Matagorda County Obituaries
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Thomas Harold Mack

Thomas Harold Mack, 50, of Magnolia, Ark. Formerly of Old Ocean, died at his residence May 31.  Survivors include wife, Katherine Larmar Mack of Magnolia, Ark.; daughters, Becky Miller of Pearland, Debea King of Magnolia and Sheryl Clack of Pasadena; son, James Robert Mack of Magnolia; sisters, Betty Scott of Brazoria and Margaret Russell of Pasadena; 7 grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Wednesday, June 4 at 2 pm. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery.

Arrangements are made with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

 Daily Tribune, June 2, 1980             Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 


Christopher Ryan Martinez

December 21, 1991 - November 17, 2024

Christopher Ryan Martinez, age 32 of Seguin, passed away on November 17, 2024.  Christopher was born on December 21, 1991, in Corpus Christi, Texas to Kďrsten Downing and Roger Martinez, Jr. 

Christopher is 2010 alumni from Seguin High School where he graduated top 20% of his class. He then attended Texas State University where he made the Dean's List and graduated in December 2014 with a Bachelor of Science with a Major in Advance Mathematics.  

Being a teacher was his greatest accomplishment. Beginning in 2016, He taught math, science, and coached at Palacios High school for 4 years. In 2022, he returned to his hometown of Seguin where he began teaching 7th grade math and coaching at Jim Barnes Middle School. Besides teaching math, his passions include the game of baseball, the art of fishing, the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and his lifelong hobby of collecting Pokémon cards.  

He is preceded in death by Great Grandparents; Jack and Betty Walcher also Edward and Flora Davila. His role Model Leon Oebel AKA Papaw and lastly, his greatest love of all time, his beloved mother, Kďrsten Downing   

Survivors include his father, Roger Martinez, Jr.; sister, Erika Tijerina and husband Christopher; nephew, Armando Tijerina; grandmothers, Martha McLennan, Priscilla Oebel, and Patsy Hendrick; his beloved dog, Cast; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and his beloved Barnes Middle School Family.  

A Celebration of Life gathering to honor Christopher will be held at the Smokey Joe Field in Seguin, on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 10 a.m. with the Reverend Jeremy Roy officiating. 

A GoFundMe in his name is also open for any and all donations. 

https://gofund.me/5e74526e .

Palacios Beacon, November 27, 2024 & Tres Hewell Mortuary, Seguin, Texas
 


Harry Paul Matthews

Funeral services will be held for Harry Paul Matthews, 62, of Houston, 1 p. m. Sunday at Ashord-Oliver Memorial Chapel in Navasota.

Officiating at the services will be the Rev. B. Davis.

Matthews died March 30, 1982 at the V. A. Hospital in Houston.

Survivors include wife, Mrs. Addine Matthews of Houston; mother, Mrs. Laura Matthews of Bay City; sisters, Mrs. Faye Lewis of Bay City, Mrs. Arzola Bell of Los Angeles, Calif.; brothers, Elwood Matthews of Los Angeles, Calif., Marvin Matthews of Bay City; a host of nieces and nephews and friends.

Burial will follow services at Berryman Cemetery in Anderson.

Visitation is at the Lockwood Funeral Home, 9402 Lockwood Drive, Houston.

Lockwood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Newspaper and date unknown                    Courtesy of Virginia Sowell
 


Betty Jo Mendiola

September 25, 1940 - December 13, 2024

Betty Jo Mendiola passed away on December 13, 2024. She was born on September 25,1940 in El Campo, Texas. Her departure from this world leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

For sixty-five years, Betty Jo shared a life with her beloved husband, Johnny Ybarra Mendiola. Their enduring partnership was a testament to the power of love, commitment, and mutual support. Betty Jo’s legacy is also cherished by her siblings: Angelina Zepeda Wheeler, Joey Zepeda, Jr. and Denise Zepeda-Eisman. Though her sister Mary Jane Villarreal and her parents Joe and Romona Zepeda preceded her in passing. Betty Jo’s children are Bonnie Garcia, husband Steven Garcia, Ida Mendiola Mikus, Anna Query, husband Greg Query and Alvin Mendiola. She had eight grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild who were the recipients of her countless stories, support, and unconditional love.

Professionally, Betty Jo was a pillar of her community, having worked as a professional beautician for decades. Her work was more than a place of business; it was a sanctuary of warmth and laughter where clients became friends and friends became family.

Betty Jo Mendiola’s journey on this earth may have concluded, but her spirit continues to soar, her laughter echoes in the stories her family shares, her wisdom resonates in the lives she touched, and her legacy endures in the beauty she bought into the world. Let us honor her memory by living as she did-with courage, with joy and with an unwavering zest for life. Betty Jo Mendiola, a cherished soul, will forever be remembered and deeply missed.

A funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Discover Life Church, 704 FM 1468 Hwy N. Broadway in Markham, Texas 77456

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 


Gudelia M. Mendiola

December 25, 1934 - December 6, 2024

Gudelia M. Mendiola, 89, of Bay City, Texas, passed away Friday, December 6, 2024. She was born December 25, 1934, in Bay City to Eusebio Martinez, and Guadalupe Perez Martinez.

Mrs. Mendiola retired from Gordon’s Wholesale and Refrigeration after many years as a bookkeeper.  She also served as a volunteer bookkeeper for Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.  Gudelia was a devoted New York Yankees fan.  Cooking and trying new recipes as well as sewing were some of her interests.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers Norberto, Pedro, Raymond, Domingo, Sylvestre, Joe and Stephen Martinez as well as sisters Florence M. Torres, Fausta, Guadalupe, Teresa and Janie Martinez.  She is survived by her loving husband, Pedro Mendiola; sisters, Mary M. Alvarez and Esther J. Martinez along with numerous surviving nephews, great-nephews, niece and great-nieces which were her love.  Her God was her strength.  She was a devout rosary warrior.

The family will receive relatives and friends for visitation from 5-7pm Monday, December 16, 2024, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with the Holy Rosary being recited at 6:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00am Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Reverend Gabriel Espinosa officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City. Pallbearers for Mrs. Mendiola will be Esteban Martinez, Steven R. Martinez, Stephen A. Martinez, Dominick Martinez, Nicholas Eusebio Martinez and Daniel Alvarez.  Honorary Pallbearers: Raymond Martinez, Stephen Martinez, Faustino M. Torres, David Alvarez, Lino Ramirez, Rodney Trevino and Roland Zarate.

Bay City Tribune, December 15, 2024

Pedro B. Mendiola
January 17, 1930 - December 26, 2024

Pedro “Pete” Mendiola, 94, of Bay City, Texas, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024. He was born January 17, 1930, in Bay City, Texas, to the late Clemente Mendiola and Natividad Belasquez Mendiola.

Pete was a diligent laborer for most of his working life, which started at a very young age.  Not much schooling did he receive because Pete had to help support the family.  Pete retired from Kersey and Chambliss after many years of dedicated labor work.  In the community Pete was instrumental in the building of our two parish churches-Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (OLG). Many hours of work after their daily jobs and weekends were put forth by him and many other fellow parishioners.

Upon retiring, Pete continued to help his wife and the alter ladies with their tasks at OLG.  He also served as an usher at church for several years.  Pete served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was a very proud veteran.  Pete was a quiet man, full of untold history and experiences.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gudelia Mendiola and other family members: Margarito Mendiola, Jose Mendiola, Juan Mendiola, and numerous nephews and nieces.  Pete is survived by nephews: Johnny (Betty) Mendiola, Baldemar (Elva) Mendiola; nieces Lydia (Emedé) Garcia and Erminia (Joe) Carabajal, Mary M. Alvarez, Esther J. Martínez and numerous Martinez/Mendiola relatives.  Pedro will be missed, but always in our heart.  

The family will receive relatives and friends for visitation from 5-7pm Monday, January 5, 2025, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with the Holy Rosary being recited at 6:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00am Tuesday, January 6, 2025, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Reverend Gabriel Espinosa officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City. Pallbearers for Mr. Mendiola will be Lino Ramirez, Erasto Paniagua, Julian Mendiola, Esteban Martínez, David Alvarez, and Stephen A. Martínez.

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

Bay City Tribune, January 8, 2025
 


Donald Bruce Miller, Sr.

January 19, 1947 - January 18, 2025

Donald Bruce Miller, 77, of Bay City, TX, passed away on January 18, 2025.
He was born on January 19, 1947, in Baraboo, WI, to the late Bruce Miller and Betty Burwell Miller.

Don proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. After his service, he married the love of his life, Mabel, in 1969. Don and Mabel had two children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. From the moment his daughter was born, Don adored all of the children in his life. He was incredibly proud of each one and always ready to brag about their accomplishments, taking immense joy in their successes and milestones.

Throughout his life, Don pursued a variety of careers before establishing his business, Miller Custom Counter Tops. He had a passion for working with his hands, and his dedication to quality craftsmanship and precision was evident in every project he completed.

In addition to his work, Don had a deep love for hunting and fishing, activities he passed down to his children, creating lasting memories in the great outdoors. He was also incredibly proud of his sobriety and found great joy in helping others maintain their own sobriety, offering support and encouragement to those in need.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Debbie Miranda, grandson Cainen Sengsourivong, and many other beloved family members. He is survived by his wife, Mabel; son Donald “Bubba” Miller Jr. (Jackie); sister Sharel Cuccia (Larry); granddaughters Cortney Miranda (Sadie) and Bailey Miller; grandsons Ronnie Miranda (Autumn), Damion Miller (Iessa), and Kole Sengsourivong; great-grandchildren Mia, Maddie, Colton, and Skylar; and numerous extended family members.

Don's memory will live on through the love of his family and friends, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The family will receive visitors from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Friday January 24, 2025 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 1st Pentecostal Church in Bay City, TX.  Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers will be James Ryman, Galon “Butch” Mills, Jr., Wayne Davis, Robert Davis, Chris Heidrich, and Eric Heidrich.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 


Dorothy Elaine Mondrik

September 15, 1947 - December 5, 2024

Dorothy Elaine Wendel Mondrik, 77, of Palacios, Texas, went to be with the Lord on, Thursday, December 5, 2024.  She was born in El Campo on September 15, 1947, to the late Gilbert and Evelyn Popp Wendel.  On October 08, 1972, Dorothy married Edward Mondrik.  They were best friends for 52 years.  Together they raised two sons.  Dorothy kept busy raising their sons and canning vegetables from their garden.  From the first time she met Ed at a dance at Taiton Hall until the last few years, they loved spending time on the dance floor.  She loved playing cards and dominoes and working on word-find puzzles.

She is survived by her sons, Donald Mondrik of Wharton and Douglas Mondrik of Belton.  Sister, Barbara Immenhauser of Nursery, brothers Gary Wendel and wife Angie of Louise, Glenn Wendel and wife Wilma of Pipe Creek, Gerald Wendel and wife Lisa of El Maton and sister-in-law Leona Mondrik of Blessing.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law Harvey Immenhauser.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Blessing, with a Rosary recited at 1:30.  Funeral Mass begins at 2:00 p.m. with Father Stephen Vacek officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Gary Wendel, Glenn Wendel, Gerald Wendel, Daryl Wendel, Jeffrey Wendel, Kyle Wendel and Michael Mondrik.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Houston Hospice in El Campo.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 


Guadalupe Sanchez Morales

Guadalupe Sanchez Morales was born April 30, 1951 and she passed away at her home in Palacios on December 29, 2024 at the age of 73.

She is survived by daughter Christine Lazaro (Juventino) and America Morales; sisters Linda  Contreras and Lucinda Hernandez; brothers Raymond Samora (Janie), Candalario Bernal and Robert Sanchez; three grand children, numerous great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by parents, husband Gregorio Morales, sons Christopher Lozano and Adrian Morales, and brother Johnny Lopez.

Palacios Beacon, January 14, 2025
 


Phillip Damian Morales

October 30, 1974 – January 25, 2025

With heavy hearts, we remember Phillip Damian Morales, of Richmond, Texas, who passed from this earthly pilgrimage on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the age of 50 years old on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul.

Phillip was born to Roosevelt and Theresa Morales in downtown Houston, Texas on October 30, 1974 at St. Joseph Hospital, the third eldest of eleven children. Phillip graduated from Palacios High School in 1993 and furthered his studies at Texas A&M University, then completed a degree from the Art Institute of Houston.

Phillip met his future bride Alyssa in high school, and he knew he would marry her one day. On June 30, 2007, Phillip joyfully entered into the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony with Alyssa (nee Lopez), the love of his life, and they relished in almost 18 years of unwavering love, fulfilling their dreams and creating a beautiful life together modeled after the Holy Family.

By age five, Phillip’s artistic talents became apparent, and he developed into an artist, singer, musician and athlete during different stages of his life. As an adult, he focused on his God-given artistic abilities for a profession, becoming a 2D/3D artist, Creative Director, President and CEO of his own company Orb Interactive and Co-Founder of Superjump Games. Phillip loved creating video games, drawing religious and personal art for himself and others, writing film scripts with his brother, and helping his children cultivate their artistic abilities inherited from their father.

Phillip was a family man in every sense of the word. He loved working hard to provide for his family and doing things with his children that they loved to do, along with forming them spiritually because he knew time on earth was not our eternal home and desired Heaven for himself and for his family. He loved relaxing by the water in Palacios with his wife and children, watching movies and sports with his family and siblings, always bringing joy and laughter to those around him with his fun, mischievous and irreplaceable sense of humor, and being a source of encouragement, warmth and kindness to everyone he knew and crossed paths with.

Phillip’s loved ones were blessed with a second chance with him after he suffered an aortic dissection in 2015. This experience changed Phillip, and he profoundly deepened his faith and love for God, leading him to consecrate himself to Jesus through Mary, pray the rosary with his family, and foster a great devotion to St. Joseph and St. Maria Goretti, the young Saint who interceded for his physical healing from the dissection. Phillip taught high school religious education for many years at the parishes that he, his wife and children attended, and he also had a special devotion to St. Michael the Archangel, even as a young man.

He is preceded in death by his mother Theresa Ramirez Morales; his grandparents Josephine Ybarra Morales, Ignacio and Ophelia Ramirez, and his nephew Nicolas Gonzales.

Our handsome Phillip was deeply loved by his family, friends, and colleagues and will be missed forever, most especially by his beloved wife, Alyssa, who he treasured with his whole heart and was so proud to call his wife, and by his precious children, Brendan Matthew, Miryn Alexandra, Cade Maximilian, Cruz Xavier, and Cash Kolbé, whom he lovingly committed his life to and will always be with.

He also is held close in the hearts of his father Roosevelt Morales and siblings, Roosevelt Sean, Marie Claudine (Carlos Aguirre), Michael Dominic (Lisa), Mark Vincent (Marta), James Stephen, Joshua Paul (Maria), Elizabeth Anne, Kathryn Alicia (Nick Flores), Timothy Daniel (Leslie), and Joseph Xavier and parent-in-laws Theresa and Anthony Pardo, and in-laws, Lorraine (Andrew) Page, Zachary (Jennifer) Lopez, and Isaac Lopez.

A visitation for Phillip will be held Wednesday, February 5, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. A rosary will occur Wednesday, February 5, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. A funeral service will occur Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Regina Caeli Parish, 8121 Breen Dr, Houston, TX 77064. A graveside service will occur Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Palacios Cemetery, 829 12th St, Palacios, TX 77465. A reception will occur Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at St. Anthony's Catholic Church Hall, 1004 Magnusson Avenue, Palacios, Texas 77465.

Serving as pallbearers are R. Sean Morales, Michael D. Morales, Mark V. Morales, James S. Morales, Joshua P. Morales, Timothy D. Morales, Joseph X. Morales and Brendan M. Morales.

Palacios Beacon, February 19, 2025
 

 

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