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Matagorda County Obituaries
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James E. O’Brien
James E. O’Brien, 70, of Van Vleck died
March 13, 2003 at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
He was born June 9, 1932 in Pittsfield, Mass. in 1950 he moved to
Houston to go to Rice Institute, and became a transplanted Texan.
After graduation, he married fellow Rice grad Fay Flower in 1954. He
then served as a Line Officer on destroyers in the U. S. Navy until
1957; transferred to the U. S. Navel Reserve until he retired as a
Commander, USNR. After his active Naval service, he and his wife
returned to Houston and settled. He worked in the steel pipe
business for the oil fields until he opened his own business,
O’Brien, Inc., which he operated until his retirement. He moved to
Matagorda Co. in 1971, and was a charter member of the Sargent VFW
post #2412.
During his retirement he enjoyed spending time with his family.
Survivors include: wife: Fay Flower O’Brien of Van Vleck; three sons
and daughters-in-law, James Eagen and Guadalupe O’Brien, Jr. of
Sargent, John R. and Stephanie (Greer) O’Brien of Van Vleck, and
Matthew and Devorah O’Brien of Jamestown, N.Y.; two daughters and a
son-in-law, Molly and Garland Ganter of Houston, and Bridget O’Brien
of Houston; brother, John S. O’Brien, Esq. of Pittsfield, Mass.;
sister, Jean Flanagan of Charleston, S.C.; and seven grandchildren.
Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2003, at Taylor Bros.
Funeral Home and the Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Holy
Cross Catholic Church with the Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating.
Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.
Pallbearers will be John K. Landry, Morris E. Greer, Nicholas Kent
O’Brien, James K. Mashburn, Jerry Greer and David Weber.
The Family will receive friends at Taylor Bros. Tuesday evening from
5 p.m. until rosary time.
Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00014B2003MR16
The Bay City Tribune, Sunday, March 16, 2003
Photo courtesy of Velma Greer
Fay June
O'Brien
June 8, 1932 - April 10, 2023
Fay June Flower O’Brien age 90 of Van Vleck, TX passed away on April
10, 2023. She was born on June 8, 1932, in New Orleans, Louisiana to
Robert and Nellie Mae Flower.
As a young child her family moved to Houston, TX. She attended St.
Agnes Academy and graduated in 1950 and Rice University graduating
in 1954. It was at Rice University that she met the love of her life
James Eagen O’Brien. To this union were born three sons and two
daughters. James and Fay moved their family to Sargent, TX in 1972
after spending many weekends at her parent’s fishing camp.
She was fluent in multiple languages and was an avid reader. A book
was never far out of reach. She was an excellent cook and
seamstress. She had a great love for her family, her cats, and
flowers. Family holidays were always spent at her house. Her love
for flowers could be seen in her yard. She also enjoyed spring trips
to see the wildflowers. Fay was a devout Catholic who prayed the
Rosary daily and was always including those in need of prayer into
her daily Rosary.
Fay was preceded in death by her parents; her husband James Eagen
O’Brien, and daughters Bridget O’Brien and Molly Ganter. She leaves
to cherish her memory her son James Eagen O’Brien Jr. and wife
Guadalupe, her son John R. O’Brien and wife Stephanie her son
Matthew O’Brien and wife Deborah, and her son-in-law Garland Ganter.
She is survived by her grandchildren Nicholas O’Brien, Colleen
O’Brien, Blaine Ganter, Lauren Ganter and Connor O’Brien and her
great grandchildren Hunter O’Brien. Isabella O’Brien, King Stewart,
Rory Ganter, William Ganter and Callum O’Brien. She is also survived
by special friends Floradine Bryant and Cheryl Ledwig.
A special thank you to the staff at The Fountains Assisted Living in
Sweeny, TX and the staff at UTMB Angleton, TX.
Visitation will begin at 9:00 am Friday, April 14, 2023, with the
Rosary recited at 9:30 am, at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Funeral
Mass will be at 10:00 am with Fr. Stephen Vacek officiating.
Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. The pallbearers
will be Nicholas O’Brien, Connor O’Brien, Hunter O’Brien, Blaine
Ganter, James Mashburn, and Roger Shalley.
Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
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Burt O'Connell
Burt O'Connell, 74, of Van Vleck died
April 1, 2000 at Memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston. Mr.
O'Connell was born Sept. 20, 1925 on Caney Creek in Matagorda
County, Texas to the late Bouldin and Mildred "Millie" Bickham
O'Connell. He was a charter member of the First United Methodist
Church of Van Vleck where he served as Administrative Council
Chairman and as a member of the Board of Trustees for many years. A
life long resident of Van Vleck, he attended schools at Old Gulf,
Bay City and Van Vleck where he graduated in 1942. Soon after he
joined the U.S. Navy and served through the end of WWII.
Burt married Florine Smith of Sweeny in 1947, and they lived in Van
Vleck and owned and operated a grocery store during the 50's. In
1960 he became a real estate broker and developer. He was active in
politics during these years and became Matagorda County Judge in
1978 and served until his retirement in the mid 90's. He served
several terms as Matagorda Co. Democratic Party Chairman, President
of the Bay City Lions Club, on the Board of Trustees of VVISD, a 54
year member of the American Legion Post No. 11, serving as Commander
from 1965-1970 and a life member of V.F.W. Post No. 2438.
Along with serving the people as County Judge, he was most proud of
his association with Jackson Electric Cooperative of Edna, the South
East Texas Electric Cooperative of Nursery, and the San Miguel
Electric Cooperative of Jourdanton. He was a member of the Jackson
Electric Board of Directors for 39 years, many of which were served
as Chairman.
Survivors include: son, Michael B. O'Connell of Sugarland; sisters,
Dorothy Stafford of Van Vleck and Nancy Bridgewater of Galveston;
brother, Ray O'Connell of Van Vleck; and two grandchildren, Ashley
O'Connell and Michael E. O'Connell, Jr. both of Sugarland.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Florine O'Connell on March 16,
1999.
A Memorial Service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at St. Theresa's
Catholic Church (7th at Main) in Sugar Land with Deacon Don Burns
officiating. The Funeral Service will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, April
6, 2000 at the First United Methodist Church in Van Vleck with the
Rev. Bill Lanigan officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn
Memorial Park Cemetery.
Pallbearers will include: Pat O'Connell, Tommy Bridgewater, Ed
Stafford, Gary Hales, Keith Smith, Michael B. McKinney, Bill
Bickham, Jim Brown and Luther Allen.
The Judge will be missed by all of his friends and relatives
throughout the Gulf Coast area.
Memorials may be made to the Janis Bickham Scholarship Fund c/o
First United Methodist Church, Van Vleck, Texas or the Holy Cross
School Foundation 2200 Avenue F, Suite 107, Bay City, Texas 77414.
Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.
THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Wednesday, April 5, 2000
Nina Florine Smith
O'Connell
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Herbert O’Connell
February 7, 1930 - November 7, 2014
Herbert “Buddy” O’Connell, 84, of Van Vleck, Texas, lost his battle
with cancer on Friday, November 7, 2014.
Buddy was born February 7, 1930, in Bay City, Texas, to the late
Edward and Myra Ethel Bickham O’Connell. He was a 1951 graduate of
Texas A&M University and then served in the Army for 2 years.
Buddy was employed by M. W. Kellogg, where he and his wife traveled
extensively, including China, Russia and Europe. Upon his
retirement, they lived in France for five years, then Venezuela for
two. After returning in 1993, they built their home and settled in
Van Vleck, Texas.
Buddy is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Kenneth
O’Connell.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Wanda; brother, Frank
O’Connell (Henrietta); nieces, Cathy (Larry) Weathers, Teresa
(Bryan) Dodd, Lisa (Patrick) Kirchner; nephews, Joe (Norma)
O’Connell and John (Jodie) O’Connell; and numerous other family
members and friends.
The family received visitors Sunday, November 9 from 5 p.m. to 7
p.m., at the funeral home.
The funeral service was held at 10 a.m., Monday, November 10, 2014,
at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, Texas, with the Rev. Kenny
Carter officiating.
Interment followed at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck, Texas.
Pallbearers were Pat O’Connell, Ed Stafford, David Bridgwater, Paul
Bickham, Joe O’Connell and John O’Connell.
Honorary pallbearers were Eugene Bickham, Billy Bickham, Thomas
Rugeley, Johnnie Bickham, Lane Bickham, Ben Bickham and Wendell
Lawler.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Houston Hospice El
Campo, and especially Marie.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Houston Hospice El
Campo, P.O. Box 1417, El Campo, Texas 77437, or the charity of your
choice.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting
www.taylorbros.net.
Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City,
979-245-4613.
Bay City Tribune,
November 12, 2014
Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
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James E. O'Dazier
SARGENT [Matagorda County, Texas] -
James Edward O'Dazier, 56, of Sargent, died Tuesday, April 8, 2003.
He was born Feb. 23, 1947, in Birmingham, Ala., to the late Fred
James and Ethel Frances Wright O'Dazier. He was a member of the
Baptist church.
Survivors: wife, Cynthia Gail Buxton O'Dazier; daughters, Jennifer
Rebecca O'Dazier of Clute and Erica Lynn O'Dazier of San Antonio;
son, Fred James O'Dazier of Sargent; sisters, Ann Palmer of Elgin,
Yvette O'Dazier and Juanita Ross, both of Lenox, Iowa; brothers,
Wyman Harbin and Ted Harbin, both of Alabama; and four
grandchildren.
Preceded in death by: parents.
Family visitation will be 6-8 p.m. tonight at Taylor Bros. Funeral
Home chapel.
Services will be 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home chapel.
Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck.
Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, 979-245-4613.
The Victoria Advocate, April 10, 2003
Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
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John Henry O’Neal
October 13, 1957 – July 12, 2014
Funeral services for John Henry O’Neal, 56, of Bay
City, Texas, will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, July 19, 2014, at New
Fellowship Tabernacle Church in Bay City.
Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery.
Visitation and guest book register will be held from
2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, July 18, 2014, at Duncan-Roberts Funeral
Home Chapel in Bay City.
He was born in Bay City, Texas, October 13, 1957, to
Ezekiel O’Neal, Sr. and Roxie McBride O’Neal; and passed away July
12, 2014, in Houston, Texas.
Survivors include his wife, Talma Stanford O’Neal of
Bay City; his mother, Roxie McBride O’Neal; five children, Everret
Franklin (Broderick), Rev. John O’Neal, Jr. (Kanica), Perrylon Bell
(Shaneton), Stephen Parsons and JaMarque O’Neal; two sisters, Vader
Jackson and Jerrilyn Capers; one brother, Ezekiel O’Neal, Jr.; one
aunt, Elnora Parks; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives
and many friends.
Condolences may be shared with the family by fax at
979-245-1537 or online at
duncan-roberts@att.net.
Arrangements with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, Bay
City, Texas, 979-245-5197.
Bay City Tribune,
July 16, 20
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Marcelle Anne Odom
September 29, 1924 - July 28, 2015
Marcelle Anne Odom, 90, passed away on Tuesday July 28, 2015.
She
was born September 29, 1924, in Wadsworth, TX, to Fred E. and
Blanche Pentecost Ryman.
Marcelle married the late Robbins P. Odom on October 11, 1945. She
and her husband were very active members of the First Baptist Church
of Bay City. She loved going to church and teaching.
Marcelle is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and
children, Barbara Norton, Robbin Odom and Glenn “Skipper” Odom.
She
is survived by her sister, Marjorie Hough; daughter-in-law, Betty
Odom; granddaughters, Jennifer Willard (Jeff), Charlotte Allgaier
(Michael), and Rebecca Brown (Dustin); grandsons, Chris Norton (Kimmy)
and Daniel Norton (Mary); great-grandchildren, Cody Allgaier, Carrie
Allgaier, Mikaela Norton, Chaz Norton, Hannah Norton, Marcy Norton,
Kaitlyn Brown, Robyn Brown and Tanner Brown.
The
family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers
that were with her through her process, Bambi Cheek, Iris Diaz,
Serena Henderson, Angelique Johnson and Patricia Tippett. Also, to
her wonderful hospice nurses, Marie and Josslyn, thank you.
The
family received visitors beginning at 1 p.m., Friday, July 31, 2015,
at the funeral home.
Services followed visitation, at 3 p.m., at Taylor Bros. Funeral
Home with Dr. Mike Zimmerman officiating.
Interment followed at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City.
Pallbearers were Scott Cheek, Daniel Norton, Chris Norton, Billy
Mann, Bob King and John McMillian.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting
www.taylorbros.net.
Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas,
979-245-4613.
Bay
City Tribune,
August 2, 2015
Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
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Robbins P. Odom
July 1, 1921 - January 14, 2015
Rev. Robbins P. Odom, 93, passed away on Wednesday, January 14,
2015.
He was born on July 1, 1921, in San Angelo, Texas, to the late
Robert and Lydia Yates Odom.
Robbins was a retired educator, after 45 years of teaching, and as a
Principal in Edna and Bay City. He proudly served his country during
WWII, in the Army, and served as a minister at the First Baptist
Church in Wadsworth for 20 years. After his retirement from
preaching, Robbins and his wife Marcelle, became very active members
of the First Baptist Church in Bay City. He was always ready to help
anyone in need.
Robbins is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marcelle Ryman Odom;
daughter-in-law, Betty Odom; grandchildren, Jennifer Willard (Jeff),
Chris Norton (Kimmy), Charlotte Allgaier (Michael), Daniel Norton
(Mary), and Rebecca Brown (Dustin); great-grandchildren, Cody
Allgaier, Carrie Allgaier, Mikaela Norton, Chaz Norton, Hannah
Norton, Marcie Willard, Kaitlyn Brown, and Robyn Brown; and his K-9
family member, Niko.
Robbins is preceded in death by his parents; and children, Barbara
Norton, Glenn Odom and Robbin Odom.
The family will receive visitors 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, January
18, 2015, at the funeral home.
Services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, January 19, 2015, at Taylor
Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas, with Dr. Mike Zimmerman
officiating.
Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers are Cody Allgaier, Dustin Brown, Jeff
Williard, Chris Norton, Daniel Norton, Greg Huddleston and Scott
Cheek.
The family would like to thank his caregivers, Bambi Cheek, Iris
Diaz, Serena Henderson, Angelique Johnson and Patricia Tippett.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting
www.taylorbros.net.
Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Bay City, Texas.
979-245-4613.
Bay City Tribune,
January 18, 2015
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Carl Raymond Ogletree, Jr.
(December 17, 1929 - September 8, 2015)
Carl Raymond
Ogletree, Jr., 85, passed away September 8, 2015. He was born
December 17, 1929 in Electra, Texas to the late Carl Raymond
Ogletree, Sr. and Eva Belle Simpson Ogletree.
Survivors include
his wife Elaine LaVon Ogletree; sons Carl R. Ogletree III & wife
Sharon of Fredericksburg, TX, Robert Ogletree & wife Anna of Bay
City and Guy Neal Ogletree of Bay City; grandchildren Tina O. Guy &
husband Aaron, Carl R. Ogletree IV (Buddy) & wife Lynette, Michael
Ogletree & wife Katie, Amanda Ogletree, Ashley Ogletree, Robert
Wayne Ogletree & wife Yessica, Seth Ogletree and Danielle Ogletree
and 6 great grandchildren.
No services are
scheduled however his family will receive friends and relatives from
5 PM until 7 PM Friday at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.
www.taylorbros.net
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Amando Olivarez
Amando Olivarez, 85, of 1606 Ave. L,
died Tuesday night at Matagorda General Hospital. He is survived by
numerous nieces and nephews. Rosary will be said at 7:00 PM
Wednesday at Bay City Funeral Home Chapel. Mass will be held at 6:00
PM Thursday at Holy Cross Catholic Church, the Rev. Joe Vrana
officiating. Burial will be in Cedarvale Cemetery under the
direction of Bay City Funeral Home.
The Daily Tribune, September 11,
1968
Courtesy of Susie Adkins
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MARGIE ONDREAS
21 July 1930 – 19 October 2014
VAN VLECK - Margie Ondreas, 84, of Van Vleck passed away October 19,
2014. She was born July 21, 1930 in Cameron, TX to the late Charlie
and Vlasta Hrachovy. Margie enjoyed gardening, was an expert cook
and loved to make kolaches. She babysat numerous children, helped
out at her church, and loved her family.
She is survived by her husband, John Ondreas, Jr.; sons, Robert and
Judy Ondreas, Kenneth and Sandra Ondreas; sisters, Vlasta Vitek,
Bernice Ondreas; brothers, Rudy, Willie and Frank Hrachovy;
grandchildren, Benjamin and Vanessa Ondreas, Elizabeth and Cade
Schalla, Matthew and Brittney Ondreas, Jacob Ondreas and Emily
Ondreas and great-grandchildren, Paige, Maise and Remi Ondreas,
Hattie, Avery and Logan Schalla and Jaxon and Max Ondreas.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Charlie
Hrachovy.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 21, 2014 from 5-7 p.m. at
Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be
Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at 10 a.m. at the Funeral Home Chapel
with Pastor Jared Stillions officiating. Burial will follow in Six
Mile Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Benjamin Ondreas, Matthew Ondreas, Jacob Ondreas,
Cade Schalla, Andrew Ondreas and Jason Stewart.
Honorary Pallbearers will be all of her great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Peter's
Lutheran Church, 3000 9th St., Bay City, TX 77414. Words of comfort
may be shared with the family at
www.richardsoncolonial.com.
Published in the Victoria Advocate on 20 October 2014
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Beatriz Oros
(December 5, 1915 - February 27, 2015)
Beatriz Oros, 99,
of Bay City passed away February 27, 2015. She was born December 5,
1915 in San Benito, TX. She devoted her life to her family.
Her husband,
Santiago Oros, Sr., children Santiago Oros, Jr. and Modesto Oros and
grandchildren Kathy Marroquin and Jimmy Oros all preceded her in
death. Survivors include daughters Beatriz Flores, Alice Marroquin &
Gloria Cadriel; sons Gustova Oros, Tony Oros, Robert Oros, Armando
Oros, Eleno Oros and Reynaldo Oros; 18 grandchildren and 19 great
grandchildren.
A rosary will be
recited at 5:30 PM Sunday, March 1, 2015 at Taylor Bros. Funeral
Home. Funeral mass will be 10:00 AM Monday, March 2, 2015 at Our
Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Msgr. Gerry Cernoch
officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Her sons
will serve as pallbearers.
www.taylorbros.net
Photos courtesy of Betty Crosby
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Santiago G.
Oros, Jr.
May 19, 1942 – July 3, 2014
Santiago G. Oros, Jr., 72, of Bay City, Texas, passed
away July 3, 2014, in Huntsville, Texas.
Santiago was born May 19, 1942 in San Benito, Texas,
to parents, Santiago Sr. and Beatriz Guiterres Oros.
He was preceded in death by his father; a son. Jimmy
Oros; and a brother, Modesto Oros.
He is survived by his mother, Beatriz Oros of Bay
City; wife, Gloria P. Oros of Bay City; daughter and son-in-law,
Carmen and Conrad Medina of Bay City; step-son and wife, Santiago
and Denise Hernandez of Plainfield, Illinois; sisters, Beatrice
Flores, Gloria Cadriel, and Alice Marroquin; and brothers, Gustalvo,
Tony Robert, Armando, Rey and Eleno Oros. He is also survived by his
grandchildren, Branden, Mark, and Maria Faith Medina and Isabella,
and Ryan Hernandez.
Visitation was held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., with a
rosary at 6 p.m., Friday, July 11, 2014, at the funeral home.
Mass was held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 12, 2014, at
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Bay City, Texas, with Msgr.
Gerry Cernoch officiating.
Interment followed at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City.
Pallbearers were Gustalvo, Tony, Robert, Armando and
Eleno Oros, and Joe Cadriel.
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,
July 13, 2014
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Franky DeWayne Ray Orr
March 6, 1965 - April 13, 2015
Franky Dewayne Ray Orr, 50, of Van Vleck, Texas, passed away April
13, 2015.
He
was born March 6, 1965 in Bay City, Texas, to Hubert DeWayne and
Nova Jean Uherek Orr. He had been a temporary resident of Bay Villa
Nursing Home.
He
was preceded in death by his father, Hubert Orr; and grandfathers,
Wayne Orr and Adolph F. Uherek.
Survivors include his mother, Nova Jean Orr; brothers, David Orr and
Chris Orr; grandmother, Rose Mary Uherek, step-grandmother, Ruby
Orr; and their family and friends.
A
memorial service was held at First Baptist Church in Van Vleck,
Texas.
Bay City Tribune,
April 29, 2015
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Hubert Dewayne Orr
October 21, 1937 - September 29 2014
Hubert Dewayne (Peewee) Orr, born October 21, 1937, passed away
September 29 2014.
He served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was a long term resident
of Van Vleck, TX . Dewayne captained tug boats for Parker
Bro./Matagorda Shell for many years. Dewayne retired from Zachary/US
Contractors.
Dewayne is survived by his wife, Nova Jean Orr, of 50 years; three
sons and their families, David Orr and wife Sandra of Cedar Lane,
Franky Orr of Van Vleck, Chris Orr, and Amy, also of Van Vleck;
sister, Patsy Wright and husband James of New Braunsfels; brother,
Tommy Orr and wife Betty of Oregon; step-mother, Ruby Orr of
Blessing; and sister, Shirley Jean Cachia, also of Blessing. Dewayne
has six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces
and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father, Wayne Orr of Matagorda;
mother, Hattie Orr of Matagorda; and a brother, Phillip Orr of Bay
City.
Services are planned for 2 p.m. Friday, October 3, 2014, at Taylor
Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City.
Bay City Tribune,
October 1, 2014
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Gary Orsak
(August 31, 1948 - August 11, 2015)
Gary Forest
Orsak, 66, of Bay City passed away August 11, 2015. He was born
August 31, 1948 in Bay City, TX to Archie Orsak and Marilyn Dreher
Orsak.
He was preceded
in death by his father, Archie Orsak and son-in-law, Jeff Nance.
Survivors include his wife Sharon Orsak of Bay City; mother Marilyn
Orsak of Rockdale, TX; daughters Karrie Orsak of Long Beach,
Mississippi and Kristi Stav & husband Travis of Missoula, Montana;
sister Carol Orsak Hubenak of Katy; brother David Orsak of Rockdale
and grandchildren Colter, Ryder and Kimber Stav.
Gary married the
love of his life, Sharon Sue Byrd, on August 30, 1969. They started
their family in Bay City, with the birth of their two daughters,
Karrie and Kristi. He proudly graduated from Texas A&M University in
1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Entymology and went on to own his
own pest control business for 25 years. Later, he went to work for
KBR/Haliburton, where he spent time overseas. His missions included
time in Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo, Africa, and Afghanistan, where he was
head of Vector Control on United States military bases. He finally
ended his career in Iraq. Two years ago, Gary retired to spend time
with his best friend, Sharon. Although he did not get to enjoy his
hobbies, hunting and fishing among his passions, he was a man of
integrity and honesty who loved his family with all of his heart,
whose strong work ethic enabled him to provide a wonderful life for
them. He is remembered as a man with an unmatched sense of humor who
gave his friends and family many cherished memories to look back on.
The family will
receive friends and relatives from 5PM until 7PM Friday at the
funeral home. Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Saturday, August 15,
2015 at the First United Methodist Church with Dr. Russ Munch
officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Bill Bona, Gary Johnson, Justin Piwonka, Nathan
Orsak, Kevin Pope and Jim Constantin.
In lieu of
flowers, memorials in his name may be made to Matagorda County A&M
Club Scholarships; c/o Alisha Cornett '09; 2186 FM 3156; Bay City,
TX 77414.
Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
Sharon Sue Orsak
October 29, 1948 - March 8, 2025
Sharon Sue Orsak, aged 76, passed away peacefully
on March 8, 2025, after a very long and courageous battle with
Alzheimer’s Disease.
Born on October 29, 1948 in Bay City, Texas, to the late J.T.
“Bubba” Byrd and Katynel Byrd (Bond), Sharon spent most of her life
in Bay City and led it quietly and very simply.
She loved her family and gardening.
Sharon was a very private person, yet her kind and sweet soul left a
lasting impression on all she encountered.
Sharon was very quiet and reserved, but once one got to know her,
one got to experience what a good human being she was.
Sharon married the love of her life, Gary, on August 30,1969 and had
two daughters, Karrie and Kristi.
Sharon raised and nurtured her girls while helping Gary run several
businesses over the years.
Sharon was an exceptional bookkeeper and very good with numbers.
She finished her bookkeeping career after working several years for
Lacy Lowry, local accountant.
Her love for plants and landscaping occupied most of her time and
her talents were showcased everywhere in and around her house.
After losing her sweetheart of 48 years, in 2015, Sharon resided in
Montana with her daughter Kristi and grandchildren Colter (18),
Ryder (16), and Kimber (13).
She got to spend much needed time with her pride and joys.
Sharon left a lasting impression on all of her caretakers who
affectionately called her Sweet Ms. Sharon.
They all loved her and her southern drawl so much.
Sharon is survived by her daughters, Kristi and Karrie; her
grandchildren Colter, Ryder, and Kimber; sister Nancy Sliva (Joey);
brother, John Byrd (Stella)
Sharon was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gary Forest
Orsak; parents J.T. “Bubba” and Katynel Byrd; sister, Jean Ann
Piwonka; and son in law, Jeffery A Nance.
Sharon will be laid to rest and a celebration of her life will be
held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for a donation to be made to
Alzheimer’s Association, Alz.org.
Bay City Sentinel, March, 13, 2025
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James Lee Orton
October 22, 1970 – September 28, 2014
James Lee “Jimmy” Orton, 43, of West Columbia, Texas, went to be
with the Lord, and reunite with his Dad, in Houston, Texas, on
September 28, 2014.
He was born October 22, 1970, to William Jolly Orton Sr. and Jo Ann
Hunt Fondon.
His favorite saying was “It is what is” and he was a die-hard Dallas
Cowboy Fan.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2014, at
Forest Park East Funeral Home in Webster, Texas, at 10 a.m., with
James Mitchell officiating.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2014, from 6 p.m.
until 8 p.m., at Baker Funeral Home in West Columbia, Texas.
Pallbearers will be Marty Boone, Steve Franklin, Johnny Siler, Kevin
Meismer, Rusty McMillan, Shan Hodges, Colby Bruce, Chuck Lamb and
Trent Roundtree.
Honorary pallbearers are the 50/50 boys.
Left to cherish his memory are his son, Colby Orton of Richwood;
mother, Jo Ann Fondon of East Columbia; brothers, William J. Orton
Jr and Claud Perry Fondon III and wife Marilyn; sister, Jeannine
Veselka and husband Dr. James Veselka of Angleton; grandmother, Fern
Gayle Jones of Houston; nieces, Ashley Moffett and Joe Linnett, and
Amanda Lively and husband Brandon; and numerous great-nieces and
great-nephews.
He is preceded in death by grandfathers, Robert A. Orton and J.W.
Jones; father, William J. Orton; and brother-in-law, David Moffett.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to his son, Colby in
account number 6079149, at Texas Gulf Bank .
Arrangements are by Baker Funeral Home, 634 S. Columbia Drive, West
Columbia Texas.
Online condolences may be made by signing the guest book at
www.bakerfuneralhome.net
Bay City Tribune,
October 1, 2014
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Matthias John Ottis Jr.
July 3, 1928 - October 4, 2014
Matthias John Ottis Jr., 86, of Bay City, Texas, passed away October
4, 2014.
He was born July 3, 1928, in Van Vleck, Texas, to the late Matthias
John Ottis and Rosina Antoinette Imhauser Ottis.
Matthias, known to everyone as ‘Matt’, graduated from Bay City High
School in 1945. He was voted most likely to become a rice farmer of
world renown. He worked the rice fields, until signing up to proudly
defend his country in the U.S. Army, during the Korean Conflict from
November 16, 1950 to September 30, 1952, when he was honorably
discharged as a CPL in Fort Richardson, Alaska, after serving at
Camp Carson in Colorado.
When he returned home, he used his knowledge to run and repair heavy
equipment as a contractor, an auto mechanic at Vollmering Motor
Shop, and began working at Phillips Petroleum on November 5, 1952.
He worked in Pasadena, Kansas City, and Venezuela, and eventually
retired from the Sweeny plant as a Shift Supervisor, on October 1,
1985.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandson, Christopher
Matthias Harton.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Clarice Maerz Ottis;
brother, Harold (Margaret) Ottis; daughters, Yvonne (Sam) Evans,
Mary Ottis, Sharon (Gary) Harton, and Melinda Ottis; eight
grandchildren, Kimberly (Brendan) Smith, Katy (Walt) Wendler, Erica,
Ashley and Jacob Harton, Kacie and Kari Rosser, and Ryan Denby; one
great-grandson, Landon McMillan; as well as numerous cousins, nieces
and nephews; brother-in-law, Willis Vickery; sisters-in-law,
Genevieve Maerz and Eleanor Maerz; and countless friends.
His hobbies included hunting, fishing, whittling, puttering in his
shop, reading the comics, and family campouts. He could fix anything
and enjoyed sharing his knowledge. His family was his world. Nothing
pleased him more than surprise visits from his beloved
grandchildren. He fervently supported his girls through 4-H, FHA,
MCFLA, and FFA. Matt was named FFA Father of the Year in 1984. He
was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bay City and a charter
member of the Bay City Knights of Columbus #3070. He was named
Knight of the Year in 1997. He served as the Financial Secretary for
19 years. As a member of the St. Mary Star of the Sea Fourth Degree
Knights of Columbus, he participated in leading many Rice Festival
parades.
The family received friends and relatives from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.,
Monday at the funeral home, with a rosary recited at 7 p.m.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 7, 2014, at
Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father Greg Korenek officiating.
Interment, with Military Honors by the VFW Post 2438, will follow in
Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery, near Van Vleck, Texas.
Pallbearers were Harold Ottis Jr., Frank Ottis, Paul Ottis, Michael
Maerz, David Rosser, Dwayne Dibbern, and Cole Diettrich.
Honorary pallbearers were J. N. McDonald, Bill Bennett, Hadden
Diettrich Jr., as well as the Knights of Columbus Council #3070 and
the St. Mary Star of the Sea 4th Degree Knights.
The family would like to give special thanks to Wilada Green, Andrei
Jones and Carrie Mills for improving Matt’s quality of life and to
Larry Browning for being his taxi driver after he could no longer
drive.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Holy Cross School
Library or the K of C #3070 scholarship fund. Matt took a great
pride in education and expected his daughters to go to college.
They, along with all of the grandchildren, fulfilled his dreams.
Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting
www.taylorbros.net.
Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, (979) 245-4613.
Bay City Tribune,
October 8, 2014
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Mr.
Edward
Smith
Owens,
87,
grocer in
Bay City
for many
years,
died
Tuesday
in
Alvin.
Mr.
Owens
had
operated
his
small
business
here for
years,
and up
until a
few
years
ago
until he
retired.
He is
survived
by his
wife,
Mrs.
Clara Owens,
three
daughters,
Mrs. J.
D. Tom,
Wharton;
Mrs. J.
N. Rice,
Markham;
Mrs. Ted
A.
Rother
Sr.,
Alvin.
Also
surviving
are one
daughter-in-law,
Mrs. E.
R. Owens
of
Houston,
15
grand-children
and 21
great
grandchildren.
Services
will be
Thursday
morning
at 10
from
Taylor
Bros.
Funeral
Home
with
Rev. N.
O.
Fincher
officiating.
Burial
will be
in
Cedarvale.
The
Daily
Tribune,
July 18,
1956
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