Matagorda County Obituaries
K
 

Frank (Frankie) J. Kacer of Daytona Beach, Florida, passed away July 25, 2010. He was born on April 7, 1940 in Frenstat, Texas to Frank and Rosie Sobotik Kacer.

Frankie was a graduate of Tidehaven High School and attended Wharton County Jr. College. He was a kind and considerate brother and was happiest helping others.

Frankie is survived by: his sisters, Georgie Meyer and husband Jimmy of Brazoria, Margie Ames and husband Joe, Rosie Wendel and husband Herbert, Annie Bundick and husband Richard, all of Bay City; his brothers, Bernard Kacer of Salem, Alabama, Edmund Kacer and wife Ima Jean of Ganado, A.J. Kacer of El Maton, Milton Ray Kacer and wife Sybil of Wharton, Joe Kacer and wife Regina of El Maton, Larry Kacer of Westlake, Louisiana and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Frankie is preceded in death by: his parents and a brother, Edwin Kacer.

Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Blessing Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Bay City Tribune, Published August 22, 2010       Bernard Kacer                            Photo courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise

Edmund “Jay” Kalinec passed away on December 9, 2009, after a long and valiant fight with cancer. Never complaining or asking why, he conducted his painful battle with a courageous strength that filled others with admiration and awe.

Jay was born on November 5, 1944, in El Campo, Texas, to the late Henry and Tillie Kalinec. A resident of Bay City and Wadsworth since 1955 and a graduate of Bay City High School, he was the long-time proud owner of a maintainer service until his illness forced him to slow down. Then he worked part-time for Matagorda County. The impact of his many years of maintainer work can be seen in the topology of roads, fields, levees, etc. in Matagorda County and surrounding areas. An avid fisherman, Jay delighted in nature, friends, cooking, and traveling.

Jay is survived by: his sister, Marie Dalton; brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Steve Ann Kalinec; sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Don Johnson; nephew, Mark Kalinec; and niece, Kelly Johnson; aunts, Rosemary Boatwright and Millie Williams and her husband Orville, and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his brother Henry Kalinec, Jr.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service honoring the life of this brave man at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2010, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Bay City.

Bay City Tribune, Published December 28, 2009
 

Saturday morning, Aug. 30, 2008 our brother, Henry passed at his home in Van Vleck with his wife Sue, and his dog, Auggie, by his side.

Henry was born July 10, 1950 in El Campo, Texas to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kalinec, Sr.

He is survived by his wife Sue of Van Vleck, his older sister Marie Dalton of Houston, his oldest brother Lawrence of Santa Fe, New Mexico and his wife, Steve Ann and their son, Mark, his older brother Edmund (Jay) and his other sister Georgia “Ann” Johnson and her husband Don and their daughter Kelly.

He will be missed by his entire family. His choice was to be cremated upon death by Green’s Mortuary of Bay City.

His friends can send cards to his wife Sue. Her address is P.O. Box 1463, Bay City, Tx 77414.

We owe special thanks to Pat Matthes of El Campo Hospice and Mr. Green of Green’s Mortuary.

Bay City Tribune, Published September 3, 2008

ANNIE NEMEC KANA

STAFFORD - Annie Nemec Kana of Stafford, formerly of Blessing, died March 25, 2010 at the age of 87. She was born July 6, 1922 in Schulenberg to the late Karel "Charles" and Eufrasina Fojtik Nemec. She worked at Camp Hulen and Blessing American Legion. She was a member of the KJZT and a former member of the St. Peter's Altar Society.

She is survived by her sons, Paul Anthony Kana and wife Pauline of Richmond and Francis Joseph Kana and wife Jayme of Bossier City, La.; daughter, Patricia Ann Hogan of Stafford; brother, Richard Nemec and wife Nanette of Katy; sisters, Agnes Klekar of Luling and Georgia Dorotik and husband Jerome of El Campo; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ivan Kana; son, William Kana; sisters, Marie Hickl and Elizabeth Pesek; and brothers, Anton, Charles and Joe Nemec.

Visitation will be 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. to noon Monday at Triska Funeral Home. A parish rosary will be recited 6 p.m. Sunday at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Blessing. The funeral Mass will be 2 p.m. Monday, March 29, 2010, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Blessing with Rev. Samuel Appiasi officiating. Interment will follow at St. Peter Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Triska Funeral Home, El Campo, 979-543-3681.

Published in Victoria Advocate on March 27, 2010
 

A devoted and committed woman of Israel passed away on Sunday after a long and fruitful life of 93 years, surrounded by family and friends in her adopted home of Midland.

Helen was born in Houston to Minnie and Aaron Greenberg who eventually settled in Bay City and became leaders of the community. Oshman’s Dry Goods Stores was known far and wide as the center of commerce in Bay City, and later the Gulf Coast.

Helen graduated from Bay City High School and attended business school in Houston for a short while before returning to Bay City to marry the love of her life, Jake Kasman. Together they established a business that occupied their lives for many years. Jake’s Liquor was on the square in Bay City and Helen never was farther than on block from her family and siblings.

Helen had two children. Frank who finished school at Texas University and went on to dental school and Ann who also attended Texas University and finished in Fine Arts.

Upon the death of her husband Jake she stayed in the Liquor business for a few years, then retired and went into the Jewelry business with friends in Bay City. Upon her retirement, she was active in the community with the Garden Club, the Historical Museum, and her beloved Synagogue and Hadassah chapter. She was a longtime member and held most all positions in the Synagogue and Hadassah. She was responsible for the Wharton Chapter of Hasassah’s Donor Dinner for over sixty years and with the help of her sister Henrietta and the other members of the chapter never allowed the chapter not to reach its monetary quota for Hadassah Hospital. Even though the synagogue merged with Beth Yeshurun when the population dwindled, the Hadassah chapter survived and still holds its donor diner annually even in her absence.

Helen is survived by: her daughter, Ann Kasman of Houston; her children, Joshua Stool and Shana and Ben Gurwitz of San Antonio. Her Son Dr. Frank Kasman survives her and his children are Jonathon and Regan Kasman and their twin daughters Sydney and Zoe of Houston, Beverly and Robb Roth of Henderson, NV. and Kenneth Kasman and his fiancé Jayme Fine of Austin.

She is also survived by: her brother Milton Greenberg of Bay City and her sister Henrietta Krumholz also of Bay City. Nieces and nephews are: Karl Krumholz, William and Rozanne Rosenthal, Dr. Richard Krumholz and Betty and Dr.. Mark Kudisch and Pearlynne, Larry Greenberg and Freddie and Judy Bleiweiss. Her cousins who she always kept in her heart and enjoyed all her time together while young in Houston are Marvin and Shirley Rich, Herchel and Hilda Rich and Selma Laufman.

Funeral arrangements are at Shearith Israel Congregation Cemetery in Wharton, Texas, and will occur and 11:00 a.m. Friday morning, October 30, 2009 with Rabbi Sidney Zimelman of Congregation Beth El. Odessa, presiding.

Bay City Tribune, Published October 28, 2009
 

Matilda Vaculin Kaspar
 

Henry Paul Katzer
(September 21, 1936 - October 14, 2007)

Henry Paul Katzer, 71, of Bay City passed away October 14, 2007. He was born September 21, 1936 in Cuero, Texas to the late Alvin Hugo and Gertrude F. Hahn Katzer. He was a member of the Catholic Church and a retired appliance repairman for Sears.

He is survived by his wife, Anita Fay Katzer of Bay City; daughters Anita Yarbourgh of Bay City; Pam Falks & husband Don of Bay City; Cheri Ainsworth & husband Billy of Baytown; and Lori Katzer & Joe Dement, Jr. of Bay City; special mother-in-law Rosie Jurek of Bay City; sisters Clara Moon & husband T. J. of New Braunfels; and Barbara Calloway & Mary Ann Mildfeldt both of Bay City; eight grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 6PM to 8PM Tuesday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Chapel with Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Aaron Falks, Brandon Ainsworth, Joel Robinson, Kyle Long, Randy Jurek and Tom Peterson. Honorary pallbearers will be Donald Jurek, Joe Jurek, Pat Jurek and Joe Dement, Jr.

www.taylorbros.net                                            Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

Rubena Keen
 

Norma Keene
(December 20, 1915 - November 15, 2006)

Norma Keene, 90, of Bay City, passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2006 in Bay City. She was born December 20, 1915 in Bernie, MO to Tommy Walker and Lilly Hargraves Walker. She was a member of the Nichols St. Church of Christ, a resident of Bay City for the past seventeen years and formerly of Lumberton, TX.

She is survived by her daughter: Barbara Presley & Claude McGee of Bay City; by her grandchildren: Jesse Presley of Bay City, Carol Cornett of Palacios and Tina McDonald of Lufkin; by her great-grandchildren: Justin Dean Presley of Bay City and Julie Ann Presley of Abilene; and by her great-great grandchild: Autum Jade Presley of Bay City. She was preceded in death by her husband: Elvin E. “Bob” Keene; by a daughter: Judith Gail Jones; and by her parents: Tommy & Lilly Walker.

Funeral services will be held at 9:00 AM Saturday, November 18, 2006 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Joe Wrape officiating. Interment will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont, TX.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.taylorbros.net.

Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX (979) 245-4613.

www.taylorbros.net
 

James Wallace Keenon
(December 8, 1926 - September 14, 2007)

James Wallace Keenon, 80, of Van Vleck passed away September 14, 2007. He was born December 8, 1926 in Denton, Texas to the late John Huey Keenon and Elizabeth McGuire Keenon. He had been a resident of Matagorda County since 1962 and was a school teacher and administrator for Van Vleck ISD and Garwood ISD.

He is survived by his wife Edna Miller Foster Keenon of Van Vleck; sons Michael F. Keenon & wife Sue of Weimar, TX and Patrick J. Keenon of Van Vleck; grandchildren Ross Edward Keenon & Kelly Ann Keenon and great grandchild Riley Elise Keenon. He was preceded in death by his brother John H. Keenon.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Jack Hutson officiating. Graveside service will be 3:00 PM Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at the Lehrer Memorial Cemetery in Garwood, TX. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. 979-245-4613.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Mildred “Millie” Marie Murray Keith, 78, of Houston, Texas lost her short battle with cancer at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center on August 11, 2008.

Millie was born December 23, 1929 to Emma Ross Murray and Andrew Harold Murray in Monroeville, Louisiana. She had one brother, Andrew Emmett Murray who died in combat during WWII.

After graduating high school, she moved to Houston to attend nursing school at St. Joseph Hospital. Eventually Millie moved to Bay City, Texas where she was an Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit nurse for many years at Matagorda General Hospital. In 1987, she moved to Livingston, Texas where she continued her nursing career at Polk County Hospital until she retired in 1992. Millie moved to Houston in May of 2007. She was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church.

Millie was the consummate nurse, always willing to provide tender loving care whenever friends and family needed it. Along with being a nurse, Millie will be most remembered by her sharp wit and sense of humor. She made everyone feel at ease whenever they met her.

Millie was preceded in death by: her parents, Emma and Andrew; her brother, Emmett, and her husband, Bobby Keith.

She is survived by: her children, Mildred Marie Geary, of Rohnert Park, California, Melanie Ann Ianniello and her husband Richard of Houston, Texas, and Judd Lewis Perry, Jr. and his wife Lauren of Wharton, TX; grandchildren, Heather Geary, Dr. Kristy Murray, Shannon Geary Dalton and her husband Peter, Randall Clark III and his wife Molly, Shawn Geary, Jeannette Perry, Abby Ianniello, and Jillian Perry; great grandchildren, Mikayla and Paige Lillibridge.

On Thursday, August 14, visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church located at 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, TX 77079.

A rosary will be recited beginning at 10:30 a.m.

The funeral Mass will follow immediately after the rosary. Interment services will be held at the chapel at Memorial Oaks Mausoleum located at 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas immediately following the funeral Mass.

Funeral services conducted by Beresford Funeral Service.
 

Bay City Tribune, Published August 12, 2008

Gertrude M. Keller
(February 1, 1924 - November 10, 2008)

Gertrude M. Keller, 84, passed away Nov. 10, 2008. She was born Feb. 1, 1924 in Michigan City, Indiana to the late Joseph & Veronica Kazmucha Pliske. She was a member of the Altar Society at Holy Cross Church and a member of the Phillip H. Parker VFW Post 2438 Ladies Auxiliary.

Her husband Thomas W. “Bill” Keller & sister Dorothy Schultz preceded her in death. Survivors include daughter Roxy A. Wells & husband Cary of Bay City; sons Roger L. Keller & wife Maxine of Houston, Dana M. Keller & wife Debbie of East Bernard & Kevin W. Keller of Houston; sisters Lorraine Moenkhaus of Michigan City, IN & Arleen Fowler of Houston; brother Eugene Koziatek of Tell City, Indiana and a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Chapel. Mass will be 11:00 AM Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Roger Keller, Dana Keller, Trevor Yates, Derrick Keller, Kelly Foote & Roxy Wells. Memorials may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

www.taylorbros.net              Thomas W. Keller          Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Thomas Wm. "Bill" Keller

Thomas Wm. "Bill" Keller, 78, of Bay City died June 26, 2000 at Hermann Hospital in Houston. He was born December 24, 1921 in Bay City to the late Don Elroy Sr., and Mary Caroline Wright Keller.

Mr. Keller was a life time resident of Bay City. On July 9, 1942 he joined the US Navy and served as Gunners Mate on the aircraft carrier USS Casablanca in the South Pacific during WWII. Before his discharge on August 29, 1945 in Great Lakes, IL, he married Gertrude Marie Pliske on September 23, 1944 in Michigan City, IN. Mr. Keller was a designated "Plank Owner" of the USS Casablanca and was authorized to wear the Good Conduct Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal. He was a retired engineer technician with Skelly-Getty-Texaco. He was a member of VFW Post #2438 of Bay City. Mr. Keller was an avid bowler,a fisherman and will always be remembered for his love of horseshoes.

Survivors include: wife Gertrude of Bay City; daughter Roxy Ann Gallia of Bay City; sons Roger Lee Keller of Houston, Dana Mark Keller of East Bernard and Kevin William Keller of Houston; sister Mary Elizabeth Keller Dawson of Corpus Christi; brothers W. Maurice Keller of Houston, and Jack N. Keller of San Antonio; 11 grandchildren Denise Foote, Trevor Yates, Dawn Jalowy, Derrick Keller, Ramona, Danielle and Carla Gallia, Regina, Brandis, Andrew and Susan Keller, and by eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 1, 2000 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Casimir Jarzombek officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck.

Pallbearers are Roger Keller, Dana Keller, Trevor Yates, Derrick Keller, Kelly Foote and Jeff Jalowy.

Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Friday, June 30, 2000
 

KERRY L. KELLER

PORT LAVACA - Kerry L. Keller, 75, of Port Lavaca passed away, April 15, 2010 after a courageous battle with mesothelioma. He was born April 6, 1935 in Midfield to the late Ludwin A. and Lois Coffin Keller. He worked at Alcoa for 39 and a half years as a unit supervisor. Mr. Keller was a member of the Methodist Church, the 25 year club at Alcoa and he also served his country in the United States Army.

Kerry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Earline "Blondie" Keller; his sons, Keith Keller and wife Lisa of Pflugerville and Brad Keller and wife Kendra of Pflugerville; grandchildren, Keri Cathleen Keller, Scott Keller, Kevin Keller, Michael Keller, Nicholas Keller and Jake Keller; and brother, Rex Keller and wife ExaMae of Sweeney.

In addition to his parents, Kerry was preceded in death by his sister, Sue Keller.

A time of visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at the Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 19, 2010 at the Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home with the Rev. Carl Westbrook officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Shane Hollas, Tommie Matchett, Kirby Albrecht, Scott Keller, Ronnie Stiegler, Dick Moras, and Thomas Jurica.
Honorary pallbearers will be Keri Keller, Scott Keller, Kevin Keller, Michael Keller, Nicholas Keller, and Jake Keller.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice of South Texas or the American Cancer Society.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomeportlavaca.com.

Published in Victoria Advocate from April 17 to April 18, 2010
 

KELLER, NOLAN FRANK "PETE"

N. F. Keller

N. F. Keller, age 71 years, 3 months and 6 days, passed away at his home in Midfield Sunday morning at 7:30 o'clock. Mr. Keller had been ill for some time.

He is survived by his wife, three son(s), J. K., L. A., and W. L.; two sisters and two brothers.

Services were held at Midfield this (Monday) morning at 10:00 o'clock. Burial in  Hawley Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements under direction of Walker-Matchett Funeral Home.

THE MATAGORDA COUNTY TRIBUNE, Thursday, April 8, 1937, Matagorda County, Texas
 

Leonard R. Kelley
 

Lorena W. Kelly

Graveside funeral services for Lorena W. Kelly, 75, of Palacios have been scheduled for 2 p. m. Sunday at Hawley Cemetery, with the Rev. Ray Boykin officiating.

Mrs. Kelly, who was born Dec. 12, 1908, in Midfield, died July 12, 1984, at Wagner General Hospital. Mrs. Kelly was a member of the Methodist church and [had] been the secretary of Western Gear in Linwood, Calif.,

She is survived by her husband, Jack W. Kelly of Palacios; a son, James Plant of Marysville, Calif.; a daughter, Gladys Roy of Henderson, Nev.; a sister, Margaret Sexton of Palacios; a brother, Bruce Williams of Greenville, Texas; eight grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Palacios.

The Daily Tribune, July, 1984
 

Teri Lee Kelly
(August 18, 1960 - April 10, 2010)

Vivian Bree Kelly

Funeral services for Vivian Bree Kelly, 42, of Bay City will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, April 24, 1999 at St. Mark Baptist Church in Cedar Lane, Rev. M. L. Fields pastor and Rev. K. W. Bree eulogist. Burial will follow at St. Mark Cemetery in Cedar Lane. Visitation will be Friday until 9 p.m. in the chapel of Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, and from 11 a.m. until noon Saturday at the church.

Mrs. Kelly was born Dec. 20, 1956 in Bay City to Moses Bree, Sr. and Ruby White Bree. She died Wednesday, April 21 at her residence. She was a member of Mother Zion Baptist Church where she sang with the Celestial Choir. Her career experiences include serving a number of years in the U.S. Army.

Mrs. Kelly is survived by her daughters, Godiant Kelly of Bay City; three sisters, Mary Stovall of Houston, Leslie Bree of Austin, and Carolyn Cavit of San Antonio; two brothers, Henry Bree and Moses Bree, Jr. both of Bay City; and a host of relatives and a family of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Ebony Nicole Kelly, and her brother, Roy Bree.

Pallbearers will include family members and friends.

Arrangements are with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, April 23, 1999
 

MARSHFIELD, Mo. - Barbara Holubec Kemp, 65, of Marshfield, Mo., formerly of Elmaton, passed away Feb. 4, 2008, in Springfield, Mo. She was born Jan. 15, 1943, in Bay City, to Cody Richard Rutherford and Ruby Adelle (McQueen) Rutherford. She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Marshfield. She was a real estate agent for many years and was instrumental in the opening of the Bay City Antique Mall.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Kemp; her daughter, Nanette Holubec Dew and husband Gregory of Austin; son, Clarence David Holubec of Bay City; and sister, Betty Jean Bascom of Lake Jackson.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Joe Wayne and Roy Edward Rutherford.

Funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Bay City, with the Rev. Casimir Jarzombek officiating. Private burial will be at  Hawley Cemetery, Blessing [Matagorda County, Texas].

Memorials may be made to Van Vleck Elementary School Library, 178 S. 4th St., Van Vleck, TX 77482.

Arrangements with Day Funeral Home, Marshfield, Mo.

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 2/7/2008.                                            Photo courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise

Kathryn Anne Kemp
Jan. 25, 1975 – Nov. 10, 2010

Kathryn Anne Kemp, of Springfield, Missouri, was born January 25, 1975, and departed this life in her sleep on November 10, 2010.

An angel came to us the day she was born, a special child of Jesus who needed all of us to care for her. Mentally she never grew past early childhood, so she was a dear, innocent child of God all of her life. Sometimes I am envious of her because now she is with her mother and all the saints, and she is perfect.

She is survived by: me, Richard Kemp, her father; two sisters, Colleen Kemp Bliss, her husband Donny and their children, Gareth, Rosemary and Avery; Karin Kemp LaHood, her husband Steve, and their child Natalie; two brothers, Shawn Kemp and Kevin Kemp and his wife Jeanette; her grandmother, Jane Lueders; aunts, Harriet Villarreal, Virginia Sullivan, and Arlene Kemp Bennett and husband Bill.

To all parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers, you who lovingly care for our special needs children and our aged, your reward will be great in heaven. As long as we, the American people, take care of these, the most frail and vulnerable among us, God will take care of America. — Richard Kemp

Services were held at St. Agnes Catholic Church Chapel, Springfield, Missouri, on November 18, 2010.

Kathryn’s remains are interred in the columbarium inside Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Springfield, Missouri.

Expressions of sympathy to my brother Richard, who grew up in Bay City, and his family can be sent to: 703 N. Marshall, Missouri 65706. — Arlene Bennett

Bay City Tribune, Sunday, November 21, 2010
 

JOHN PATRICK KENNEDY

YOAKUM - John Patrick "Pat" Kennedy, 60, of Yoakum, passed into the arms of his Lord on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010. He was born in El Campo to J.W. and Grace Kathryn Mooney Kennedy on Nov. 26, 1949.

Pat attended schools in El Campo and graduated from El Campo High School in 1968. He attended Southwest Texas State University and the University of Houston before moving to this area in 1974 as the Anheuser-Busch wholesaler for DeWitt and Lavaca Counties. After retiring from 27 years in business, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and socializing with his many friends. He was and active member of the Methodist Church as well as a Lion.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents J.W. and Grace Kennedy.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Suzanne Solomon Kennedy; daughter, Dara of Houston; sons, Zachary and wife Kristel of Gonzales, and Sean and wife Michelle of Katy; brothers, Jay and wife Lynda of Bay City and Mike and wife LaNeil of El Campo; granddaughter Emery Grace Kennedy; and stepmother, Nancy Kennedy of El Campo.

Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. today, Jan. 27, 2010, at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010, at the First United Methodist Church, 1025 E. Gonzales Street, in Yoakum, with the Rev. Phil Steinbach officiating. Interment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Yoakum.

Pallbearers include the following: Timothy Boswell, Koy Marek, Ed Jiral, Robert Jansky, Donnie Kalisek, Harold Miller, David Spaeth, and David Vera.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church Yoakum, Hope United Methodist Church, or to the charity of the donor's choice.
Online guest book may be signed at thielecooper.com.

Arrangements with Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home in Yoakum, 361-293-5656.

Published in Victoria Advocate on January 27, 2010
 

Lewis B. Kennedy

Advocate News Service

BAY CITY—Graveside services were held Friday at 2 p. m. at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing for Lewis Bertrand Kennedy, 68, of Bay City, who died Tuesday evening in a Bay City hospital following a sudden illness.

Mr. Kennedy was a native of Clarksburg, W. Va., and had been a resident of Bay City for 40 years. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the U. S. Navy and was a member of IOOF Lodge No. 81 serving as past noble grand of the lodge.

He is survived by his wife, Nellie Matthews Kennedy of Bay City; a daughter, Wanda Lee Waters of Texas City; four sons, Gerald L. Kennedy of Houston, Ronald Wayne Kennedy of Bay City, and Steven Scott Kennedy and Charles David Kennedy, both of Victoria; and 12 grandchildren.

The Victoria Advocate, February, 1981
 

DR. BERNEY RAY KESZLER

A memorial service for Dr. Berney Ray Keszler, 68, of Victoria, Tx., was held Feb. 4, 2011 at Rosewood Funeral Chapel in Victoria with Rev. David Hudson officiating.

Dr. Keszler was born July 18, 1942, in Damon, Tx. to the late Edward and Millie Mae Keszler. He passed way Jan. 25, 2011.

He attended public school in Palacios, Tx. where he excelled in all sports and graduate in 1960. He attended Central State College in Edmond, Oklahoma, on a football scholarship and later played semi-pro football for the Wheeling West Virginia Ironmen.

He finished his pre-med studies at Ohio State University and attended two years of medical school in Guadalajara, Mexico, and graduated from Medical School at Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

Dr. Keszler had a family practice in Victoria from 1976-1979. He returned to school and received his anesthesiology degree from the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio. He returned to Victoria and retired in 2008.

He is survived by his daughter, Kassandra Kaye Garnett of Austin; son Kenneth Kyle Keszler of Martins Ferry, Ohio; granddaughters Chelsea Kaye and Karissa Carroll Garnett of Austin; sisters Elsie (Sonny) Stafford of Victoria, Margaret (Robert) Linton of Kingsville, and Darlene (Bobby) Walton of Victoria; brothers James Keszler of Richland, Washington, and Robert Lee (Joy) Keszler of Georgetown; step-daughter Susan (Gary) Stallard; step-son Wayne (Beth) Fuller, both of Lufkin; step-grandchildren Jay Weber of San Antonio, Erika Weber of College Station, Aimee Weber of Austin and Mackenzie Fuller of Lufkin.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Haus Keszler.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.

Palacios Beacon, February 2, 2010
 

Edward “Pop” Keszler

Edward “Pop” Keszler, 74, of 210 Beecher Street, Palacios, died on Thursday, August 30, at Matagorda General Hospital. Survivors include: Wife, Henrietta Ruth Keszler of Palacios; Daughters, Elsie Stafford of Victoria, Margaret Linton of McAllen, Darlene Walton of Victoria; Sons, James of Everett, Washington, Robert of Pt. Comfort, and Berney, M. D. of Victoria. Step-daughters, Marcy Denton of New Braunfels, Claudia Baker of Louise; Sisters, Katy Schick of West Columbia, Adella Vermillon of Houston, and Lillian Elkins of Wharton; Brothers, Albert of Damon; 14 grand and 1 great grandchild; 6 step-grandchildren. Keszler was a retired operator for Alcoa Aluminum, was a Palacios resident for 28 years. Funeral was held at Palacios Funeral Home on Saturday, September 1 a 2:30 p. m. Rev. Leon Maxwell will be conducting the service. Interment will be held at Hawley Cemetery. In lieu of usual remembrances, family request that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Taylor Bros.

The Daily Tribune, September, 1979
 

Carter Ray Key
(January 8, 2006 - January 8, 2006)

Infant Carter Ray Key was born and died on Sunday, January 8, 2006. Parents: Jason & Nacrissa Key of Clute: siblings: Skyler Sanderson and Brent Key; grandparents: Bill & Marilyn Ottis of Bay City, Pat Riggle of Sweeny, James & Nancy Key of Lake Jackson and Brenda Stone of College Station; great grandparents: Mary Ann Perrin of Cameron and Jenette Smith of Brazoria. He is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfather: Carlos Riggle.

Graveside Funeral Service will be 2:00 PM Friday, January 13, 2006 at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck, TX with Rev. Luther Garrett officiating.

Special thanks are extended to Luther & Heather Garrett and the UTMB Birth Center Staff in Galveston, TX. Memorials may be made to Any Children Charities of Choice. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City (979)245-4613.

www.taylorbros.net                                      Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

Alvin C. Keyes
(July 8, 1925 - December 24, 2005)

Alvin C. Keyes, 80, of Bay City, TX died December 24, 2005 at Bay Villa Nursing Center in Bay City. He was born July 8, 1925 in Davidson, OK to the late Ernest Rayborn and Bessie Elvira Etter Keyes. He was a resident of Bay City since 1973 and a member of the Golden Ave. Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Odessa Keyes; daughter Stacy Lynn Keyes; sister Florence Short; brothers Carl, Robert Earl & Rayford Douglas Keyes; & grandchildren Shawn Robert Keyes & Christopher Daniel Kluth. Survivors include daughters Blenda Kay Kluth of Harlingen & Rowena Nanette & David Outlaw of Boling; sons Lynne Earl & Jenna Johnson of Pearland, Alvin C. & Millance Keyes, Jr of Anahuac & David Allen & Nimfa Keyes of McQueeney, TX; step-sons: James Hanzik of Bay City, Ronald Haznzik of Adkins, SC, Gerald Hanzik of Richwood, TX, and Gail T. Hanzik of Wadsworth. sisters Claudine Boudoin of Magnolia, Alene Bookout of LaPorte, Pat Griffet of Montgomery, & Jackie Goode of Grapevine; brother Eddie Lynn Kayes of California; fourteen grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, & a host of step-great grandchildren. Funeral service 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 28, 2005 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Zimmerman officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers include David Keyes, Jr., Daniel Keyes, Pedro Hernandez, & Tommy & Timothy Burleson. The family will receive friends Tuesday Evening at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Odessa Keyes
(April 8, 1923 - November 5, 2005)

Odessa Keyes, 82, of Bay City died November 5, 2005 at Bay Villa Nursing Center. She was born April 8, 1923 in Needville, TX to the late Joe and Mary Jashek Boone. Mrs. Keyes was a resident of Bay City the past 60 years and was a Baptist. Survivors include: husband: Alvin C. Keyes of Bay City; sons 7 daughters-in-law: James Hanzik of Bay City, Ronald W. & Judy Hanzik of Aiken, SC, Gerald & Pam of Richwood, & Gail T. Hanzik of Wadsworth; sister: Laizetta Price of West Columbia; brother: Joe Boone of Guy, TX; by 8 grandchildren: Jamie Anderson & husband Link of Van Vleck, Amber & Angel Hanzik both of Van Vleck, Lisa Hanzik of Houston, Leslie Hubbard of Sweeny, Kiersten Hanzik of Shelton, WA, and Daniel & Krystal Hanzik both of Bay City: and 5 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son: Danny Hanzik; sisters: Florence Rhiner and Myrtle Reeves; and brother; Frank Boone. Funeral Service was held 10:00 AM Wednesday, November 9, 2005 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Zimmerman officiating. Interment followed at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers were Link Anderson, Lee Hubbard, Eugene Welfel, John Paul Bundick, Timmy Goodman and Milton Poehls. Honorary pallbearers were Joe Boone, Gary Boone, Donald Rhiner, Conald Rhiner and her nephews. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Alonia A. Keys

Funeral services for Alonia A. Keys, 84, of Bay City will be held 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Cedar Lane with the Rev. N. J. Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Bell Bottom Community Cemetery in Cedar Lane.

Visitation hours are scheduled until 9 p.m. today at Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home chapel.

Mrs. Keys was born Sept. 5, 1907, to Steve and Justana Johnson Armstrong in the Bell Bottom Community of Cedar Lane and died Feb. 3, 1992, in her home.

Mrs. Keys was a graduate of Houston College for Negroes (Texas Southern University) in Houston. She received her bachelor of science degree in education and performed graduate work at Kansas State College. She also received a degree in music.

She taught school for 34 years, 10 years at Maudon City Elementary School, 10 years at Matagorda Elementary School and 14 years at Van Vleck Elementary.

Mrs. Keys was a member of Scarlet Cord Court 145, served as the Worthy Shepherd of the Progressive Order of Pilgrims and a member of the Friendship Club. She was the first musician for St. Mark Baptist Church, assistant secretary of the parent body of the Lincoln Southern District Association, a member of the Program Committee and a teacher of Christian education for 30 years.

Survivors include her husband, Overton Keys of Bay City; a granddaughter, Latasha L. Fletcher; two grandsons, Timothy Earl and Kervin of Houston; two great-grandchildren, Lakesha and Pierre Leon of Houston; six stepsons and stepdaughters, Willie Randolph, Virgie Fletcher, Easter Fletcher, Helen Randolph and Ozola Hughes, all of Houston, and Tessie B. Prince of Cedar Lake; brothers and sisters-in-law, J. L., Allie Lee, Isaac and Samuel Keys, Hallie Lundy, Mary Lee Lundy, Norah Childes, Margie Mae Keys, Sewanda Keys and Ruby Armstrong, all of Houston; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Bennie F. Norman, Antonio Norman, Robert Armstrong, Walter Armstrong, Edward Armstrong and Joseph Armstrong.

Honorary pallbearers will be the deacons of St. Mark Baptist Church.

Arrangements are with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home in Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, February 1992
 

Sylvia Swinford Kilbride, 86, of Bay City passed away February 28, 2009.

She was born April 23, 1922 in Bay City, Texas to the late Frank Levi Swinford, Sr. and Salomie Lewis Swinford. She was a lifelong resident of Bay City and a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death: by her husband, George Pernot Kilbride; sisters, Pearl Redwine, Florene Swinford and Thelma Anderson; brothers, George T. Swinford and Frank Swinford, Jr., and granddaughter, Mona Kilbride Shepard.

Survivors include: daughter, Dixie Mattingly of Bay City; son, Jimmie Kilbride and wife Linda of Bay City; sister, Vallie Westbrook of Sugar Valley and grandchildren Kristina Longoria, Robert Kilbride, Brian Kilbride and Laura Uriarte.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Tom Morgan officiating.

Pallbearers will be A. T. Richardson, Jim Palmer, Chuck Skelly, James Shepard, Rick Raider and Roy Minshew. Marty Armstrong, David Guidry and Roy Tripp will serve as honorary pallbearers. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

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

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

Bay City Tribune, Published March 4, 2009                           Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

George Perrenot Kilbride

George Perrenot Kilbride, 80, of Bay City, passed away March 3, 2000 at Methodist Hospital in Houston. He was born Jan. 12, 1920 in Matagorda to the late George Thomas and Tommie Lee Saint Kilbride.

He was a member of St. Paul's Methodist Church, a resident of Bay City since 1940, a member of Masonic Lodge No. 865 AF and AM, and a retired welder with Phillips Petroleum Co. in Sweeny.

Survivors include: wife, Sylvia Swinford Kilbride of Bay City; daughter, Dixie Kilbride Mattingly of Bay City; son and daughter-in-law, Jimmie and Linda Burrow Kilbride of Van Vleck; brother and sister-in-law, Charles E. and Shirley Kilbride of Dallas; grandchildren, Mona Kilbride, Robert and Trina Kilbride, Laura and Chris Urarite, Brian Kilbride and Kristina Mattingly; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be 2 p.m. Monday, March 5, 2000, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Elizabeth Moreau and the Rev. Bill Haskell oficiating. Interment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck.

Members of the Masonic Lodge will serve as pallbearers.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Sunday, 05 Mar 2000

Jessie Mildred Merck Kilpatrick

Graveside services for Jessie Mildred Merck Kilpatrick, 90, of Dallas will be held at 2 p. m. Friday at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.

Ms. Kilpatrick was born Aug. 6, 1896, in Independence, Okla., to Sadie Barrows Moore and Baulser Van Buren Merck and died May 12, 1987, at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas.

She was a member of the Baptist church.

Survivors include three sisters, Bessie Wilson of Dallas, Theora McRee and Elva Martin, both of Houston; a brother, Dean Merck of Collegeport, and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, May, 1987
 

Harvey W. Kilsby
(September 8, 1932 - July 29, 2005)

Harvey W. Kilsby, 72, of Freer, TX died July 29, 2005 at the Bay Area Heart Hospital in Corpus Christi, TX. He was born September 8, 1932 in Mt Belview, TX to the late George Wesley and Jetty McGill Kilsby. Mr Kilsby was a resident of Freer the past 18 years and a former resident of Bay City. He also was a veteran serving in the US Navy. Survivors include his loving wife: Arlene Charron Kilsby of Freer; daughters: Kelly D. Cheatman of Lockhart, TX and Earlene Wilkins of Corpus Christi, TX; sons: Harvey Wesley Kilsby, Jr, of Corpus Christi and Steven Kilsby of Crosby, TX; step-daughter: Debra Patterson of Corpus Christi; step-sons: Larry Wilkins of Corpus Christi and Johnny Wilkins of San Antonio; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister: Betty Lou Barrow and his step-son Terry Lee Wilkins. Funeral Service will be 2:00 PM Monday, August 1, 2005 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Joe Carrales officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be James Sasser, Jesse Askew, Johnny, Zane, and Larry Wilkins. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home

JEROME KIMBALL, III

A family memorial for Jerome “Jerry” Kimball, III, 49 was held Sept. 26, 2008 at Wharton Funeral Home in Wharton, Tx.

Mr. Kimball was born May 6, 1959 to Bonnie and Jerome B. Kimball, Jr. in Ft. Ord, Calif. He passed away Sept. 19, 2008 at Memorial Herman Southwest Hospital in Houston.

He was preceded in death by his father, and his sister, Stacy Lynn Kimball Odom.

Palacios Beacon, September 2008
 

Bettye "Boots" Jones King
 

Bettye "Boots" Jones King, 60, of Bay City died at her residence on January 18, 2001.

She was born June 27, 1940 in Ranger, Texas to the late Robert S. and Dorothy Mae Bartine Jones.

Boots was a member of the Baptist Church, a resident of El Maton the past two years and a former longtime resident of Bay City.

She married Carl A. King on March 21, 1958 in Alice, Texas, and they moved to Matagorda County in 1965. Boots was a loving wife and mother, who never met a stranger.

Survivors include: husband of 42 years Carl A. King of Bay City; daughter and son-in-law, Melodie A. and Billy Herzog of Bay City; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Glen A. King and Carl L. and Debra King all of Bay City; sister and brother-in-law, Larrie and Dave Gainey of Angleton; two grandchildren, Brittney and Macy Herzog of Bay City; aunt, Jane Bartine of Katy, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, January 22 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike Zimmerman officiating. Interment will follow a  Hawley Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Charlie Robertson, Mike McCloskey, James Pawloskey,

 Raymond Burt, Louis Guzicek and David Bartine.

The family will receive friends at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Sunday, January 21 between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2001JA21

The Daily Tribune, Sunday, January 22, 2001

Death of Mrs. King

Mrs. Dorothy Ann King, aged 84 years, died at the home of her son, J. K. Paulk, on Morton Avenue, last Saturday evening. Funeral services were held at the Paulk home Sunday afternoon at four o'clock, conducted by Rev. Hanks, pastor of the Baptist church, followed by interment at city cemetery. Two sons and two daughters of the deceased from East Texas were here to attend the funeral.

Mr. Paulk is one of the well-known citizens of our city, and in his loss he and the family have the sympathy of all our people.

The Palacios Beacon, Friday, January 22, 1915

ERIN KAY KING

VAN VLECK - Erin Kay King, 30, of Van Vleck passed away Nov. 13, 2009. She was born Jan. 25, 1979 in Bay City to Eddy Joe and Kay Bump King.

Her father preceded her in death in 1997.

Survivors include her mother and stepfather, Kay and Carlton Winters of Van Vleck; brother, Eli King and wife Joy of Van Vleck; stepsisters, Constance Cunningham of Bay City and Stacy Winters of Brookshire; nieces, Brittainy Helton and Megan King; and nephews, Brandon Gavranovic and Brian Gavranovic.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m., Monday, Nov. 16, 2009 at  Hawley Cemetery in Blessing with the Rev. Lee Watson officiating.

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

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

Published in Victoria Advocate on November 15, 2009
 

Glen Alan King, 49, of Bay City passed away July 6, 2008. He was born November 8, 1958 in Kingsville, Texas to Carl A. and Bettye Jones King. He was a Baptist.

He is survived by: parents Carl A. and LaVerne King of Palacios; sister, Melodie Herzog and husband Billy; brother, Carl L. King and wife Debra all of Bay City; step-brothers, Rocky Flewellen of Collegeport and Brian Flewellen and wife Melissa of Allen; nieces, Brittney and Macy Herzog of Bay City; aunt, Larrie Gainey and husband Dave of Angleton and uncle Howard L. King, Jr. of Devine.

He was preceded in death by his mother, grandparents Robert and Dorothy Jones and Howard and Pauline King.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Chapel with Dr. Mike Zimmerman officiating.

Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Billy Herzog, Chad Herzog, Ricky Lyle, and Steve Wilson.

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

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

Bay City Tribune, Published July 9, 2008                                            Photo courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise

Verna Marie King

Verna Marie King, 59, of Markham died January 24 at the Diagnostic Hospital in Houston. She was a member of the Methodist Church, O. E. S. of Palacios, an area for the past 44 years, and a retired school librarian for the Tidehaven ISD. Survivors include: husband, William G. King; daughter, Linda L. King of Kingsport; son, Dr. Carl W. King of Markham; sister, Betty Jean Thorton of Timpson; brother, Frank Edward Matthes Jr. of Bay City; two grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 27, at 10 a. m. at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at the Hawley Cemetery with pallbearers being: Delvin Taska, George K. Nelson, Earl R. Adams Jr., Ray Sparks, Jesse O. Baker and Richard Joyce. Arrangements under the direction of Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, January, 1979
 

After 88 joyful years of life, William George King, known to some as "Jr." and to others as "Bill", passed away on Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Antioch, California, due to complications following a brief illness.

Jr. was born on October 27, 1921, in Houston to William King and Ruby Butt King, but spent most of his younger years in Blessing, Texas. After graduating from Blessing High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving 6 years and attaining the rank of chief signalman. On April 21, 1946, Jr. married his sweetheart Verna Marie Matthes. They lived in Blessing, and later moved to Markham. During those years, Jr. commuted to Rice University and The University of Houston while being employed by Tidehaven Independent School District as a coach, teacher, and later as principal at Markham Elementary School. Jr. also earned a Masters Degree from Sam Houston State Teachers College in Huntsville, Texas. After many happy years at Markham Elementary School, Jr. retired as principal at Markham but continued employment with the T.I.S.D., serving as Tax Assessor Collector/Business Manager.

Jr. was always full of life. His interests were varied because he hated being idle. He was a teacher, first and foremost, but he also enjoyed fishing, tinkering in his shop, traveling with his family, and making new friends. He was an active member of Masonic Lodge #411 in Blessing, a Charter Member of the American Legion Cecil B. Lee Post #649 in Blessing, and a proud member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Mare Island Chapter #11 in Fairfield, California.

Jr. is survived by: his second wife: Nadine King of Brentwood, California; daughter, Linda King Wing of Kingsport, Tennessee; son, Carl William King and wife Theresa of Markham; four grandchildren; two great grandchildren; sister, Mildred Bess of Corpus Christi; brother, David King of Houston; step-children, Bill Eller, Larry Eller, and Sandra Eller; step-grandchildren; and step-great grandchildren, all residing in California.

Jr. was preceded in death by: his first wife, Verna Marie Matthes King; mother, Ruby Butt King Hamelink; father, William King; step-father, Peter Hamelink; and two sisters, Ellen Goodman Meadows and Joy Marie King.

Masonic and Navy services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 17, 2010 at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing conducted by Blessing Masonic Lodge #411 and Bay City P.H. Parker VFW Post 2438.

Those who wish to make a memorial contribution may do so to the Taska, Baker Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 159, El Maton, Texas 77440.

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, Published April 11, 2010
 

Shirley Priesmeyer Kinsey, 75, of Bay City, Texas, went home to be with our Lord on December 9, 2010, in Bay City, Texas. She was born Jan. 26, 1935 in Crescent, Texas to Walter and Flora Ridgeway Priesmeyer. Shirley was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt. She was a 1951 graduate of Crescent High School and a 1957 graduate of Texas College of Arts & Industries. She married Alford Glyn Kinsey in 1954. In her professional career and volunteer work, she always served others with her love for music. She taught elementary school music in Angleton, Port Lavaca, Bay City ISD, and Holy Cross for 42 years. Shirley was a long time member of First Baptist Church in Bay City, where she taught Sunday school, played in the hand bell choir, sang in the adult choir, directed children’s choir and founded and directed the Jubilaires. Shirley volunteered, after her second retirement, as a Pink Lady at Matagorda General Hospital. She was also active in Delta Kappa Gamma.

Shirley is survived by 3 sons and daughters-in-law, Mark Wayne and Sally Ann Root Kinsey of Sugar Land, Texas; David Glyn and Cindy Lee Ehrlich Kinsey of Pearland, Texas; and Brian Keith and Teresa Lynn Robertson Kinsey of Rockwall, Texas; 9 grandchildren and 3 step-grandchildren, Kenneth Zachry Kinsey; Shelsea Reneé Kinsey, Jonathan Michael Kinsey, Hillary Anne Kinsey, Brandyn Ryan Kinsey, Gaines Harrison Kinsey, Nathaniel Aaron Kinsey, Stone Alexander Kinsey, Sean David Kinsey, Kacey Lee Ehrlich Shular, Kyle Michael Ehrlich, & Kendall Robert Ehrlich; 1 great grandchild, Kylie Anne Ndegwa; 1 step-great, grandchild, Peyton Shular 10 nieces and nephews, Allen Romig; Gail Rasmussen Brown; Yevette Rasmussen Groover; Paula Priesmeyer; Rosemond “Cissy” Priesmeyer Curtis; Walter Rasmussen; Denise Raybon Brodsgaard; Gary Raybon; Lisa Schur; and numerous great nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Alford Glyn Kinsey; her parents, her sisters, Grace Priesmeyer Rasmussen, Bettye Priesmeyer Olson; and a brother, Paul Priesmeyer.

A time of visitation with the family will be held on Saturday, December 11, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Bay City Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 12th at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Bay City with Dr. Michael Zimmerman officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Shirley’s grandsons: Zachry, Jonathan, Brandyn, Nathaniel, Gaines, and Stone Kinsey will serve as pallbearers. Services are under the direction of Bay City Funeral Home.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home

Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

FRANCES GRACE KIRBY
 

BAY CITY - Frances Grace Kirby, 92, of Bay City passed away July 13, 2007. She was born Sept. 14, 1914, in Santa Rosa, Calif., to the late Ralph Allen Debolt and Loretta Belle Barnett Debolt. She moved from Santa Rosa, Calif. to Bay City in 1979 and was a member of the Christian Missionary Alliance.

Survivors include her sons, Hugh Allen Kirby and Johnny Paul Kirby, both of Santa Rosa, Calif., Patrick Raymond Kirby of Nampa, Idaho, and Michael James Kirby of Wadsworth; brother, Paul A. Debolt of Santa Rosa, Calif.; and her six grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Archie Hugh Kirby in 1999.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 20, 2007 at  Hawley Cemetery with the Rev. Kenny Brigman officiating.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting taylorbros.net.

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

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 7/19/2007.

Georgia Jeanette Kirby

Georgia Jeanette Kirby, 90, died Oct. 26, 1975 at the Bay Villa Nursing Home in Bay City. She was born Nov. 29, 1984. Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Ethel Campbell of Tulsa, Okla., Mrs. Edith Rasmussen of Markham, Mrs. Ruth Hobizal of Bay City and Mrs. Nellie McIntosh of Vidor; three sons, J. E. of Corsicana, A. H. of Santa Rosa, Calif., and A. J. Kirby of Bay City; 22 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Services will be held Oct. 28, 1975 at 10 a. m. at the Taylor Brothers Chapel. The Rev. Joe Ramsey of Markham Baptist Church will officiate the services. Burial will be in Hawley Cemetery. Pallbearers are Lawrence Dollery, Mike Hobizal, Clyde LeCompte, Mickey Mayfield, Elmer Melde and John Alexander. The family requests that contributions be made to the Matagorda County Heart Fund. Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, October, 1975
 

ELSIE GERTRUDE KIRN
(1922 - 2010)

MIDFIELD - Elsie Gertrude Kirn, 87, of Midfield, went to be with the Lord at 10:30 p.m., June 29, 2010, at Warm Springs Hospital in Victoria. Elsie was born Oct. 10, 1922, in Midfield, to the late Manuel and Eva Woodson. She was the eldest of two sisters.

Elsie had a love for teaching. She received a degree in education at South West Texas State University in San Marcos. She taught high school students for 32 years. Her teaching career began in Texas, teaching home economics. After teaching several years in Texas, Elsie moved to Gallup, Ariz., and taught on an Indian Reservation. She loved to introduce her students to new foods that they had not experienced before. Later, Elsie moved to Sierra Vista to teach at the high school. She began her teaching there in a Territorial building until the local Army base was reactivated and a new school was built. Elsie taught in Sierra Vista until she retired. While living there she met her husband, George Kirn. They enjoyed their life together for 20 years.

Elsie had a love for cooking. She enjoyed baking cakes and pies for others. She volunteered with the Harvest House food distribution ministry in Bay City. She also helped make stuffed frogs for children in the local hospital and supported Pathway Evangelism.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Manuel and Eva Woodson; her husband, George Kirn; her brother-in-law, Eugene Rickaway; and nephew, John Paul Rickaway.

Survivors include sister, June Marie Rickaway; nephew, Ken Smith of Grand Junction; Colo.; nephew, James Rickaway and wife Joretta of Lebanon, Tenn.; nephew, Mark Rickaway and wife Angel of Midfield; nephew, Ray Rickaway and wife Ruthy of College Station; and a niece, Anita Smith and husband Don of Kingwood. In addition, other survivors include great-nephews and nieces, Jonathon Rickaway, Jeremy Rickaway, Kyle Rickaway, Abigail Rickaway, Joshua Rickaway, Jonathon Klippel, Julie Klippel, Michael Smith, and Judy Smith.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, July 1, at Taylor Bros Funeral Home in Bay City.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Friday, July 2, at the Nichols Street Church of Christ with Brother Larry Macomber officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery, Blessing.

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

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

Published in Victoria Advocate on July 2, 2010
 

Glenn Harold Kittredge

Funeral services for Glenn Harold Kittredge, 79, of Blessing will be held at noon Saturday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home with the Rev. W. E. Dugger officiating. Burial will be in Hawley Cemetery, Blessing.

Mr. Kittredge was born Sept. 21, 1907, in Newkirk, Okla., to Roy and Minnie Agatha Gamble Brant and died Oct. 14, 1986, in Corpus Christi.

He was a member of the Methodist church.

Survivors include a daughter, Minnie Baker of California; a son, James Kittredge of Aransas Pass, Texas; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, October, 1986
 

Maude Beatrice Kittredge

Services will be held for Mrs. Maude Beatrice Kittredge, 72, of Tidewater Oaks near Palacios, 11 a. m. Wednesday at Taylor Brothers Chapel.

Officiating at the services will be the Rev. John Tripp Jr.

Kittredge died January 30, 1983 at her residence.

Survivors include husband, Glenn Harold Kittredge of Palacios; daughter, Mrs. Irene Baker of Ontario, Calif.; son, James L. Kittredge of Rockport; 2 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren.

Burial will follow services at Hawley Cemetery.

Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, January 31, 1983
 

Lillian "Lil" Klaiber
(March 3, 1926 - December 6, 2009)

Lillian Emma Julia Wolf Klaiber, "Lil" was born in Greenfield, Wisconsin on March 3, 1926 to Gerry Wolf and Rose Nimitz Wolf. She passed from this life on December 6, 2009 at her home in Lake Jackson, Texas after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Lil is survived by 3daughters: Pat Klaiber of Lancaster Ohio, Fay Burke & husband Vernon of Lake Jackson, and Liz Dujka of Mansfield, Texas; 3 sons: Edwin Klaiber & wife Nancy of Sweeny, Tom Klaiber & wife Jennifer of Matagorda, and David Klaiber & wife Cheryl of Bay City; sister: Donna Caskey of Angleton; 2 brothers: Eddie Wolf & wife Shirley of Angleton and Bobby Wolf of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin; 12 grandchildren: Patrick Pullon & wife Amy, Robert Pull & wife Misty, Heather Doughty & husband Aaron, Kelli Perez & husband Vinnie, Tony Klaiber & wife Heather, Angie Blacklock & husband Ryan, James Klaiber & wife Terri, Michelle Klaiber, Sean Klaiber & wife Kim, Amanda Klaiber, David Klaiber, and Coy Klaiber; 14 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lil's husband Coy B. Klaiber, a son Gerry J. Klaiber and grandson Scot Primrose preceeded her in death.

The family will receive visitors from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Chapel with Chaplain Thomas Lester officiating. Burial will follow at Matagorda Cemetery in Matagorda Texas. Pallbearers will be: Tony Klaiber, James Klaiber, Sean Klaiber, Patrick Pullon, Robert Pullon, and Coy Broadwater. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Aaron Doughty, Ryan Blacklock, Vernon Burke; David Dujka, Odis Caskey , James Caskey, and Vinnie Perez. Donations can be made to MD Anderson Cancer Research Center of Houston or the charity of your choice.

www.taylorbros.net

Muriel Emma (Sanders) Klee passed away peacefully at Bay Villa Nursing home on December 18, 2008. Muriel was born on November 3, 1910 in Winnfield, Louisiana.

She was preceded in death by her husband John C. Klee, mother Marie Maude (Sanders) Bailey, father Howard Sanders, her brother Herman Howard Sanders and sister in-law Jean Sanders, with many surviving cousins in Louisiana, and her sister Juanita Agnes Remme.

Her surviving child is Billie June Clays residing in Live Oak Bend, Sargent.

Grandchildren are Paul Stewart Clays, Deborah June Cardinell and husband Jack, Muriel Anne Tipps and husband Roy D. Tipps, Leslie Maie Clays. Great grandchildren are Eric Dreibelbis, Autumn Clays, Jeremy Bravo, Sean Bravo, Allison Bravo, Michelle Tipps, Steven Tipps, and five great, great grandchildren.

Muriel worked as Rosey the Riveter in New Orleans during WWII, owned a restaurant in Burbank, California, and retired after 18 years at Eastern Airlines in 1975 as a Reservation Receptionist. She bought some of the first lots in Live Oak Bend in 1969 and became a full time resident of Sargent in 1975. She was involved in many organizations in Sargent for over 30 years including VFW #2412 Sargent Homemakers and Lioness, Sargent Chamber of Commerce, Keep Texas Beautiful, Sargent Crime Watch, 1st recycling program in Sargent. She was an active supporter in most of the community improvement projects during the last 2 decades in our Sargent Area including the Sargent Revetment Wall. She also supported the Commercial Seafood industry and our Caney Creek and East Matagorda Bay environmental issues and was our news watchdog when she could no longer drive and hit the highways! Muriel was Sargents Avon Lady for over 20 years and enjoyed visiting with many friends and clients with her famous Avon Calling at their front doors! She was a master at beautiful embroidery and enjoyed painting as well as poetry in her younger years. She also was an Ace at crossword puzzles and could challenge the best in almost any games your choice!

Muriel saw many changes throughout her lifetime and always had an open door at her home for friends and neighbors to drop in and visit to share her life tales and listen to theirs. She was compassionate and giving and a loyal Democrat to the end! She was always in the forefront for Democratic Candidates, involved in fundraising and was a volunteer and offered many hours of support for our local candidates in many capacities.

The family will receive visitors from 4 until 6 p.m. Sunday, December 21, 2008 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Monday, December 22, 2008 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with the Rev. Ben Kerns Officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Pallbearers will be Roy Tipps, Jeremy Bravo, Steven Tipps, Tom Uher, George Deshotels, Richard Knapik.

She will be missed by her daughter, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many friends. She was one of a kind and she fit the quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson when he said Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. May she greet the guardian angel she knew she had

Bay City Tribune, Published December 21, 2008
 

Charles Stewart Kling
(October 27, 1923 - June 29, 2005)

Charles Stewart Kling, 81, of Bay City died June 29, 2005 at the Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX. He was born October 27, 1923 in Kosse, TX to the late H. E. and Martha Lou Stewart Kling. He was a 1940 graduate of Bay City High School, a resident of Bay City the past 15 years, a veteran of WW II serving in the US Army, and a member of the Bay City Philip H. Parker VFW Post # 2438.

Survivors include: wife Laura Kling of Bay City; brother & sister-in-law: Bill & Florace Kling of College Station, TX; nephews: Stewart Kling & Christopher (Kit) Kling both of College Station, and David Kling of Marble Falls, TX; other family members: Joe & Maryann Charlton of Round Rock, TX, Bill & Ruby Charlton of Rio Rancho, NM, and Bobby & Mary Lou Nairn of Sweeny, TX.

Funeral Service will be 2:00 PM Saturday, July 2, 2005 at the First United Methodist Church in Sweeny, TX with the Rev. Tom Morgan officiating. Interment will follow at the Sweeny, Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Stewart Kling, Gary Graham, Jim Cooley, Ralph Nairn, Christopher (Kit) Kling and David Kling. The family will receive friends at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 207 E 1st St, Sweeny, TX 77480, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 587, Bay City, TX 77414, or Matagorda Co. Democratic Party, % Allen Cumbie, 1514 7th St. Bay City, TX 77414.

Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City (979)245-4613.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Kenneth Ray “Tudy” Knebel

Kenneth Ray “Tudy” Knebel, 31, of Midfield died at John Sealy Hospital in Galveston Wednesday, January 21, 1981. He was a lifelong resident of Matagorda County and a member of the Catholic Church. Survivors include: sisters, Shirley Woytek of Alvin, Susie Thompson of El Maton, Linda Clairidge of Safford, Arizona; brothers, Donald Knebel of Blessing, Ronnie Knebel of Bay City, Steve Bolling of Las Vegas, Nevada and Scott Bolling of El Paso. Rosary will be held Thursday night at 8 p. m. at Taylor Brothers. Funeral services will be held at the Holy Cross Catholic Church Friday, January 23, at 3 p. m. with Rev. Charles Sonnier officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery. Pallbearers include Lawrence Hurta, Frankie Ray, Ronnie Strnadel, Frank Vaughan, Tim Vaughan and David Woodson. Honorary pallbearers include: Robert Cornett, Preston Fellers, Marshall Holloway and Robin Sparks. Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, January, 1981
 

Ethel Mae Findley Knight
(July 21, 1914 - February 7, 2008)

Ethel Mae Findley Knight went to rest on February 7, 2008. She was born in Montgomery County, Texas on July 21, 1914 to John Edward and Mary Louisa Latzer Findley.

Her family moved to the Sweeny area when she was ten. She married Calvin Cecil Knight in 1934, moved to Boling at that time and was a Boling resident for 66 years.

She held all her family dear and lived a long, full life. Some of her early memories included traveling by wagon and their first car which had carbide lights. Her best times were spent with her family, camping, traveling, playing cards and dominoes, or just preparing a meal together.

She is survived by son and daughter-in-law Edward Eugene and Beverlea Knight of Sweeny. Daughter Gloria Harrison of Sweeny. Brother Jesse E. Findley of Sweeny. Grandchildren Kimberly & Jimmy Folmar, Wharton; Karen and Conald Chierighino, Richmond; Kelly and Wendy Knight, Shreveport, LA; Susan and Jack Groce, Wharton; Glenn and Dana Achten, Austin; Jim Ed and Lisa Achten, Sweeny. Step-grandchildren David D. Harrison, Bay City; Radonna Harrison, Lake Jackson; Kim and Rick Waldrop, San Felipe; 26 great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Kenneth Cecil Knight, grandson Bradly W. Harrison, step-grandsons Kevin E. Harrison & Kerry Keaton, and sons-in-law Chris Achten & David E. Harrison. Sisters Bertha Findley, Betty Orr, Viola Brown, Bertie Polensky and Beatrice Minshew. Brothers Lee Findley, J. E. (Buster) Findley, Robert Findley and Archie M. Findley.

The family will receive visitors from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Sunday, February 10, at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, February 11 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel with Steve Meadows officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Alzheimers Association.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home 2313 Ave. I Bay City, TX 77414. PH/ (979) 245-4613.

www.taylorbros.net

Joe C. Knight of Sargent, Texas passed away, August 27, 2010.

He was born in Chappell Hill, Texas on September 22, 1929 to Carrie and Luther C. Knight. He resided in Sargent, Texas from 1970 until the time of his death. He attended Blinn Jr. College in Brenham, Texas and then joined the Army Air Corp from 1949 to 1954.

He served as Justice of the Peace in Chappell Hill and was a rancher. He went to work for Nalco Chemical Company in Freeport, Texas in 1962 and retired in 1985. He worked for a short time for Clements Prison. Joe was Justice of the Peace in Sargent, Texas for 19 years. He was very active in the Sargent Area. Joe was instrumental in getting the VFW 2412 built and up and running. His pet project was the “Share Your Christmas”, where groceries and gifts were gathered at Christmas time and delivered to the needy. He was active with the Sargent Chamber of Commerce, Sargent Volunteer Fire Department, Gulf Coast Economic Action Committee, Sargent Boat Parade, Beach Clean-Up, and the Sargent BamBam. Joe did some substitute teaching at Van Vleck Schools. He was always donating something to any benefit that was going on, visiting people in the nursing homes and hospitals. He was supportive of the Hunt for Heroes effort. There are literally too many good deeds to list.

Joe is survived by: one brother, William E. Knight; one sister, Carrie Marie Burgeron; a wife, Sally Knight; two daughters, Cheryl Knight and Lynda Knight Horton; two sons, Richard Knight and Robert Knight. Also, two step-sons, Harry Polk and Clint Polk, and a step-daughter, Jennifer Ross. Joe had eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by: a brother, Robert Allen; his parents, Carrie and Luther Knight; and one son, William Knight. Joe will be missed by many, many friends that he leaves behind.

A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Sunday, September 12, 2010 at the VFW 2412 in Sargent, Texas on FM 457. Please, everybody come.

Bay City Tribune, Published September 8, 2010
 

Leona Anna Knippel

Leona Anna Knippel, 94, formerly of Bay City, Texas, living in Conroe, Texas, at the time of death, went to be with the Lord sweetly and peacefully.

She received her angel wings on November 17, 2010.

Leona was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Theo Knippel, and her beloved granddaughter, Donna Pettit. 

She is survived by: her daughter, Kay Eaton; grandson, David Harris; and great-grandchildren, Taylor and Jordan Harris; son, Ted Knippel and wife Jackie; grandchildren, Kevin Stinson and wife Barbara and Daniel Stinson and wife Stephanie; great-grandchildren, Ashley and Chris Stinson; Jonathan, Tyler, Thomas and Jacob Stinson.

Leona and Theo were neighbors growing-up in Fayetteville and later became sweethearts and married. 

In 1954, Leona and Theo moved to Bay City where they were proprietors of the Hi-Way Café in the ’50s and ’60s and later owned Ted’s Place.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 7, 2010, at the Fayetteville Cemetery.

Bay City Tribune, Wednesday, December 1, 2010
 

PETER "PETE" KOCUREK

PALACIOS - Peter "Pete" Cyril Kocurek, 83, of Palacios, passed away May 19, 2010. He was born Nov. 3, 1926 in Hillje to Anton and Amelia Rek Kocurek.

Pete served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II aboard the USS Pennsylvania from 1942-1946. He worked for Alcoa until his retirement in 1986. He was a member of the VFW Post 4403, Knights of Columbus Council 6889, and American Legion Post 251.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Edith Shimek Kocurek; daughters, Freda Schneider and husband Roger of El Maton and Dorene Kocurek of Freeport; sons, Glenn Kocurek and wife Lana of Carthage and Gary Kocurek and wife Jan of Pledger; sisters, Lydia Sablatura and husband Adolph of Wharton and Mary Womack of Wharton; brother, Ignac Kocurek and wife Charlene of Pledger; 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Derrill Kocurek; and brothers, Anton, Stanley, Jerome, and Paul Kocurek.

Visitation was held from 1-6 p.m. on Thursday and will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. today at Triska Funeral Home.

A rosary will be recited at 2:30 p.m. today at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in El Campo. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Gary Janak officiating. Burial will be at Holy Cross Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Donald Sablatura, Ricky Kocurek, Lloyd Kocurek, Gaven Schneider, Pete Sneden, and Derin Schneider.

Memorial donations may be made to the donor's choice.

Funeral arrangements under the direction of Triska Funeral Home, El Campo, 979-543-3681.

Published in Victoria Advocate on May 21, 2010
 

Alfred Kopecky
(November 4, 1912 - December 29, 2006)

Alfred Kopecky of El Maton, Texas died Friday, December 29, 2006. He was born in Wallis, Texas on November 4, 1912 to Frank Denton and Louise Schiller Denton. He lived in the Sugar Land area until 1924 when his family moved to El Maton. He graduated from the Blessing and Markham schools and earned his teaching certificate from Southwest Texas State Teachers College in San Marcos.

He married Julia Marek in 1936. They operated Alfred’s Grocery in El Maton from 1936 to 1950. He farmed from 1950 until 1964 when he retired.

Over the years, he served on the Saint Peter’s Catholic Church Board of Trustees, on the Matagorda County Hospital District Board of Trustees, and as an original member of the Board of Trustees of Tidehaven High School.

Survivors are daughter Mary Louise McCormack and husband Terry of Sugar Land, son Dr. Alfred A. Kopecky and wife Betsy of Victoria, six grandchildren, eleven great- grandchildren, one sister, one half-sister, and his good friend, Irene Smith.

He was preceded in death by Julia, his wife of 58 years, second wife Lorene, parents, stepfather John Kopecky, four stepsisters, and a half-brother.

The rosary will be Monday, January 1 at 6 p.m. at Taylor Brothers’ Funeral Home in Bay City. Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 2 at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Blessing, followed by burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Emil Sliva, Joe Sliva, John Sliva, E.R. Vacek, Carlos Vacek, Weldon Popek, Johnny Popek, Johnny Thompson, and Manford Foster.

Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Blessing or Saint Joseph High School Endowment Fund, Victoria.

www.taylorbros.net
 

KOPECKY, BERTHA MACHA
 

KOPECKY

Joe Kopecky, 79, a resident of Blessing passed away September 26 at the Matagorda General Hospital. He was a member of American Legion Cecil  Lee Post No. 649 Blessing, the SPJST lodge, and the Lutheran Church.

Survivors include: 4 sisters, Mrs. Treacy Baggett and Mrs. Agnes Boston both of Pasadena, Mrs. Lillian Flint of Bay City and Mrs. Vlasta Domorad of Markham; numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held September 28 at 2 p.m. at Taylor Brothers Chapel with Pastor Henry E. Beseda of Caldwell, Texas. Interment will be at the  Hawley Cemetery in Blessing with pallbearers being; Mel Lee, John Graff, Tick Pierce, Buck Janak, Victa? Zemanek, and A. C. Bogart.

Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, September 27, 1973
 

KOPECKY, JOHN M.

Kopecky, John M., 81, of El Maton, died Thursday afternoon at Methodist Hospital in Houston. Services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Chapel. H. E. Beseda of the Czech Moravian Brethren will officiate. Interment will be in  Hawley Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Louise Kopecky of El Maton; five daughters, Mrs. Mary Popek, Mrs. Elsie Sliva and Mrs. Martha Thompson, of El Maton; Mrs. Alice Vacek of Blessing, and Mrs. Albina Vavrecka of Sugarland; one son, Alfred Kopecky of El Maton; four sisters, Mrs. Dave Boston and Mrs. Mike Baggett of Pasadena, Mrs. Anton Domorad of Palacios, and Mrs. Jerry Flint of Bay City; two brothers, Joe Kopecky of El Maton and Charles Kopecky of Round Rock; 13 grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Johnny Vavrecka, Weldon Popek, Joe Glen Sliva, Carlos Vacek, Johnny Lee Thompson, Dr. Alfred A. Kopecky. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenneth and Emil Sliva, Johnny Popek and E. R. Vacek. He was a member of the Czech Moravian Brethren and the S.P.J.S.T. Lodge.

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, September 6, 1968, Matagorda County, Texas
 

Louise Schiller Kopecky

Funeral services for Louise Kopecky, 95, of Blessing will be held 10:30 a. m. Thursday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. John Tripp and the Rev. Henry Beseda officiating. Burial will be in Hawley Cemetery, Blessing.

Mrs. Kopecky was born July 10, 1892, in Nelsonville, Texas, to Charles and Frances Janca Schiller and died Jan. 5, 1988, at Bay Villa Nursing Home, Bay City.

She was a long-time resident of Matagorda County and was a 15-year resident of Blessing prior to moving to Bay City two years ago. She was a member of the Lutheran church.

Survivors include five stepdaughters, Elsie Williams of Collegeport, Martha Thompson and Mary Popek, both of El Maton, Alice Vacek of Blessing and Alvina Vavrecka of Sugar Land; a son, Alfred Kopecky of El Maton; a brother, Charlie Schiller of Houston; 13 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers include Emil Sliva, Alfred A. Kopecky, E. R. Vacek, Weldon Popek, Johnny Lee Thompson and Johnny Popek.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, January, 1988
 

Louise Vavrecka Kopecky

Funeral services will be held for Mrs. Louise Vavrecka Kopecky, 85, of Bay City, 2 p. m. Wednesday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Chapel.

Officiating at the services will be the Rev. Chester Sassman.

Kopecky died February 6, 1982 at her residence.

Survivors are daughters, Lydia K. Gates of Bay City, Ollie D. Nedbalek of Houston, Helen L. Smith of Pineland; sons, Gus A. Kopecky of Houston, Virgil L. Kopecky of Bay City; 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Kopecky was a resident of Matagorda County since 1918.

Burial will follow services at Hawley Cemetery.

Pallbearers include grandsons, Kenneth Smith, Adam Kopecky, Gus Kopecky Jr., Bert Kopecky, Ronald and David Nedbalek.

Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, February, 1982
 

KOPECKY

KOPECKY, Victor L., 75, of 1407 Ave. F, Bay City, died Sunday in a Houston hospital. Funeral services set for 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Taylor Brothers Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Joseph Barton, pastor of the Czech Brethren Church of Taylor, Tex., will officiate at the services.

 Burial will be in the  Hawley Cemetery , under the direction of Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Kopecky was a retired cafe owner. He is a lifelong resident of the county and moved to Bay City from El Maton in 1945. He was a member of the SPJST Lodge.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Bertha Kopecky of Bay City; three daughters, Mrs. Lydia Gates of Bay City, Mrs. Oleine Nedbalek of Houston and Mrs. Helen Smith of Pineland; two sons, Gus A. Kopecky of Houston and Virgil Kopecky of Bay City; four sisters, Mrs. Tracy Baggett and Mrs. Agnes Boston of Pasadena, Mrs. Lillian Flint of Bay City and Mrs. Vlesta Domorad of Palacios; three brothers, Charles Kopecky of Round Rock, John Kopecky and Joe Kopecky of El Maton; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The Daily Tribune, August 13, 1978

Virgil Kopecky

Graveside services for Dr. Virgil Kopecky, 53, of Bay City will be held at 3:30 p. m. Friday with Jose DeLeon Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Hawley Cemetery, Blessing.

Dr. Kopecky was born Oct. 10, 1933, in Dr. Loos’ Hospital in Bay City and died Nov. 11, 1986, at South Texas Medical Branch University of Texas Hospital, Galveston, following a lengthy illness.

A resident of Bay City for 48 years, he had a doctor of divinity degree and was a member of the Astara.

Survivors include his children, Diana Hoffman, Adam Kopecky, Crystal Kopecky and David Kopecky, all of Bay City; three sisters, Lydia Gates of Bay City, Ollie Nedbalek of Houston and Helen Smith of Pineland; a brother, Gus Kopecky of Houston; stepmother, Bertha Kopecky of Bay City; and a grandchild, Jennifer Hoffman of Bay City.

Pallbearers include his nephews and friends, Kenneth Smith, Gus Kopecky Jr., Burt Kopecky, Ronald Nedbalek, David Nedbalek and Pete Torres.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Vavrecka Kopecky and his father, V. L. Kopecky.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, November, 1986
 

SUSIE KORFF

WOODSBORO - Susie Korff, 66, died Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010. She was born Nov. 21, 1943, in Orange Grove, to the late Lee and Hazel McElroy Wasicek. She was a hairdresser for 42 years, enjoyed woodworks for 18 years, and was a member of Faith United Church Women's Guild.

She is survived by her husband, Ed Korff, of Woodsboro; son, Steven Korff (Adrienne) of Bay City; daughter, Sheila Tuttle (Stanley) of Woodsboro; sister, Gail Davis of Fresno; and five grandchildren, Cody Tuttle, Matt Tuttle, Tyler Korff, Garret Korff, and Lauren Korff.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, Robert and Roger Dale Wasicek.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. today, Jan. 25, 2010, at Moore Funeral Chapel in Refugio. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, at Faith United Church in Woodsboro. Burial will follow at La Rosa Cemetery in Woodsboro.

Pallbearers: Cody Tuttle, Matt Tuttle, Nancy Dierschke, Sylvia Escamilla, Carolyn Ray, and JoAnn Franke.

Honorary pallbearers: Sandra Kureska, Mary Perez, Verelene Velle, Nita Meissner, Jeanette Chandler, Mary Alice Vickery, Alice Speis, Nettie Cleveland, Bobbie Zapalac, Patty Hill, Elaine Boenig, Anna Steindorf, Beverly Montgomery, Linda Haertig, and Edie Haertig.

Memorials may be made to Faith United Church, P.O. Box 1049, Woodsboro, Texas 78393.
Moore Funeral Home, Refugio, 361-526-4334.

Published in Victoria Advocate on January 25, 2010
 

Rosie Steffie Kosarek, 93, of Blessing, Texas.

Was born September 5, 1917, in Cistern, Texas, and died September 11, 2010. She was the eldest daughter of the late Thomas Brdecko and the late Mary Dornak Brdecko.

When she was 10, she moved with her family to Matagorda County where she lived on the family farm for over 80 years. She was a member of St. Peters Catholic Church. She was retired having cooked at Tabolas Café, being a housekeeper at St. Peters and working at Tonis nursery. Rosie always believed in and received tremendous satisfaction from working hard on the farm and enjoying and sharing her vegetables and flowers. Her family will always cherish the memories of her teaching us how to make kolaches and egg noodles.

She is survived by: her son, James of Blessing, Texas; and her daughter, Dolores Miller and husband Richard of Port Lavaca, Texas; her granddaughters; Stacie Byrd and husband Shannon of Bay City, Texas, and Michele Streetman and husband Paul of Austin, Texas; and two great grandsons; Justin Byrd and Connor Streetman.

She is also survived by one sister, Martha Vacek of Palacios, and one uncle, Ed Dornak.

She is preceded in death by: her husband Jim, her parents, an infant son, Joseph, her sisters, Frances Hlozek and Mary Tomasek and other relatives.

The funeral Mass was held at 2 p.m. Monday, September 13, 2010 at St. Peters Catholic Church, with a rosary being prayed at 1:30 p.m.

Burial followed at St. Peters Catholic Cemetery.

Special thanks to Matagorda House Healthcare Center, and Houston Hospice of El Campo, and the nursing home ministry of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Holy Cross Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting
Bay City Tribune, Published September 15, 2010
 

LUCILLE F. KOSLAN

SAN ANTONIO - Lucille F. (McCarrell) Koslan, age 76, of San Antonio, passed away Friday, March 7, 2008, in San Antonio.

She is survived by her daughters, Janette McArthur and husband Gene of Dillingham, Alaska, Bennie Fay Nilsen and husband Cliff of San Antonio, Regina Shelton of San Antonio, Pat Venglar of La Salle; and son, Wesley Shelton and wife Kelly of Bay City. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry "Hank" Koslan; and her son, Charles Shelton.

Visitation will be held at Hurley Funeral Home, 118 W. Oaklawn Rd., Pleasanton, Texas, from 2-8 p.m., Monday, March 10, 2008. The funeral service will be held at Hurley Funeral Home at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 11, 2008.

Interment will be at Rutledge Cemetery in Poteet.

Hurley Funeral Home, Pleasanton, 830-569-2535.

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 3/10/2008.

Jerome L. Kovar
(August 4, 1912 - July 3, 2007)

Jerome L. Kovar, 94, of Palacios died Tuesday, July 3, 2007. He was born August 4, 1912 in Wallis, Texas to the late Frank and Francis Kovar.

After moving to the Hillje and Louise area, he enjoyed playing clarinet and saxophone. He and his brothers played in local bands with venues from Fairchild to Corpus Christi. He moved to the Carancahua Community in 1950 as foreman of the Appling Farm & Ranch for 26 years. He continued his love for music as a member of St. Anthony’s Church Choir. After his retirement he moved to Palacios and spent many years fishing, hunting and gardening.

He is survived by Vlasta, his wife of 65 years, daughters and their spouses Grealdine “Gerry” & Bill Stuhrenberg and Joan & Marvin Stuhrenberg all of Palacios; sisters Olga Popp of Louise & Annie Taylor of Kemp and brother Sylvester “Cap” Kovar of Louise. He also survived by his grandchildren Stephen & wife Michele Stuhrenberg of Palacios, Stacey & husband Rick Cegielski of Houston, Jamie Stuhrenberg of Palacios and Julie & Jennie Stuhrenberg of College Station and great grandchildren Jarred, Paige and Clayton Stuhrenberg of Palacios and Sean & Ryan Cegielski of Houston. He was preceded in death by his sister Lydia Polasek, brothers Fred & John Kovar and great grandson Matthew Cegielski.

A rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM Thursday, July 5, 2007 at the Palacios Funeral Home. Mass will be 2:00 PM Friday, July 6, 2007 at St. Anthony’s catholic Church with Rev. Charles Dowomoh officiating. Interment will follow at the Palacios Cemetery. Pallbearers are Stephen, Jarred & Jamie Stuhrenberg, Rick Cegielski, Clarnece Kovar and Craig Wallis. Honorary pallbearer is John Rother. Memorials may be given to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Building Fund, PO Box 900, Palacios, TX 77465, Palacios Community Medical Center or charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements with Palacios Funeral Home. 361-972-2012

www.taylorbros.net
 

VLASTA KOVAR

Funeral services for Vlasta Kovar, 93, of Palacios, were held Oct. 30, 2008 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Gary Janak officiating. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.

Mrs. Kovar was born on June 19, 1915 in Fayetteville, Tx. to the late Jacob and Julia Supak. She died Oct. 27, 2008.

She was a dedicated and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her favorite pastimes were gardening, cooking and baking, especially known for her apple strudel and kolaches. As a homemaker, she was an active member of the Jackson E.E.A. for 50 years. She was a member of Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church and active in the Alter Society and KJZT.

Vlasta leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughters and their spouses, Geraldine (Gerry) and Bill Stuhrenberg and Joan and Marvin Stuhrenberg, all of Palacios; grandchildren, Stephen and wife Michele Stuhrenberg of Palacios, Stacey Cegielski of Houston, Jamie Stuhrenberg of Palacios, Julie Stuhrenberg of Bryan and Jennie Stuhrenberg of College Station; and great-grandchildren Jarred, Paige and Clayton Stuhrenberg of Palacios and Sean and Ryan Cegielski of Houston.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Jerome; sister, Christine Krejci; and great-grandson, Matthew Cegielski.

Pallbearers were Stephen, Jarred, and Jamie Stuhrenberg, Edwin Polasek, Clarence Kovar and Craig Wallis. Honorary pallbearer was John Rother.

Memorials may be given to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 900, Palacios, TX 77465, Palacios Community Medical Center, 311 Green Ave; St., Palacios, TX 77465 or charity of your choice.

Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements with Palacios Funeral Home 361-972-2012.

The Palacios Beacon, Wednesday, November 5, 2008
 

Lawrence C. Krause, 80, of Van Vleck passed away May 20, 1995 at his residence. He was born January 7, 1915 in Omaha, Nebraska to Carl and Rose Marsolek Krause.

He is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia and Gordon Mozley of Van Vleck and Jane and Jim Case of Nashville, Tennessee, by one son-in-law, Jack Anthony of Colorado, by five granddaughters and nine great grandchildren.

Grave side services are scheduled for 4:00 pm Wednesday, May 24, 1995 at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck with Rev. Michael Aus officiating.

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

The Daily Tribune, Bay City, Texas, May 23, 1995                           Eula M. Krause                      Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Betty Sue Krenek
(July 17, 1931 - July 1, 2006)

Betty Sue Krenek, 74, of Bay City died July 1, 2006 at her residence. She was born July 17, 1931 in Lovelady, Texas to Hubert Elmo and Geraldine Bitner. She had been a resident of Bay City since 1953; was a member of the First Baptist Church; and volunteered for the Pink Ladies Auxiliary at Matagorda General Hospital.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Krenek in 2001. Survivors include daughter Sue Milberger & husband Arthur of Bay City; sons B. J. Krenek & wife Celine and Gary Krenek & wife Lisa all of Bay City; sister Una Lee Webb of Houston; brothers Billy Carl Bitner of Deer Park, James Ray Bitner & John Paul Bitner both of Houston, & Hubert Elmo Bitner, Jr. of Dallas; ten grandchildren and one great grandchild.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Carolyn Boulden, whom they feel was an angel sent to care for their mother. Carolyn assembled a team including Zelma Davidson, Lillie Hines, Teresa West, & Iris Diaz to assist her, along with the staff of Houston Hospice of El Campo.

Funeral service will be 3:00 PM Monday, July 3, 2006 at the First Baptist Church with Dr. Mike Zimmerman officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers include Chad Krenek, Scott Covell, Jimmy Bitner, Donnie Bitner, Kenneth Bitner, Scott Stange, William Paul Bitner, David Barker, & Shane Hildreth. Honorary pallbearers include Jerry Krenek, Troy Krenek, William Krenek, Wayne Davis, Maurice Kerzee, & Tommy Thomas. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.taylorbros.net. For those desiring, memorials may be made to Houston Hospice, 1102 N. Mechanic, El Campo, TX 77437. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. 979-245-4613.

http://www.taylorbros.net/index.cfm                                     Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham 

Billy Ray Krenek

Bill Krenek, 71, of Bay City died January 28, 2001 at his residence. He was born March 25, 1929 in Lovelady Houston Co., Texas to the late Adolph Joseph and Lottie Mae Knox Krenek.  Mr. Krenek attended the First Baptist Church of Bay City.  In 1953 he moved to Bay City and opened Krenek Insurance Agency.   

Survivors include: wife, Betty Sue Bitner Krenek of Bay City; daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Arthur Milberger of Bay City; sons and daughters-in-law B. J. and Celine Krenek and Gary and Lisa Krenek all of Bay City; Troy Krenek of Garwood TX; 10 grandchildren, Scott Covell of Waco Regay Saucier and her husband Richard Of Houston, Lesley and Whitney Milberger of Austin, Leslie Stange and husband Scott of Webster, Laurie Faulkner of Dallas, Jessica, Chelsie and Chad and his wife Kim Krenek all Bay City, and Shelly Krenek of Huntsville. Funeral services will be 10 AM Wednesday, January, 2001, at the First Baptist Church with the Reverend Mike Zimmerman officiating, eulogist will be his nephew, William Troy Krenek. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be Erwin Ward, Jerry Krenek, Tommy Thomas, Albert Garrison, Maurice Kerzee, Wayne Davis, Larry Newman, and Larry Weiser.  Honorary pallbearers will be Charlie Hairston, Bud Beasley, Troy Krenek, Herman Raney, Bill Bitner, and Farmers Insurance Agents of District 59.  The family will receive friends at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Tuesday evening 6 pm-8pm.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

Daily Tribune, January 30, 2001          Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

Christopher Roy Estes-Krenek passed away Friday morning in a Hospital in Brady, Texas, on August 22, 2008.

He is survived by his parents: Mary Estes-Krenek and Roy Krenek; sister, Shalla Raenae McBee; brother, Michael Gordon Porter, both of Mason, Texas; grandparents, Mary Gail Estes of Mason, Phil Douglas Schaer and Kim Diane Schaer of Bay City, Texas, Beverly Reaume of Bay City, Robert Krenek, Sr. of Markham, Texas, Teri Krenek of West Columbia, Texas, William Burl Estes of Brady, Texas; great-grandparents, Gordon and Carolyn Airheart of Mason, and Ed Roy and Laverne Demmer of Bay City, and great great grandmother, Georgia Burton of Kerrville, Texas.

Aunts and uncles Kayla Estes of Brady, Cody and Heather Foster of Mason, Krystal Powell of West Columbia, Robert and Lisa Krenek of Burleson, Texas, Shane and Marta Krenek of Brazoria, Texas, Robin Krenek of Markham, Dawn and Jeremy Petru of Victoria, Texas. Cousins, are Nathyn Powell of West Columbia, great aunt Georgia Cornett of Bay City; Carissa and Kyle Airheart of Brady, Kayden Petru of Victoria, Malachi and Cody Roger Foster of Mason, Jordan and Kristen Brockway-Krenek of Burleson and Chase and Jana Cornet of Bay City. Also survived by many other aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by great grandparents, Check and Ethel Airheart, John Bailey, Mary and Donald Reed, uncle Jay Price, and great aunt Joyce Stone.

Our beloved child Christopher Roy Estes Krenek loved to play with his brother, sister and cousins. His favorite movie was Finding Nemo. He loved to eat everything. He loved kittens. He loved going to the park, swimming, riding on Grandpa Krenek’s four-wheeler and golf cart. Taking walks with Grandpa Phil. He loved to play Hide ‘N’ Seek and peek-a-boo with his family.

To our beloved child, we love you, and we will always love you, and will miss you and we will be with you again, you may be gone, but never forgotten. We love you, Mom and Dad.

Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Tuesday, August 26, 2008, at Gentry Funeral Home. Graveside funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, August 27, 2008, Gooch Cemetery.

Services are entrusted to Gentry Funeral Home.
 

Bay City Tribune, Published August 27, 2008

Bay City Tribune, Wednesday, March 30, 2011                         Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Eugene J. Kretschmar

Advocate News Service

AUSTIN—Eugene J. Kretschmar, 55, a former resident of Bay City who later moved to Austin, died Sunday in an Austin hospital following a sudden illness.

Born Aug. 25, 1927 in Cameron, he was an administrator of Crockett Properties.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bay City and a veteran of the U. S. Army and the U. S. Air Force. He was also past president of the Bay City Kiwanis Club.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p. m. Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church in Bay City. Burial will be at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing under the direction of Taylor Brothers Funeral Home. The Rev. Diana Black will officiate.

Surviving are a daughter, Kimberly Kretschmar of Bay City; three sisters, Matilda Wratislaw and Mary Schwartz, both of Midfield, and Evelyn Richardson of Bay City.

Pallbearers will be Billy Anderson, Lee Richardson Jr., Mike Richardson, Robert Schertz Jr., Ray Rotell and Robert Smith.

In lieu of the usual remembrances, donations may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.

The Daily Tribune, June, 1983
 

John J. Kretschmar Buried in Hawley Cemetery Feb. 4^th

Funeral services for John Julius Kretschmar of Midfield were held Thursday, February 4 at 2 p. m. at the Taylor Brothers Funeral Chapel in Bay City with Rev. Joseph A. Barton of Taylor officiating. Interment was in Hawley Cemetery.

Born July 31, 1895 in Hallettsville, Texas, a son of Anna Jecmenek and Lehrecht Kretschmar, he died Tuesday, February 2 in the Oak Manor Rest Home in El Campo.

A resident of Midfield for 34 years, he was a veteran of World War I, a member of the Lutheran Church and Blessing American Legion Post No. 649.

He is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Matilda Wratislaw, Mrs. Evelyn Richardson and Mrs. Mary Schurtz, all of Midfield; one son, Eugene John Kretschmar of Houston, two sisters, Mrs. Annie Kuhn of Burlington, Texas and Mrs. Gusta Eickenhorst of Cameron and nine grandchildren.

The Palacios Beacon, Thursday, February 11, 1965
 

Frances Ann "Happy" Kristynik
(August 7, 1915 - November 11, 2009)

Frances Ann “Happy” Kristynik passed away on November 11, 2009 at the age of 94. She was born on August 7, 1915 in Cistern, Texas. She was one of ten children born to Ignace and Josephine Senkyrik. She grew up in Markham, TX.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, A.C. “Pat” Kristynik and her granddaughter, Tina Kristynik. She is survived by a daughter: Jeanette Ward and husband Jack; by her sons: David Kristynik and wife Liz, Marvin Kristynik and wife Betty; and Paul Kristynik and wife Mary; along with 12 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sisters: Bennie Gauthier of Bay City and Nancy Bain of Wimberly, Texas.

Happy was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church for over 50 years and an active member of the Altar Society, Catholic Daughters of America, KJZT, KJT and the Knights of Columbus wives organization. She was also a member of the Pink Ladies Auxiliary for 28 years and had 4,000 hours of service. She retired in 1977 from Rosenzwig’s and Milady’s Dress Shop, where she was a sales clerk for over 30 years.

Her passions included fishing, bowling, cooking, dancing, and watching golf on television. But her real mission in life was devoted to taking care of her family, which she did beyond the call of duty.

The Rosary will be held at 6:00 PM Friday, November 13, 2009 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. The Mass will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, November 14, 2009 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Matagorda House and Amid Hospice for their dedicated service and the Pink Ladies Auxiliary for always keeping her beautiful. Also a special thank you to Luther and Joe of Holy Cross Catholic Church, and the ministry from Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church for their spiritual encouragement and healing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pink Ladies Auxiliary or the Holy Cross Catholic School.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.taylorbros.net.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX (979) 245-4613.

Published in Victoria Advocate on November 12, 2009                         Adolph C. Kristynik                      Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

David Victor Krumholz
(February 11, 1911 - July 23, 2006)

On July 23, 2006, David Victor Krumholz age 95, passed away peacefully at his home with his beloved wife, Henrietta, by his side. He was a resident of Bay City, Texas for the past fifty seven years. David was born to Pearl and Sam Krumholz on February 11, 1911 in New York City. He then moved to Tyler, Texas, where he grew up with his six brothers and one sister whom all preceded him in death. He graduated Texas A & M University with honors in Chemical Engineering in 1932. He was a loyal and true Aggie dedicated to the spirit of A & M. He served as an officer in Europe in World War II, following General Patton into Paris and was decorated by General De Gaulle. He retired as a lieutenant colonel. After his army career, he married Henrietta Greenberg and soon had a family of four children. He was a caring father and husband. He owned and ran David’s Firestone Store in downtown Bay City until he sold it and retired. Even when he ran the store, he headed to his beach house on Matagorda Beach every Thursday afternoon to do what he loved best- fish. He enjoyed all outdoor sports, playing tennis and chopping his own wood until he was eighty five. He was devoted to Judaism, and was an active member of his synagogue, Shearith Israel, in Wharton, Texas. David was a member of Bay City Lions Club, The A & M Twelfth Man Foundation, B’nai Brith and was an associate member of Hadassah. He is survived by his wife of fifty seven years, Henrietta; their son Karl and his partner Dick Limoge; their daughter Rozanne and her husband Billy Rosenthal; their son Richard and his wife Betty; their daughter Pearl and her husband Marc Kudisch. He had eight grandchildren; Ashli, Ben and Madelyn Rosenthal; Max and Stephanie Kudisch; Chase and Taylor Krumholz and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Tuesday, July 25, 2006 at the Shearith Israel Cemetery in Wharton, Texas. The interment will be conducted by Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger of Fort Worth, Texas.

Donations may be made to the Hillel of Texas A & M and the Wharton Chapter of Hadassah.

Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX (979) 245-4613.

http://www.taylorbros.net/index.cfm
 

DEBRA GREEN KRUTILEK
 

BLESSING - Debra Green Krutilek of Blessing died Jan. 28, 2009 at the age of 48. She was born on April 13, 1960, in Cambridge, England, to Elba C. and Wanda Rutherford Green. She was a homemaker.

She is survived by her father, Elba C. Green; daughter, Kristy Escamilla; son, Roy Green; sister, Clara Garcia; brothers, Elba C. Green Jr., Richard Green, and Howard Green; and nine grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother and former husband, Gilbert Roy Krutilek.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, with funeral services at 2 p.m., at Triska Funeral Home. Interment will follow at  Hawley Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Triska Funeral Home for funeral expenses.

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

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 1/29/2009                                         Photo courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise

Joshua Daniel Kudelka, age 10 of Bay City, passed away suddenly on May 1, 2010.

He was born on December 28, 1999 in Port Lavaca. He was a fourth grader at E. Rudd Intermediate School in Van Vleck. He was an organ donor.

He is survived by: his mother, Becky Kudelka of Bay City; father and step-mother, Mark and Nancy Culver of Austin; sisters, Maylynne Childress of Port Lavaca, Zoe Culver of Victoria; brother, Jordan Childress of Port Lavaca; maternal grandmother, Debbie Bigalow of Palacios; paternal grandparents, Lynn Harris of Edna, Jimmy Culver of York Valley, Arizona; maternal great grandmother, Lela Jane Koenig of El Campo and paternal great grandmother, Jauree Busby of Hico.

He was preceded in death by grandfathers Daniel Lewis Kudelka, Randy Bigalow, great grandfather George Koenig, and cousin Aaron Kudelka.

Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. Tuesday with the family receiving visitors from 5 until 7 pm at Triska Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at the Christ Lutheran Church in El Campo with the Rev. Jake Fain officiating.

Burial will follow at the Hawley Cemetery near Blessing.

Pallbearers are Cole Repka, Ryan Kudelka, Duane Kudelka, Corey Kudelka, Michael Lagasse and Dustin Rutherford.

Honorary pallbearers are Jimmy Piwonka, Trey Morrison, Sidney Morrison, Miguel Garcia and Oscar Garcia.

Memorials in his memory may be made to the Joshua Kudelka Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Triska Funeral Home, El Campo, TX (979)543-3681

Bay City Tribune, Published May 5, 2010
 

RUBY KUMAZEC

AUSTIN - Ruby Kumazec, 88, of Austin and formerly of Palacios passed away on April 4, 2010. She was born on May 15, 1921 in Gilmer to the late John R. and Evie Wheat Emerson.

She is survived by her husband, William Kumazec of Austin; sons, Melvin J. Compton of Blessing and Robert L. Compton of Austin; 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren; and brothers, John R. Emerson and Jerry Emerson, both of Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Richard O. Compton; second husband, Wilber O. Robinson; son, Richard Marvin Compton; two sisters; and two brothers.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. today, with a wake service at 6 p.m., at Triska Funeral Home.

Graveside Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 11, at Garden of Memories Cemetery in El Campo with Pastor Bobby Beard officiating.
Triska Funeral Home, El Campo, TX 77437, 979-543-3681.

Victoria Advocate, April 10, 2010
 

Robert "Bob" Kunefke, Sr.
(November 13, 1927 - July 8, 2007)

Robert “Bob” Kunefke, Sr., 79, of Palacios passed away July 8, 2007. He was born November 13, 1927 in Winnie, Texas to the late William Paul Kunefke & Gladys E. Adams Kunefke. He served in the US Air Force during WWII. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Palacios and retired from Sun Oil Co. after 36 years of service. He was an avid fisherman, shrimper, hunter & gardener. Everyone around the bay in Palacios knew him as “Uncle Bob”.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Ethel Lee Kunefke of Palacios; daughter & son-in-law Cheryl Lynn & Brad Scott of Palacios; son & daughter-in-law Robert “Bobby” Kunefke, Jr. & Chris of Palacios; sister Thelma Standley of Hamshire, TX; brother Leonard D. Kunefke of Palacios; and two grandchildren Amy Lynn Foote of Plano and Nicole Ann Kunefke of Palacios. He was preceded in death by two brothers Ralph W. Kunefke and Vernon P. Kunefke.

Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, July 11, 2007 with Pastor David Gruhn officiating. Interment will follow at the Palacios Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Fields, Ted Bates, Jr. , Vernon Bates, Sr., Tom O’Bannion, Art Lang and Johnny Brady. Members of the Truth Seekers Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends and relatives from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Palacios. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements with Palacios Funeral Home. 361-972-2012

www.taylorbros.net
 

Robert E. “Bob” Kupka

CORPUS CHRISTI—Robert “Bob” E. Kupka, 17, a native of Hallettsville, died Sunday morning at his Corpus Christi home.

Born Jan. 17, 1972, he was adopted by Buck and Ruth Hardung. He later lived in Palacios and Point Comfort before moving to Corpus Christi about five years ago.

He was a student at Mary Gritt Memorial School for the Handicapped.

He was a member of Church of Christ, Corpus Christi.

Services are pending at Cage-Mills Colonial Funeral Home in Corpus Christi. Burial will be in Hawley Cemetery at Blessing.

He is survived by his adoptive mother; five sisters, Lucy Crawley of Corpus Christi, Norma Collier of Bayou LaBatre, Ala., Wanda Thompson of Irvington, Ala., Patsy Parent of Kiowa, Okla., and Beth Cliston of Cuero.

He was preceded in death by his adoptive father.

The Victoria Advocate?, ______
 

ALFONSE M. KURTZ

DANEVANG - Alfonse M. Kurtz, 76, of Danevang, died Dec. 10, 2010. He was born on Nov. 15, 1934, in Shiner, to the late Charles and Pauline H. Kurtz.

Survivors: wife, Jo Jeanette Ummelmann Kurtz of Danevang; children, Cynthia Zotter of Selma, Sherman Kurtz of Round Rock, Joyeclyn Schedler of Bastrop, and Glenn Kurtz of Fairfax, Va.; three grandchildren; one great-granddaughter.

Preceded in death by: parents; brother, Edwin Kurtz; sisters, Helen Vinklarek, Pauline Berckenhoff.

Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, Dec. 13, at Triska Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 12 to 2 p.m. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Gary Janak officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Memorial Park.

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

Published in Victoria Advocate on December 12, 2010
 

Benjamin Warner Kuykendall

Mr. Benjamin Warner Kuykendall, a life long citizen of Matagorda County, died at Wharton Saturday, May 11, and was buried in the Hawley Cemetery near Blessing yesterday afternoon. At the time of his death he was 63 years of age.

Four sisters, Mrs. J. H. McCrosky and Miss Emma Kuykendall, of this county, Mrs. Harry Gainer of Victoria and Mrs. R. H. ___ of Wharton survive him.

Mr. Kuykendall was a member of one of Matagorda County’s oldest families and was born and raised in the county, where he had many friends and acquaintances. He was laid to rest in the family plot of the Hawley Cemetery yesterday afternoon by loving friends and members of the family who accompanied the remains to the burial place after the arrival of the Southern Pacific train from Wharton.

The Matagorda County Tribune, May, 1918
 

MISS EMMA KUYKENDALL

Miss Emma Kuykendall, a resident of Matagorda County for a lifetime, passed away at the home of Mr. J. H. McCroskey at Markham Sunday morning at 9:30 o'clock.

Funeral services will be held at  Hawley Cemetery Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Rev. Mr. Thompson, pastor of the Methodist Church in Markham officiating. Funeral arrangements under directions of Walker-Matchett.

THE MATAGORDA COUNTY TRIBUNE, Thursday, December 26, 1935, Matagorda County, Texas
 

Eugene B. Kuykendall - Hawley Cemetery
 

The Death of Ike Kuykendall

Last week we noted receipt of the sad intelligence of the sudden and unexpected death of Ike Kuykendall, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wiley Kuykendall, of Ashby.

From later particulars we learn that he died at Tulsa, Creek Nation, near Catoose, on Tuesday December 1^st. He was employed on the ranch of his uncle, Col. A. H. Pierce, feeding cattle. During the norther, which was very severe up there, he got wet, contracted a bad cold, which soon turned into pneumonia, with the above fatal results, though everything was done for him in the power of his attending physician. He was advised to wire his people but refused to do so, thinking he would pull through, and he did not want to cause them worry. Gradually growing worse he finally consented for them to wire for his father and mother who hastened to him, but the message was too late, they arriving some 36 hours after his life had departed. Casper Bell was with him and did all a friend could to the last.

Deceased was 20 years old, a young man of exemplary habits, full of energy and ambition, kind hearted and beloved by all who knew him, with, as all supposed, a long and useful life before him, and his sudden and unexpected taking off is deeply deplored by all.

The grief stricken father and mother arrived home with the remains Saturday and tender hands and loving sad hearts deposited all that was mortal of Ike Kuykendall in the family burying grounds, after permitting the remains to rest in family home over Saturday night, such being deceased’s dying request. Rev. R. A. Partain conducted the funeral services.

Newspaper and date unknown          Hawley Cemetery
 

Robert Gilbert Kuykendall - Hawley Cemetery
 

Sarah Gainer Kuykendall - Hawley Cemetery
 

Susan E. Kuykendall - Hawley Cemetery