the hot spots were just as good as those spent with lines in the water.

He was gentle and big-hearted, and he’s never met a stranger. He didn’t hate many things, but he couldn’t abide bullies, swearing, and raw carrots. Dad’s faith in God carried him through the ups and downs of life. He loved Jesus and he shared God’s love with everyone he met. He loved teaching Sunday School and leading Royal Rangers troops. 

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Thomas Cleveland, Sr., and Gertha Mae Daily; maternal grandparents Elmer Dewey and Julie Mae Daffron; parents Mel and Millie; and sister Lucinda Gail Daily Williams.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Marie Daily of Markham; his five sons, “the boys”: Richard Lee Daily and wife Tricia of Oral, South Dakota; Justin Adam Daily and wife Melissa of Gridley, Kansas; Nathan Andrew Daily and wife Carla of Blessing, Texas; Jeremy Christopher Daily and wife Geniva of Bay City, Texas; and Logan Reid Daily of Markham Texas; grandchildren: Tiffany Jo Walker, Dillon Thomas Walker, Megan Renicia Walker, Kayley Nichole Roy, Audrey Gail Daily, Eli Josiah Daily, Alaina Marie Daily, Aizik Andrew Daily, Caroline Michelle Daily, Levi Charles Daily, Malakai Matthew Miladin, Kairi Michelle Magee-Daily, Avery Marie Magee-Daily, Delilah Jo Daily, and Emmalee Emery Magee-Daily; mother-in-law Annie Hoffman of Dardanelle, Arkansas; sister Patricia Holland and husband Robert of Dardanelle, Arkansas; brother-in-law Darrell Rowland of Van Buren, Arkansas; sister-in-law Linda Roberts of Morganton, North Carolina; sister-in-law Kelly Beam and husband Paul of Dardanelle, Arkansas; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

We will honor dad’s life with services on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. His sons and close family friend Scottie Wolter will serve as pallbearers. A reception will follow at Harvest Time Church in Van Vleck, Texas.

Our family would like to thank, from the very bottom of our hearts, Mike and Ruby Wendelken, Johnnie and Rachel Staff, and Rhonda Wolter. Their friendship to my parents and their willingness to walk with them through this difficult chapter will never be forgotten. Mike, Johnnie, and Mel’s brother-in-law Darrell will serve as honorary pallbearers.

  - The Boys

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 


Mrs. Rosella Dalziel

Mrs. Rosella Dalziel died shortly after noon on Sunday, October 28, after an illness of several months.

A simple funeral service was held at the home at 11 o’clock Monday, conducted by Rev. G. F. Gillespie of the Presbyterian church. The remains, accompanied by Rev. Gillespie, were shipped to Illinois and interment will be made in the cemetery where rests those of her husband who departed this life Sept. 1924.

Mrs. Dalziel was a true friend, kind neighbor, ever willing and ready to do her part as a christian or for a charitable cause. She will be sadly missed by those who had learned to know her best.

Palacios Beacon, November 1, 1928
 


Telicia Darthard

February 1, 1978 – July 29, 2020

Memorial Services for Telicia Darthard, 42, of Bay City, Texas, will be held on August 8, 2020, at 10 a.m. at Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Bay City, Texas.

For those individuals who wish to view the remains, a walk-through viewing will be conducted from 5 p.m. to 7 pm, Friday August 7, 2020 at Lakeside Memorial Chapel, 3318 Ave. D, Bay City, Texas.

Condolences may be shared with the family on-line at lakesidemfh@gmail.com

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

Bay City Tribune, August 5, 2020
 


Gayle Kathryn Daugherty

May 17, 1941 - December 13, 2020

Gayle Kathryn Daugherty, 79, went to be with her Lord on December 13, 2020 after a short illness. She passed peacefully in her home with her son Jack, daughter-in-law Dawn and adoring dog Dixie Rose at her side.  She was born May 17, 1941 in Bay City, Texas to the late Iva Mae Bock Davis and Horace Aldon Davis.

She met and married the love of her life Jack Lee Daugherty, Sr. They married on December 4, 1959 marking 56 years until Jack’s calling in January 2016. Gayle and Jack had on child, a son, Jack Lee Daugherty, Jr.

Gayle enjoyed fresh flowers and her home always had a vase full. She enjoyed visiting with her girlfriends and was respected for her unending great sense of humor and quick-wittedness. She was a longstanding member of the Junior Service League. Gayle was a dedicated mother and grandmother to “her boys”. She treasured her grandsons and provided them with hours of humor and stories.

Gayle was preceded in death by her husband Jack, caregiver Buck and her parents. She will be immensely missed by her son Jack Lee Daugherty, Jr and daughter-in-law Dawn and her adoring three grandsons Zachary Lee, Garett Cole and Blake Austin. Our hearts have a great void filled with immeasurable sadness.

Graveside services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Roselawn Memorial Park with Rev. Lane Pardue officiating.

Memorials in her name may be made to Calvary Baptist Church.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home                           Marker photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham


 


Funeral Services Set For James Robert Davenport

Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Saturday at Taylor Brothers Funeral chapel for James Robert Davenport, 54, Clemville.

Davenport, a native Texan, died Wednesday.

The Rev. W. C. Kincaid will officiate and burial will be in Edna Cemetery.

Surviving are his wife; daughters, Mrs. Marguerite Hefper, Lake Charles; Mrs. Betty Drexler, Houston; Mrs. Rebecca Stromme, Lawton, Okla; sons, Robert and Grady Davenport, Houston; Chester Davenport, Astoria, Ore.; Clifton Davenport, Clemville; his father, James D. Davenport, Houston; five sisters and one brother.

Edna Weekly Herald, October 20, 1960
 


Justa E. David

Minister’s Widow Dies At Home Here

Mrs. Justa E. David, 69, widow of the late Rev. W. J. David, who was a missionary in Africa for 15 years, died at her home, 206 Buffalo Drive, at 3:35 p. m. Sunday. She was a member of the South Main Baptist Church. From 1887 to 1890, she assisted her husband in missionary and educational work in Africa. She is survived by five daughters, and three sons.

Funeral services will be held at the South Main Baptist church at 2 p. m. Tuesday, Rev. M. M. Wolf and Rev. J. B. Leavell officiating. Burial will be in the Glenwood cemetery. --Houston Post-Dispatch.

Mrs. David, daughter, Miss Nannie, and son, Joe, spent the past several months in Palacios and made many friends while here who regret to learn of her passing on although were not surprised when the news came. She had been sick for some weeks and her physician knowing the crisis was near advised the daughter to take her to her Houston home, as soon as possible, which she did last Friday.

Palacios Beacon, December 22, 1927
 


Daniel Curtis Davis          Roselawn Memorial Park     Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

 


Barbara Jean Davis-Peters
November 20, 1947 – November 26, 2019

Memorial services for Barbara Jean Davis-Peters, 72 of Houston, Texas will be held Saturday December 14, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Agape Family Outreach Church in Palacios, Texas.

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

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

Bay City Tribune, December 11, 2019
 


Donald Gene Dawes

January 15, 1933 - September 02, 2020

Donald Gene Dawes, 87, of Bay City passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 in Houston Texas. He was born January 15, 1933 in Cushing, Oklahoma to the late Charles Dawes and Adelia Turner Dawes.

Donald enjoyed hunting, camping with his Rice Belt Travel Club, and drinking coffee with the “Diamond S” coffee group.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Adelia Turner, and Charles Dawes. He is survived by his loving wife Earlene Dawes; daughter Donna Miller (Bruce); son Donnie Dawes (Janet); brother Herman Turner of Concord, CA; grandchildren Dustin O’Connell (Blair), Ashley Voltz (Kevin) and Shelby Lindsay (Cody), and five great-grandsons.

The family will receive friends and relatives beginning at 1:00pm Saturday, September 8, 2020 at the First Baptist Church in Bay City with Dr. Mike Zimmerman officiating. Funeral services will start at 2:00pm. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery.  Pallbearers are Kevin Voltz, Cody Lindsay, Dustin O’Connell, Donnie O’Connell, Kevin Rickaway and Jim Sheppard.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to First Baptist Church, 2321 Ave. F, Bay City, TX 77414.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home                      Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham


 


Andrew DeLaRosa Sr.

February 2, 1984 - December 9, 2019

Andrew DeLaRosa Sr., age 35, of Bay City, Texas passed away on December 9, 2019 in Houston, Texas.

He was born February 2, 1984 to Richard DeLaRosa and Delores Monuz DeLaRosa.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church in Bay City, Texas. Burial followed at Eastview Cemetery in Bay City.

Survivors include an enormous host of relatives and friends.

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

Bay City Tribune, December 28, 2019             Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham


 


Dora DeLeon

February 22, 1939 - January 05, 2021

Dora Longoria DeLeon, 81, of Palacios, TX passed away January 5, 2021. She was born February 22, 1939 in Palacios to the late Charlie Longoria and Faustina Rojas Longoria.

Dora is preceded in death by her husband Benny DeLeon, her son Bennie Joe DeLeon, her sister Esmeralda (LaLa) Longoria, and brothers Lupe Longoria, Charlie Longoria, and Felix Longoria.  She is survived by her daughters Patricia   (Hector) Sanchez of Sweeny, Diana Pena (David) of West Columbia, Mary Ellen (Jim) Roecker of The Woodlands, Lisa Halfen (Jeff) of Katy, Lori Duran (Andrew) of Palacios and Karen DeLeon-Bailes (Richard) of West Columbia; sons David DeLeon (Candice) and Robert DeLeon (JoLynette) both of Palacios; sisters Eva Longoria and Marina Placencio, brothers Adam Longoria and Frank Longoria; 23 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends and relatives beginning at 1:00 pm Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at the First Baptist Church Palacios. The Rosary will be recited at 1:30 pm followed by the funeral service at 2:00 pm at the church with Rev. Eric Young officiating. Interment will follow at Palacios Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Justin Sanchez, Robert DeLeon, Earnest Pena, Trae Cruz, James Roecker , BJ DeLeon, Jeffrey Halfen, and Jacob Bailes. Honorary pallbearers will be David DeLeon and Robby DeLeon.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 


Victor Baldwin Dervage

Victor Baldwin Dervage, 82, passed away on Sunday,  March 1, 2020 in his home in Roland, .  Victor was born on January 17, 1938 to Alva Francis and Clarenda Dervage. Victor was a Texas native and an avid fisherman.  He attended University of Corpus Christi and later owned, The Book Shelf, a consignment bookstore in Rockport, TX.   He served as a deacon for many years at First Baptist Church of Rockport and was a city Alderman for over twenty years in Fulton.  Victor is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Charles Alva Dervage and a sister Mary Ruth Blackwell.

Victor is survived by his nephew Calvin Blackwell and wife Jana of Roland, OK; great-nephew Jason and Rachel Krohn; great-nieces Jennifer and Aaron Shaffer, Jenna Krohn and Julie and Jody Johnson; two great-great nephews, TJ Krohn and Sevy Johnson and three great-great nieces, Madlyn and Maisie Krohn and Madison Shaffer.  

Burial will be in Cedar Vale Cemetery in Bay City, Texas. 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ocker-Putman Funeral Home of Fort Smith and Taylor Brothers Funeral Home of Bay City, TX. 

Online memorials may be made at www.ockerputmanfuneralhome.com

Ocker-Putman Funeral Home
 


John Carlton Dickerson, Jr.

December 27, 1921 - October 23, 2020

 

John Carlton Dickerson, Jr., 98, died peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Bay City, Texas on Friday, October 23, 2020. He was born on December 27, 1921 in Houston, Texas to John Carlton Dickerson, Sr. and Susie Matthews.  He moved to Bay City at age 16, and he has lived in and loved this community since then.  As a member of the Greatest Generation, he served in the Coast Guard during World War II, training on the East Coast and then patrolling Matagorda Island on horseback, looking for submarines.  He went on to become a rice farmer; he and his partner Oscar Rooth were named Outstanding Rice Farmers in 1957.  His greatest joys were his family and farming.  He married Joan Whiddon on February 6, 1954, and together they had Shane, John, and Jane.  He and Joan became Nana and Pappy to their five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  The grandkids could always count on Pappy for a laugh and some “sugar”.  There isn’t a road in Matagorda County that he didn’t know and love.  Pappy spent his last days riding with family in his Ford truck, reminiscing on the land he had farmed and sharing the good times had with friends.
 

John is preceded in death by his daughter Shane Dickerson Carter, his parents, sister Ellen Jane Wilson, brother Scott Dickerson, and many friends.

Pappy will be remembered by his wife Joan; his surviving children, Jane Dickerson (Ben Carter); and John Dickerson III (Diana Mathis); his grandchildren Evan Wheat Manskey (Eric); Lauren Wheat Childs (Tyler); Mark Wells Carter (Erica); Caroline Dickerson Kunkel (Nathan); and Edwin Hawes Dickerson; and his great-grandchildren Owen, Kyle and Shiloh Shane; and sister-in-law Pat Dickerson; and many other family and friends. The family is thankful for the support of caregiver Natalie McKinney, and especially grateful to the Bay City Police Department and Allegiance EMS for their gallant effort to revive Pap.
 

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 2pm at First Presbyterian Church, officiated by Rev. Sam Steele. Burial will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery.  Following the services, all are invited to greet the family during a reception at Nia’s on the Square.
 

Pallbearers are Mark Wells Carter, Edwin Hawes Dickerson, Eric Manskey, Tyler Childs, Ben Carter, and Nathan Kunkel.
 

Honorary Pallbearers are Hadden Dietrich, Sr., Frank “Blue” Sliva, Simon Johnson, Jim Petersen, Lindsey Thompson, Jay Ledwig, Danny Andel, Lee Weathers, Max Cruz, Don Carter, and his great-grandsons Owen Manskey, Kyle Manskey, and Shiloh Shane Carter.
 

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions may be sent to Shane’s Rose Garden via Rotary Club of Lake Conroe Memory Park, P.O. Box 1252, Montgomery, Texas 77356; or to the First Presbyterian Church, 2216 Avenue H, Bay City, Texas 77414; or to the charity of your choice.
 

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home          Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

 


 


Patricia Anne Dickerson

September 30, 1929 - February 25, 2021

 

Patricia Anne Martin Dickerson (Pat), 91, of Bay City, Texas passed away Thursday, February 25, 2021. She was born September 30, 1929 in Stephenville, TX, daughter of Curtis and Hula Mae Martin.  After graduation from Texas A&I University, she moved to Bay City to begin teaching.  There she met the love of her life, Scott Matthews (Scotty) Dickerson, whom she married and with whom she had two daughters. 

 

Always the quintessential lady, she was active in the First Christian Church and then the First United Methodist Church in Bay City, as well as the Junior Service League, Beta Sigma Phi, and the local Book Review Club.

 

She is survived by her daughters Mary Anne Johnson of Comfort, TX, and Susan Dickerson of Baton Rouge, LA, as well as her son-in-law Mike Johnson, also of Comfort and granddaughter Shelby Johnson of Center Point, TX.  She is also survived by her brother Ed Martin of Round Rock, TX, and his wife Patricia, as well as her beloved caregivers, Natalie and Hannah McKinney.  She was preceded in death by her husband Scotty, her parents, and her sister Mary Sue Wright.

 

Bay City Tribune, February 28, 2021
 


Rena Faye Thorpe Dickerson - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

 


John Thomas "J. T." Dickert

MATHEWS - John Thomas "J. T." Dickert, 74, of Hallieford, died Thursday, Aug. 31, 1995.

He was a native of Matagorda County, Texas. After high school graduation, he attended the University of Missouri while proudly serving his country in the U.S. Air Force. His marriage to Frances Timberlake and the end of World War II started him on a distinguished career with Sears Roebuck and Company as a salesman and manager. A resident of Mathews County since 1974 retirement created a 14-year volunteer missionary journey through Mexico. He was a Deacon at Mathews Baptist Church and a member of Oriental Masonic Lodge #20 A.F. and A.M.

He is survived by his wife Frances; a daughter, Bettie Brezee of Bowling Green; son, Thomas L. Dickert of Richmond; sister, Lola Fischer of Texas; and three grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 11 a.m. in the Mathews Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the H.C. Smither Memorial Cemetery, Hudgins. The family will receive friends Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. in Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home, Mathews.

Memorials may be made to the Mathews Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 8, Hudgins, Va., 23076, or to the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, Mathews, Va., 23109.

Daily Press, Newport News, Virginia - Saturday, September 2, 1995                           Find A Grave memorial
 


E. D. Dickey
Salesman Killed In Car Accident

Bay City, June 27.—E. D. Dickey, 30, salesman for the Bay City Auto and Sales Company, was fatally injured Tuesday when the car in which he was riding with three companions slipped from the pavement on an uneven shoulder and turned over one mile east of Tivoli.

None of the other occupants of the car was injured. Dickey’s body was thrown clear of the car and into a cornfield 50 feet away.

Dickey was riding in the rear seat of the auto when it overturned. Dickey is survived by his wife, who is a teacher in the El Campo schools, and his mother, of Thornton, Texas.—Houston Post

Palacios Beacon, June 27, 1926
 


Hadden Mathias Dietrich

October 28, 1924 - February 23, 2021

Hadden Mathias Dietrich was born to the late Vernon Dietrich and Mary Ottis Dietrich on October 28, 1924 in Gulf, Texas.  He passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on February 23, 2021 in Katy, Texas.

His early years were lived with his family including sister, Audrey (Nini) on the shoreline of East Matagorda Bay.  After the hurricane of 1934, they moved into the township of Matagorda where he lived until graduating from Bay City High School in 1942. 

During World War-II he served in the US Merchant Marines running convoys of munitions and supplies across the Atlantic.  He was in Cherbourg, France on VE day, returning to the US and then on to the Pacific theater.  After the war, he sailed with The Lykes Lines making multiple voyages across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf and passages through the Suez and Panama canals.  His final trip was a circumnavigation of the world lasting over 7 months.  When asked what, in all his many travels, was his favorite port of call, he never hesitated to answer with a smile, “Havana, Cuba.” 

While in the dentist chair back in Bay City during a shore leave, he met the love of his life, Dorothy Louise Cole.  She was working as a dental assistant and initiated the conversation with: “I like your socks.”  Those argyle socks are still in safe keeping.

Hadden and Dorothy were the second couple married at the then new Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bay City on July 18, 1950 and lived their almost 67 years together in Bay City.  Hadden came ashore and worked for Phillips Petroleum Company in Old Ocean for 35 years holding numerous positions and retired as a warehouse supervisor in 1985.  

Together they raised two sons, Hadden Jr. and Cole.  They enjoyed entertaining and being surrounded by people.  They hosted formal Christmas and New Year’s parties as well as informal fish fries, barbecues and crawfish boils.  Hadden was always quick with a joke or funny story to keep the party festive. They had many good times with friends and family at their summer camp at Chinquapin overlooking East Matagorda Bay.  Their grandchildren, Zac and Shelby, stayed with them frequently and enjoyed the pontoon boat, fishing, swimming and ski bobbing.  In later years, the great granddaughters, Katy and Leah, joined in the 4-generational gatherings, both enjoying the rides on their great-grandparent’s walkers.

After Dorothy’s passing in 2017, Hadden moved to Colonial Oaks Assisted Living in Katy where he continued to enjoy life with his family, the amenities, friends and staff at The Oaks as well as eating out frequently.

Hadden was preceded in death by Dorothy, his parents and sister.  He is survived by his sons Hadden Dietrich, Jr. and wife Kathy of Katy and Cole Dietrich of Houston; grandchildren Zachary Dietrich and wife Tracy of McKinney, Texas, Shelby Vinson and husband Richard of Midlothian, Texas and great grandchildren Katherine Cole Vinson and Leah Cheryl Vinson. 

On Monday, March 1st, a Rosary will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church at 10 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM with Rev. Stephen Vacek officiating.  Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.  Masks and social distancing are expected.  Pallbearers will be Zac Dietrich, Rich Vinson, Kim Abshier, Roy Cole, John Dickerson III and Trip Wyse.  Honorary Pallbearers are Greg Garner, Bill Gleason and Dickie Kovar.

The family extends special thanks to Dolores Martinez and Alice DeWitt of Bay City for their love and selfless caregiving to our parents, Dickie Kovar for always being the neighbor next door, and his extended “family” at Colonial Oaks.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Cross School or to the charity of your choice.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 


Billie Nell Dillard

Billie Nell Dillard, 76, most recently of Austin, Texas, but throughout her life from most of Wharton and Matagorda counties due to her love of moving both house and especially furniture, went to her final and perfect home on December 24, 2019 peacefully in her home while her children Pam Hoffman, Veda Scheppan, June Crisswell, Ben Quinn, and Laurie Bram along with other family sang songs of the Savior who welcomed her.

Billie was on hospice, which was poignant since she worked for years easing the way for others with hospice as a CNA. She had a sharp eye and warm, overflowing heart that she used not only with hospice but also as a hairdresser, school bus driver for handicapped children, and especially as she lived out her childhood dream of being a mother, which her children say was her greatest success of all. While her two great loves, Bobby Dillard and Ben Quinn, both made the journey before her, she leaves a legacy of 5 children, 12 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren along with 2 God daughters, 2 sisters, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She taught them all to notice the little things and find joy in them, to laugh loudly and genuinely, to love with every inch of their hearts.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on December 28, 2019 at Living Word Church in Palacios, Texas. Rev. Tony Flores will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 2200 Space Park Drive, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77058.

Bay City Tribune, December 28, 2019
 


Alton Charles Dittrich

December 28, 1939 - August 17, 2019

Alton Dittrich passed with peace on August 17, 2019 with his wife at his side.  He’s survived by his wife of 56 years Helen, son Daniel W. Dittrich and wife Elaine, daughter Diana Nickell and husband Don and 3 grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by Charles Dittrich, his brother.

Alton was born December 28, 1939 in Weimar, TX, to Charlie and Antonia Dittrich.  After growing up in many Texas towns as a child, he settled in Bay City, TX.  He met his wife Helen in 1961 and in 1963 they married.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 60 years.  He was employed with Texas Department of Transportation for 36 years.  After retirement in 2001, he became a local lawn mower repair man simply from referrals because of his talent to fix anything and at a fair price.  He brought laughter and joy to many lives with his colorful experiences and ready willingness to help strangers, friends and neighbors.  He will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather with a passion for fishing, Astros games, dominos and telling stories. 

He leaves us rich in memories and stories.

A rosary and memorial service will be held at Taylor Bros Funeral Home, 2313 Avenue I, Bay City, TX, on August 22, 2019 at 6 pm.  Interment at Saint Michael Catholic Cemetery in Weimar, TX on August 23, 2019 at 1:00 pm.  The family wishes to thank doctors Zuniga and Hanna, Carol Smalls, Diana Hardman and the staff of A-Med Hospice for their outstanding care. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and care to future Hospice Patients. 

In lieu of flowers, please mail donations to: A-Med Hospice, 8901 EF Lowry Expressway, Texas City, TX. 77591. Write in the memo field, “In Memory of Alton Dittrich”. 

Bay City Tribune, August 21, 2019
 


Helen Rosie Kocian Dittrich

January 24, 1944 – January 19, 2021

Helen Rosie (Kocian) Dittrich, of Bay City, Texas passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at the age of 76. She was born in Shiner, Texas on January 24, 1944 to Augustine Norbert Kocian and Rosie B. (Vana) Kocian.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Augustine N. and Rosie B. Kocian; and husband, Alton Charles Dittrich.

Survivors include her children, Daniel Wayne Dittrich and wife Elaine, and Diana Marie Nickell and husband Donald; grandchildren, Danielle Rose Dittrich, Tucker Alton Dittrich and Jacob Amel Nickell.

Helen was a hard working woman during her younger years. She worked jobs as a school crossing guard, Avon Saleswoman and for over 30 years she was an employee at the Bay City Daily Tribune. She spent her spare time gardening and spending time with her family.

She will be missed dearly by those that knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held at the St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Weimar on Saturday, January 30, 2021 beginning at 10:30 a.m., the Graveside Service will follow at 11 a.m., with Interment to be held afterwards.

The Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hubbard Funeral Home, 216 E. Jackson Street, Weimar, Texas 78962; (979)725-8561.

Bay City Tribune, January 27, 2021
 


Lillian Doiron

July 28, 1925 - January 18, 2021

Lillian Doiron, 95, of New Gulf went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 18, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family.  She was born on July 28, 1925 to the late Monroe Huggins and Cora Neely Huggins in Pledger, TX. 

Lillian attended schools in Boling.  She married Jack Doiron on July 4, 1970 and he preceded her in death on September 28, 2003.  She was a homemaker all of her life.  She took great pride in her home and children.  She enjoyed sewing, cooking and gardening.   She loved her church family and was a devout Christian woman. 

She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Bickham and husband, Burlis of New Gulf and Sherry Ridley and husband, Larry of Webster, Tx; son, Dale Edwards and wife, Bev of Ledbetter, Tx; sister, Sammie Demontmollin of Florida; grandchildren, Amber Odle and husband, Tom, Chad Bickham and wife, Laura, Justin Edwards and wife, Anna and Lauren Ridley and Julie Kemp, 12 great grandchildren along with numerous friends and family. 

Graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 1 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Wharton, TX. 

Funeral Services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.  Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com.

Wharton Funeral Home
 



Annie L Jurasek Dolezal

Annie L. Jurasek Dolezal, 92, of Palacios, passed away on March 3, 2020. She was born on April 12, 1927 in the Gobbler’s Creek area of Wharton County near El Campo to the late Charles and Albina Fiala Jurasek. She attended schools in the Carancahua, Midfield, and Palacios areas. She married Victor Dolezal on June 25, 1946 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Blessing. To this union were born 2 children: Helen and Billy. During their married life, they lived in the Palacios area.

Annie was a former Pro Shop Manager of the Palacios Gulf Course for 5 years. She retired from the Palacios Independent School District in 1998 after 24 years of service. She retired as secretary for the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company (RVOS Lodge#75) in January 2001 after 25 years of service. She was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters of America, Court Our Lady of the Sea; SPJST Lodge 30 of Taiton, and former Director of Palacios Medical Foundation.

 Annie was a devoted mother and a lady of many talents, from cooking and baking delicious foods, to sewing lovely clothes, to gardening and caring for her many flowers and plants-she was a jack of all trades and master of all.

She is survived by her daughter, Helen Dolezal of Palacios; son, Billy Dolezal of Palacios; sister, Evelyn (George) Capak of Palacios; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Victor Dolezal; brother John (Evelyn) L. Jurasek, sister Dorothy (Ed) Baros, and nephew Ernest Matlock.

Visitation will begin on Friday, March 6, 2020 at 9:00AM with a rosary at 10:00AM and a Funeral Mass at 10:30AM at St. John’s Catholic Church in New Taiton with Rev. Michael Rother officiating. Burial will follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 1004 Magnusson, PO Box 900, Palacios, TX 77465; St. John’s Catholic Church, 1843 CR 469 Road, El Campo, TX 77437; or Diocese of Victoria, Seminary Endowment Fund, Rev. Michael Rother Seminary Burse, PO Box 4070, Victoria, TX 77903.

 Condolences may be left online at 
www.triskafuneralhome.com

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


Frances Dornak

August 21, 1925 - August 12, 2020

Frances Dornak, 94, of Bay City, passed away August 12, 2020 . She was born August 21, 1925 in Carnegie, Oklahoma to Edward Joseph Wick and Emilie Wuerker Wick.

Frances was born the last girl to a family of 10. Six girls: Millie, Rosie, Erna, Lizzie, Tillie and Frances; two boys Alfred and Ed, all of whom precede her in death.  Born on a farm, her daily chores were milking cows before heading off to school, certain times of the year she did her part to chop cotton and pick it by hand when the time came.  As she grew older she took what little money she saved and bought herself a Singer hand peddle sewing machine and taught herself to sew. Back then most clothing for kids, especially for girls, was made out of flour sacks.  As she began to make dresses, the women in town took a liking to her fashion, and began to ask her to make dresses for them. Her business picked up, and she was able to make spending money for herself, in days when there wasn’t much of that. As she became a young lady, she saw the only way out was to get married. So, as most kids did in that day, she hung out around the skating rink and got pretty good at by her own admission.  That’s where she met, and later married Fred Robert King who passed away in 1973. 

After many years she married the Love of Her Life, Cecil Dornak, March 3, 1993. By then they were both retired and began traveling from East to West, into Canada and Alaska.  She had said many times, she was the happiest when they were doing things together.  Cecil passed away in 2013 after suffering two and half years of bed confinement from dementia, where she was his nurse. After losing her husband 1and best friend, her health began to fail.  Frances was a loving wife, mother, sister and  grandmother.  She will be remembered mostly as a God fearing, authoritarian, who loved her children as only a mother can. 

Frances is preceded in death by her parents; husband Cecil Dornak and son Freddie Allan King. Left to remember her are daughter Jeannie and Chuck Ballentine, of  Friendswood, TX; son Robert and Gaynell King of Bay City, TX,; daughter Debbie and John Hightower of Spring City, TN; numerous grand, great and great- great-grandchildren who will miss her dearly.

Graveside services will be 10:00 am Saturday August 15, 2020 at the Palacios Cemetery, Palacios, TX. If attending, facial coverings must be worn, and social distancing will be observed. Pallbearers are her Grandchildren, Great-great Grandchildren and Nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the animal shelter of your choosing. Later in life, Frances grew to love her two weenie dogs, Duffer and Tweeter.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Legacy Campus and Hospice.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 


Brian Lee Doss
July 24, 1962 - January 19, 2020

Brian Lee Doss, 57, of Wadsworth went home to our heavenly father on January 19, 2020. He was born July 24, 1962 in Bay City, TX.

He was preceded in death by his father Wilburn George Doss and his brother Boyd Lin Doss.

Survivors include his wife Mary Alice Doss; his sons Jackson Christian Doss and Garrett Daniel Doss; his mother Betty Dougherty and numerous aunts, cousins and other relatives.

Funeral service will be 3:00 PM Thursday, January 23, 2020 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Melvin Ryman officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be Jackson Doss, Garrett Doss, Eddie Rather, Doug Ryman, Ronnie Miranda and Jose Barrintos.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home                           Marker photos courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 


 


 


Mrs. Mary Emma Cox Dunlap

Mrs. M. E. Dunlap, a sister of M. I. Cox, died at Harlingen, Texas, Friday, May 1, from a stroke of paralysis she suffered ten days previous. The remains accompanied by her son, Arthur, were taken to Denver, Colo., for interment. Mrs. Dunlap had made numerous visits to Palacios and had many friends here who regret to learn of her passing on and extend to Mr. Cox and family and other relatives their deepest sympathy.

Palacios Beacon, May 7, 1936
 


Hubert Durgan

Hubert Durgan, 64, aka “Spanky”, of Bay City, Texas passed away on January 12, 2021 in Richmond, Texas.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Bay City Sports Complex in Bay City, with burial to follow at Bethlehem Cemetery in Cedar Lake, Texas.

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

Bay City Tribune, January 20, 2021
 


Marvin E. Dybala

Funeral services for Marvin E. Dybala, 61, of Van Vleck, will be 10 am on Saturday, at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Joe Ramsey officiating.  Interment will be in Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck.

Mr. Dybala died at his residence August 7, 1997.  He was born April 20, 1936 in El Campo, TX to Edward and Cecelia Blinks Dybala. He was a member of the Baptist Church and a resident of Van Vleck for the past 31 years.

Mr. Dybala was a retired heavy equipment operator for SOLOCO. He is survived by his wife; Fern Cameron Dybala of Van Vleck; daughter, Julie L. Reissig of Van Vleck; sons, Cleeland M. Reissig of Nashville, Tenn. And Shane Edward Dybala and wife Vonnell of Brazoria, TX.

And a brother: Alton Dybala and wife Rose of Markham; and three grandsons: Chad, Derrek, Devin, all of Brazoria.

Pallbearers will be Chris Schoenbery, Ricky Yackel, Tony Gray, C. W. “Sonny” Cameron, Gerald Barker and Jeff Dykes.

Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

Daily Tribune, August 8, 1997           Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

 

Copyright 2019 - Present by Carol Sue Gibbs
All rights reserved

Created
Aug. 24, 2019
Updated
Aug. 24, 2019
   

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