Matagorda County Obituaries
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Manuel Padia
(December 27, 1920 - June 22, 2005)

Manuel Padia, 84, of Wharton, TX died June 22, 2005 at the Gulf Coast Medical Center in Wharton, TX. He was born December 27, 1920 in Hungerford, TX to the late Pedro and Josephine Gonzales Padia. He was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Wharton, and a lifelong resident of Wharton.

Survivors include: 2 sons and a daughter-in-law: Roy & Elva Padia of San Antonio, TX, and Manuel Padia, Jr. of Wharton; sister: Susie Valdez of Pasadena, TX; brothers: Tom Padia of Wharton, TX, Ramon Padia of Galveston, TX, and Pete Padia of Rosenberg; 6 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife: Sofia Padia; daughter: Mary Ann Pena; sisters: Janie Quintana and Mary Cisneros; brothers: Joe and Larry Padia; and 2 grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be held 10:00 AM Friday, June 24, 2005, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Raymond Jackson officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City. Arrangements: Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX (979) 245–4613.

www.taylorbros.net                           Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham


 


Nita Jean Page
(November 26, 1931 - February 3, 2007)

Nita Jean Page, 75 of Palacios, passed away Saturday, February 3, 2007 in Victoria, TX. She was born November 26, 1931 in Del Rio, TX to William & Anita Koeler Herzing. She was a resident of Palacios since 1983.

She is survived by her husband: Hugh M. Page of Palacios. She was preceded in death by a daughter: Rhonda Annette Page; a son: Alan Earl Page; her parents: William and Anita Herzing; and by a sister: Alice Ann Sankey.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, February 8, 2007 at the First Presbyterian Church of Palacios with the Revs. Andy Blair and Janell Blair officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial be made to Friends of Elder Citizens, Inc. at 705 Commerce St., Palacios, TX 77465

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

Arrangements with Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, TX (361) 972-2012.

www.taylorbros.net
 


JESSIE VERNON PARENT

Graveside services for Jessie Vernon Parent, 74, of Kiowa, OK, were held Jan. 16, 2010 at Pine Top Cemetery in Pittsburg, OK with Rev. Lowman Parent and Rev. James Crowson officiating. Military honors provided by the Fort Sill Honor Guard.

Mr. Parent was born June 2, 1935 in Pittsburg, OK to the late Glee and Lola Belle Parker Parent. He passed away Jan. 12, 2010.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He worked as an Aeronautic Engineer for Aerojet Aerospace in California and was later a heavy equipment mechanic.

He married Pasty Hardung, who had been a resident of Palacios, TX for 18 years, in 1975. They enjoyed fishing at Palacios area bays.

He is survived by his wife, Patsy; sons and daughters-in-law Spring and Jessie Vernon Parent Jr. of LaPorte, TX., Marilyn and David Allen Parent of Logansport, LA., Shelley and William Glee Parent of Seattle, WA., and Gary Lynn Parent of Logansport; daughter and son-in-law DeVaLaRee and Randy Renshaw of Joaquin, TX; sister Ina Marie Dahlquist and husband Bill of Hemet, CA; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; Uncle Clifton ‘Fuzzy’, Uncle Joe; numerous nieces and nephews; and Bruno the family dog.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Anna Lee Vaughn; brother, Johnny Parent; and nephew Dennis Vaughn.

Pallbearers were William Parent, Jessie Vernon Parent Jr., David Parent, Gary Parent, George Johnston and Alfred Nalley. Honorary pallbearers were Allan Crawley, Mark Crawley, Don Hernandez, Leon O’Dell, James Weaver, Donald Parent, Jimmy Neal and Bear Gilliam.

The Palacios Beacon, Wednesday, February 10, 2010
 


GLENITH MARIE LEGG PARKER

Funeral services for Mrs. Glenith Parker, 79, of Wharton, Tx. were held Aug. 11, 2010 at the Peace Tabernacle Church in Wharton with Brother Fisher officiating. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery in Palacios, Tx.

Mrs. Parker was born on Jan. 19, 1931 in Palacios to the late Early Legg and Lel Evans Legg. She passed away Aug. 7, 2010 in Waco following an extended illness.

Glenith lived in Palacios her entire life until she moved to Wharton in 2004. She married Almon Billy Parker on Oct. 15, 1949 in Palacios and he preceded her in death on June 11, 1989. Glenith was a housewife who enjoyed reading books, working crossword puzzles and word searches, buying merchandise from catalogs, and loved to read her Bible multiple times a day. She was a member of the Peace Tabernacle Church in Wharton.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Alice Burghardt; brothers Rev. Jesse A. Legg, Dan Legg, Ray Legg and Early James Legg; and grandchildren Keith Allen Parker and Stephen Bradley Parker.

She is survived by daughters Mary Alice Parker Luna and husband George, and Shirley Jean Barbee all of Waco; sons Billy Wayne Parker and wife De’Andrea of Carrollton and Johnie Almon Parker and wife Linda of Wharton; 9 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and numerous relatives and friends.

Pallbearers were Andrew Parker, Jonathan Parker, Covey Barbee, Ryan Luna, Chais Castro and Christian Vargas.

Memorials may be sent to Peace Tabernacle Church, PO Box 948, Wharton, Texas 77488.

Arrangements are with Wharton Funeral Home, (979) 532-3410.

The Palacios Beacon, August 18, 2010
 


MARESA TONE PARKS

Mrs. Maresa Tone Parks, 69.

I’ve fought a real good fight,
Between me and God, it’s alright.
I don’t want you to be sad,
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad.

Viewing hours for Mrs. Parks are Friday, September 21, 2001, 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. and final Christian rites will be Saturday, September 22, 2001 at St. Marks Missionary Baptist Church in Cedar Lane, Texas.

Always in our hearts, your daughter, Lillian White and a son she reared, Joseph Porter.

Also two grandchildren, Tamara White and Eric White; one great granddaughter, Kailyn, all of Houston; and a host of cousins and friends.

Arrangements are with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home. A00011A2001SP21

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Friday, September 21, 2001
 


Rose Etta Holmes Putnam Day Parks

EDNA - Rose Etta Holmes Putnam Day Parks, 79, of Edna passed away Friday, May 28, 2010. She was born April 8, 1931, in Buckeye, to the late Etta Mae Wood and Lewis Holmes.

Rose Etta was a member of the First Baptist Church of Edna and the El Campo Chapter #535 Order of Eastern Star and a homemaker. She was devoted to her family and loved spending time with them. She had an outgoing personality, who never met a stranger. She will be dearly missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her husband, L.A. Parks Jr.; her daughters, Gloria Maxwell, Charlotte McClain and husband Gary, and Debbie Lopez and husband Mike of Edna, and Sherrie Bennett and husband Try of Elgin; her son, Thomas Lee Putnam and wife Lori of Edna; her grandchildren, Aaron (Kelly) Maxwell, Stacy (Jeff) Mitchell, Jessica (Bobby) Doelitsch, Jamye (Casey) Muegge, Ty Putnam, Lane Putnam, and Kelsey Lopez of Edna, Scott (Dee) Maxwell of Tulsa, Okla., Brad Ericson, Greg Bennett, and Chris Bennett of Austin, and Kyle (Laurie) Hunt of Pearland; her great-grandchildren, Madison Kucera, Haley Mitchell, Tori Maxwell, Meghan Kucera, Lexi Mitchell, Hagan Muegge, Emma Hunt, Nathaniel Maxwell, Cade Muegge, Delaney Doelitsch, Lauren Maxwell, Sophie Hunt, Jenna Hunt, Kinley Maxwell, Alec, Cameron and Kevin Bennett; her brother, Gene Bias of Conroe; and stepchildren, Larry Parks, Linda Budd and Kevin Parks.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Tilly Thomas Putnam Jr., the father of her five children, and William W. "Bill" Day IV; and sons-in-law, H.S. "Sandy" Maxwell and James E. Carroll.

The family will receive friends and relatives for visitation from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, May 30, 2010, at Oaklawn Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, May 31, 2010, at the First Baptist Church of Edna with the Rev. Danny Reeves officiating. Graveside services will follow at Memory Gardens in Edna.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons and granddaughters.

Honorary pallbearers will be her grandsons-in-law and granddaughters-in-law.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks and heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at the Jackson Healthcare Center for their special care of our loved one, Rose Etta, during the past weeks.

Memorial may be made to M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, Texas 77030.

Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna, 361-782-2221.

Published in Victoria Advocate on May 30, 2010
 


Theresa Nemec Parks

MARKHAM—Theresa Nemec Parks, 26, of Markham died Friday in a Galveston hospital following a long illness.

She was born Dec. 7, 1963 in Liberal, Kans., daughter of Joe and Neomi Nemec of Midfield. A 1983 graduate of Tidehaven High School, she was a Catholic.

A rosary will be recited at 7 p. m. Sunday at the Bay City Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral services 2 p. m. Monday at St. Peters Catholic Church in Blessing with the Rev. Peter Higgins officiating.

Burial will follow in the Hawley Cemetery with the Rev. Howard Harper officiating. Arrangements under the direction of Bay City Funeral Home.

Surviving, in addition to her parents, are her husband, William Parks, Jr. of Markham; a son, Preston Allen Parks of Markham; a daughter, Tiffany Elaine Parks of Markham; eight brothers, Joe Nemec of Corpus Christi, Tony, Mike, Danny and Timmy Nemec, all of El Campo, Jeff Nemec of Markham, Jimmy Nemec of Saudi Arabia, and Christopher Nemec of Clemville; three sisters, Kathy Cornejo of Edna, Cheri Crecelius of Corpus Christi, and Lori Sloop of Lafayette, La.

In lieu of usual remembrances, the family request donations be made to a trust fund for Mrs. Parks’ children at the First National Bank of El Campo.

Newspaper unknown
 


Violet Hope Davis Parks

Funeral services for Violet Hope Davis Parks, 40, of Sargent will be held 2 p. m. Wednesday at Matthews Street Church of Christ with Doug Raymer officiating. Burial to follow at Hawley Cemetery, Blessing.

Mrs. Parks was born March 26, 1949, in Crockett, Texas, to Weaver George and Elsie Mae Mericle Davis and died Dec. 10, 1989, at John Sealy Hospital, Galveston.

She served vice president of Pecan Shadows Civic Club and was a member of the Church of Christ.

Survivors include her husband, Thurman D. Parks of Bay City; mother, Dee Cowger of Clemville; a brother, Doug Davis of Clemville; four sisters, Vanessa Green of Odem, Deedy Huffman, Janie Watkins and Paulina Shuttlesworth, all of Clemville; nine nieces and seven nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Weaver George Davis.

Pallbearers include Tony Parks, William Parks, Truman Bowles, Mike Waits, Greg Bridges and Stephen Carson.

Funeral services are under the direction of Dick R. Elkins, Bay City Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, Dec, 1989          Marker photo courtesy of Pam Davis


 


Marcus "Mark" Parten
(September 11, 1953 - August 19, 2010)
 

Marcus “Mark” Parten, 56, went to be with his Lord Thursday, August 19, 2010. Mark was born September 11, 1953 in Bay City, Texas to Robert S. and Edith Edmonds Parten. Mark was a happy child, giving much love to his family. Mark is now experiencing through the hope we have in Christ an eternal life in heaven of no pain or suffering, walking the streets of gold asking God many questions. Mark is survived by a family who loved him dearly, his father, Robert S. Parten of Carthage, Texas; his mother Edith Hannah of Sweeny, Texas; his sisters, Karen Harmon of Fort Pierce, Florida, and Sharon Perry of Apache Junction, Arizona, numerous other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his Maternal grandparents, Marcus E. and V. Ruth Edmonds; and his Paternal grandparents, Ray and Beatrice Parten; by his brother, Steve Parten and his nephew, Michael Lockerby. A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 23, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. at the Sweeny Cemetery in Sweeny, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donationa may be made to Brenham State School, 4001 Hwy. 36 South, Brenham, Texas 77833-9611.

www.taylorbros.net
 


EMMA PATTERSON
 

BAY CITY - Funeral services for Emma Patterson, 93, of Bay City, will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 7, 2007, at Mother Zion Baptist Church in Bay City, with the Rev. Murray Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery.

Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Friday at Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home in Bay City.

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

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 4/5/2007
 


IRA JAMES PATTERSON

WEST COLUMBIA - Ira James Patterson was born on Feb. 19, 1930, in Wadsworth. After a long battle with cancer, he "graduated" from this life at his home in West Columbia on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008, at the age of 78.

James (or I.J. as he was also known) was preceded in death by his parents, Lula V. Gladys Lowe and Oran Knox Patterson; two brothers, Teman and David Patterson; and granddaughter, Regina Weaver.

He has left behind a loving family that includes his faithful wife of 43 years, Barbara Goodrum Patterson of West Columbia; son, James Vernice Patterson and wife, Kaye, of Lena, Miss.; daughters, Jamie Sumrall of The Woodlands, Tinia Ralph and husband, Tommy, of Port Arthur, Nannette Knight and husband, Tim, of Rose Hill Acres; sisters, Esther Brown and husband, Marvin, of Sweeny, Madelyne Finch and husband, Bobby, of Sweeny, Ruth Green and husband, Burl, of Victoria; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. All of the children and youth of Apostolic Lighthouse were his "pretend" grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his fishing buddies, Charlie Keip, Pat Helton, and Jeff Longino. His computer buddy, Terri Brister, will miss his daily phone calls.

James was a charter member of Apostolic Lighthouse, West Columbia-his church family will miss him more than words can express. Pastor Danny Johnson has lost a true "pastor's friend."

James graduated from International Bible College in San Antonio in 1949. He fought in the Korean conflict in the United States Air Force. In 1986, he retired from Phillips Petroleum in Sweeny. After his retirement, he enjoyed building custom fishing rods and has passed this knowledge on to his friend, Pat Helton.

James was a fun-loving, full-of-life individual who enjoyed pulling pranks and making everyone laugh. He also loved to encourage people to be and do more than they thought they could. He has influenced many people to pursue a life of service to God. His greatest testimony is that throughout his long battle with cancer, he never lost his faith in the God he loved and served.

His grandchildren will proudly be his pallbearers. They include: Michael Breazeale, J.R. Knight, Trent Knight, Aaron Patterson, Hollis Patterson, Jeana Sumrall, and Kevin Sumrall.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the Hospice Care Team members who so lovingly cared for him in his final hours. They are Connie, Andrea, Sharon, Erica, and Chaplain John Price. Thanks also to Marvin Brown, Pat Helton, and many of the men of Apostolic Lighthouse for assisting in his care and transportation to M.D. Anderson.

The family received friends 5-8 p.m.
on Friday at Baker's Funeral Home in West Columbia. Friends may also visit 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at Apostolic Lighthouse, West Columbia, with the final Homegoing Celebration at 2 p.m. Pastor Danny Johnson is officiating this celebration with the assistance of the Rev. Tim Kelley, Jeff Longino, and former pastor of Apostolic Lighthouse, Thelma Means.

Interment will be at Columbia Cemetery in West Columbia.

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 9/6/2008
 


Viola Williams Pattinson

Mrs. Viola Williams Pattinson, 91, of Palacios died at Wagner General Hospital April 4. Survivors include: daughters, Lorena Kelly of Palacios, Margaret Sexton of Palacios; son, Bruce Williams of Colorado Springs, Colorado; sister, Estelle Royal of Houston; 7 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held Sunday, April 5, 1981 at 4 p. m. with Rev. Leon Maxwell officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery. Arrangements with Taylor Brothers.

The Daily Tribune, April, 1981
 


Lucy Watson Patton
December 6, 1921 – April 29, 2010

Lucy Watson Patton, of College Station, passed away on April 29, 2010. Memorial services and a celebration of her life will be at the First Baptist Church of College Station, 2300 Welsh, on Saturday, May 1, at 2 p.m., with visitation to follow.

Lucy was born December 6, 1921, in Bay City, Texas. She graduated from High School in Gregory, Texas, attended Corpus Christi Junior College and graduated from Texas State College for Women in Denton. She worked for Humble Oil and Refinery during World War II, and married William G. Patton on December 26, 1946.

They lived in Houston until 1992, when they moved to College Station after retirement. They were happily married for more than 63 years. Lucy was a volunteer librarian in Baptist churches for more than 60 years, and Willow Meadows Baptist Church in Houston honored her by naming their library the Lucy Patton Memorial Library.

She was preceded in death by her brother, William Watson.

Survivors include her husband, Bill; her two children, Mike and Betty; her grandchildren, Kyle, Lark and Tommy; and one great-granddaughter, Kylie.

Published in the Bryan Eagle April 30, 2010 [used with permission]
 


JULIA LEE PAULSON

SEADRIFT - Julia Lee Paulson at the age of 100 went home to be with her heavenly father on Aug. 26, 2008. She was born June 2, 1908, in Matagorda, to the late Howard and Nancy Dunbar Stapp. After graduating from Palacios High School she entered Mary Hardin Baylor University and then transferred to Sul Ross State with a teaching certificate. While teaching school in Matagorda County she met the love of her life, Clarence Paulson, whom she married in 1935. She was affectionately known to her family and friends as "Ju Ju".

  Ju Ju was never blessed with any children of her own but she had many charges: her nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, or any other child that came to her door. She was a strong Christian woman who loved her family deeply.

She was an excellent seamstress, knitter and crocheter. It was Ju Ju that made all the prom dresses. It was Ju Ju that made sure each new baby in the family had a hand knitted or chrocheted layette. It was Ju Ju that taught us to think positive and that God is the most important person in our lives.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her sister, Louise Sharp; brothers, Howard, William H., and James Stapp.

She is survived by her sister, Ray Beth Girard.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home in Port Lavaca.

Pallbearers will be Robby Sanders, John Stapp, Billy Murphy, Robert Sanders, Josh Waghorne, and Derwin Epley.

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 8/28/2008
 



James Pavelka & Liddie Pavelka - Hawley Cemetery
 

LIDDIE ZEMANEK PAVELKA
 

Graveside services for Liddie Zemanek Pavelka, 92, of Dallas, will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2005, at Hawley Cemetery near Blessing. She requested that all attend a Celebration of Life Reception at the Blessing Hotel immediately following the gravesite services.

Mrs. Pavelka was born Jan. 8, 1913 in Guy, Tex. to Josef and Kristina Huff Zemanek. She died Sept. 10, 2005 at her home in Dallas.

She is survived by her sisters, Martha Johnston, Sidney Bridewell, brother Joe Zemanek and wife Maurine, Victor's wife, Lydia and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James, and brother, Victor Zemanek.

Liddie was a Sokol Gymnast under her father's instruction for 12 years. She graduated Salutatorian from Blessing High School and later from Shamburger Business College in Dallas. Liddie moved to Dallas at the age of 17. She worked for Louis B. Hosek as secretary and continued her gymnastics instruction. In 1933 she began working for General Electric Lamp Department retiring 30 years later as secretary/ assistant to the District Manager. In 1959, James and Liddie founded Prudential Air Conditioning, Inc., which operated for 12 years. James was President and Liddie was Secretary/Treasurer. They retired at the age of 57 and enjoyed retirement for 26 years. Liddie was a member of Dallas Krouzek Circle of Czech Women for 35 years, Ennis Sewing Circle for 30 years, and Professional Secretary Chapter of Dallas for 48 years. Liddie was an avid reader. She loved flowers and animals. She lived as a spirited, independent, and self–sufficient person. She will be greatly missed, but her love, kindness, and generosity to others will be remembered always. She was at peace her last days and was ready to be with the Lord when He called.

She wished to thank everyone for the prayers, cards, phone calls, and visits during her illness. Special thanks to her caregivers: Nieces Linda Waldo and Cathy VandenEykel, brother Joe Zemanek, sister Sidney Bridewell, friend Paul Bilger, and Eunice Denenga. She thanks her special friends Freddy and Connie Schweizer, Elli Garrison, Esther and Bob Cunningham, and Micki Conway for participating in her life. Pallbearers were nephews Victor Joe Zemanek, John Zemanek, Robert Zemanek, Jerry Zemanek, David Bridewell and Jim Snyder. Honorary pallbearers were Rick Waldo, Ike VandenEykel, Ray Snow, Mark Nunley and Ernie Joe Huff.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: SPJST Fraternal Organization, Library, Archives, and Museum P.O. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503.

The Palacios Beacon, September 14, 2005
 


Anthony Emil Pavlik
Sept. 15, 1936 – March 23, 2008


Anthony Emil Pavlik, 71, passed away on March 23, 2008.

Tony was born on September 15, 1936, in Ganado, Texas, to August J. and Marie Zrubek Pavlik.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; and his sister, Mary Ann.

Tony is survived by: his loving wife of forty-six years, Mary Grace Sikorski Pavlik; daughters, Sharon Buckle and her husband Ed, and Catherine Short and her husband Mark; grandchildren, Joseph, Grace, Anne Marie, and Erin Buckle, and Ryan and Zachary Short; brothers, Jaro Pavlik and his wife Sue, and Joe L. Pavlik and his wife Delores; and many other loving relatives and friends.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday, March 27, 2008, Earthman Southwest Chapel, 12555 South Kirkwood, Stafford, Texas, with a Rosary to be recited at 7 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2008, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 115 Seventh St., Sugar Land, Texas, with the Rev. Drew Wood, Celebrant. Rite of Committal will be at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, Houston, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Czech Center Museum of Houston, 4920 San Jacinto, Houston, TX 77004, or to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202, or to the Autism Society of America, 7910 Woodmont Ave., St. 300, Bethesda, MD 20814.


Bay City Tribune, Published March 26, 2008

 


Jaro A. Pavlik
Aug. 20, 1933 - Oct. 15, 2010

Jaro August Pavlik, 77, of Garland, Texas passed away on October 15, 2010 in Plano, Texas.

Jaro was born August 20, 1933 in Richmond, Texas to August J. and Marie Zrubek Pavlik. He married Barbara Sue Brown on February 3, 1957 in Bay City, Texas.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; sister, Mary Ann; and brother Tony.

Jaro is survived by: his wife; daughter, Nena; sons, Gary and wife Karen and Larry and wife Carol; grandchildren, Amanda, Joshua, Toby and Katie; brother, Joe and wife Delores; sister-in-law, Mary Grace Pavlik; brother-in-law, Fred Brown and wife Shirley.

Memorial services were held October 23, 2010 at Woodcreek Church in Richardson, Texas.

-I finally quit smoking.-

Bay City Tribune, Wednesday, October 27, 2010
 


Robert Alan Pavlow
(November 22, 1952 - October 15, 2010)
 

Robert Alan Pavlow, 57, of Bay City passed away on Friday, October 15, 2010 after his battle with cancer. Robert was born November 22, 1952, in San Diego, California.

After graduating in 1971 from W. B. Ray High School in Corpus Christi, TX, he attended Del Mar Junior College. Robert was employed for 24 yrs with South Texas Project as a Senior Radiation Protection Technician.

Robert had many passions in life. He enjoyed traveling with his children and close friends on many scuba diving trips and was always up for new adventures. He was an avid reader and could always be found at the beach on a sunny day. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family and friends. Words cannot express how much he will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Pavlow Jr.; step-mother, Veda Pavlow; mother, Louise Savage Pavlow. Robert will forever be remembered by his devoted daughter and son, Melissa Kay Wong and husband, Donny Wong of League City, TX, Trevor Alan Pavlow of Needville, TX; sister, Mary Fermental of Boise, ID; two brothers, Russ Pavlow and wife, Judy of Chicago, IL, Richard Pavlow of Houston, TX, along with countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know him.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 20 between 6:00 and 8:00 P.M at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. at Taylor Bros with Joe Pointen officiating.

www.taylorbros.net
 


Alice Dixon Pavlu

Feb. 7, 1918 - Dec. 8, 2009

Mrs. Alice Pavlu, age 91 of Wharton passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, in a Bay City Nursing Home following an extended illness.

She was born on February 7, 1918, in Culp, Arkansas the daughter of the late Calvin Dixon and Grace French Dixon.

Mrs. Pavlu has been a resident of Wharton for over 70 years and was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Wharton. She graduated from Eagle Lake High School in 1935. On September 21, 1936, Alice married Wencel John Pavlu in Eagle Lake and he preceded her in death on December 18, 1978. She was a member of the Holy Family Altar Society and served as the Holy Family School President. She was a homemaker, seamstress, loved to fish, garden, grow flowers, and enjoyed playing cards. In addition to her parents and husband, Alice was preceded in death by her son, Jimmie Pavlu, Sr., two sisters and five brothers.

A Rosary was recited Thursday evening, December 10, 2009, at the chapel of the Wharton Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m. Friday, December 11, 2009 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Wharton with the Father Gabriel Espinosa officiating.

Burial followed in the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Wharton.

Survivors include: her granddaughter, Jill Oates and husband Kelly of Austin; grandsons, Jimmie Pavlu, Jr. and wife Gina of Fulshear, Joel Pavlu of Bay City, and Ryan Pavlu of Rosenberg; great grandchildren, Chad Pavlu, Cameron Oates, Connor Oates, and Alana Oates all of Austin.

Pallbearers are Chad Pavlu, Cameron Oates, Connor Oates, Bob Fields, Ben Fields, and Jack Fields.

Honorary pallbearers are Rick Fields and Robert Fields.

If desiring, memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church Building Fund, 2011 Briar Lane, Wharton, TX 77488 or The American Diabetes Association, 2400 Augusta Dr. Suite 175, Houston, TX 77057-4989.

Funeral services were under the direction of the Wharton Funeral Home.

Bay City Tribune, Published December 14, 2009
 


Clarence A. Paxton

Funeral services were held Sunday, May 11, at 3 p. m. at the Palacios Funeral Home Chapel for Clarence A. Paxton, with the Rev. Tom Connolly officiating. Interment was in the Hawley Cemetery. Son of the late Thomas A. and Olive Spring Paxton, he was born March 10, 1908 in Lenexa, Kansas. Founder of Paxton Enterprises and a photographer, he had been a resident of Palacios for 24 years. He died Friday, May 9, after a lingering illness.

He is survived by his wife, Mae Paxton, one daughter, Mrs. Linda St. Peter, both of Palacios; two sisters, Miss Dorothy Paxton of Lenexa, Kans. and Mrs. Mabel Spencer of Kansas City, Kans.; three grandchildren, Shawna, Christopher and Sharla St. Peter, of Palacios.

The Daily Tribune, May, 1975
 


STRANGER DIED AT BUCKEYE

A stranger said to be Ed Payne, a resident of Corpus Christi or some other valley town on his way home from Liberty died in a box car at Buckeye Tuesday.

Judge W. E. McNabb held the inquest and decided the death was the result of natural causes. The remains were turned over to Taylor Brothers of this city.

The unfortunate man was traveling hit or miss with a companion named Carr, who told Judge McNabb that Payne had two sisters living in Corpus Christi and to whom he was going. He also intimated that he and Payne both owned property in Corpus Christi. This, however, was not verified.

The Daily Tribune, September 6, 1933
 


Gerald Vernon Payne
(March 26, 1918 - May 19, 2008)

Gerald “Jerry” Vernon Payne, 90, of Lake Jackson, passed away Monday May, 19, 2008 at Village on the Creek in Clute, TX. He was born March 26, 1918 in Pleasant Township, OH to John Burleigh Payne and Pauline Katherine Leader Payne. He was formerly a resident of Bay City and Alvin, was a member of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Lake Jackson, was a retired Pipefitter and life member with Local Union # 211 of Houston, TX, and was a World War II veteran of the US Army.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Martha Susan Payne of Lake Jackson; by four daughters: Elsie Givens & husband Wayne of Brazoria, TX, Deloris Schaefer & husband Harvey of Alvin, Connie Magford of Hunt, and Kay Wells of Texas City; by a son: Jerry Lee Payne of Lake Jackson & and wife Rebecca of Angleton; by sisters: Doris Boise, Irene Bassett, Donna Rose, Mildred Rose; by twelve grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents: Pauline K. Leader Payne Harden and John Burleigh Payne; and by three sisters: Virginia Harden, Martha Jordon and Geneva Newell.

The family will receive visitors from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX. Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at the Hawley Cemetery, Blessing, TX. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Pickrel, Chris Wisofsky, Harvey Lee Schaefer, Matthew Schaefer, Jerry Lee Payne, Jr. and Joshua David Payne.

Celebration of Life Services for Gerald will be held at 5:30 PM Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at the First Christian Church in Lake Jackson, TX with Rev. Cynthia Meyers officiating.

The family wishes to express gratitude and appreciation for the love and support of family and friends.

A “Special Thanks” to the staff of Village on the Creek, in Clute, TX, who cared for him. Also a “Special Thanks” to the A-Med Community Hospice staff, especially Julie, Eric, Diane, and Teresa.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Memorial Fund of First Christian Church, Lake Jackson, TX.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.taylorbros.net.

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

Obit from Taylor Bros. site.
 


Martha Susan Flint Payne
(October 23, 1924 - August 12, 2009)

On August 12, 2009 our loving mother, Martha Susan Flint Payne, 84, of Lake Jackson, Texas peacefully left this world to be with the Lord. Martha served her community as a Pink Lady volunteer and her beloved church through faithfully membership and active participation in the Christian Women's Fellowship.

She was born October 23, 1924, in Talcott, West Virginia, to Wilbur B. Flint and Elsie M. Richardson. She was formerly a resident of Bay City and Alvin, and was a member of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Lake Jackson, Texas.

She was survived by two daughters, Elsie Givens and husband Wayne of Brazoria, Texas, Deloris Schaefer and husband Harvey of Alvin, Texas; two stepdaughters, Connie Magford of Hunt, Texas and Kay Wells of Texas City; son, Jerry Lee Payne of Brazoria, Texas; two sisters, Hilda Hasley of Blessing, Texas, Ora Mae Lemons of Fredericksburg, Virginia; 12 grandchildren ; and numerous great grandchildren.

Martha was the most magnificent wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend that anyone could have ever wanted in a lifetime.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald V. Payne; parents, Wilbur and Elsie Flint; sister,Velma Meadows; five brothers, Harold, Austin, Woodrow, Ernest, and Mason Flint.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 15, 2009, at the Hawley Cemetery, Blessing, Texas.

Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Wisofsky, Harvey Lee Schaefer, Matthew Schaefer, Jerry Lee Payne, Jr.and Mike Pickrel.

A Celebration of Life service for Martha will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 15, 2009, at the First Christian Church in Lake Jackson, Texas, with the Rev. Cynthia Myers officiating.

The family wishes to express gratitude and appreciation for the love and support of family and friends.

A "special thanks" to the staff of Village on the Creek in Clute, Texas, who cared for her. Also a special thanks to A-Med Community Hospice staff, especially Sandra.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Memorial Fund of the First Christian Church, 503 Oyster Creek, Lake Jackson, Texas.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home web site
 


Johnye McGehee Peabody

Cedavale Cemetery

Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Johnye McGehee Peabody

Graveside services for Johnye McGehee Peabody, 84, of Bay City were scheduled for 2 p. m. today at Cedarvale Cemetery, Bay City, with the Rev. Hugh B. Jones Jr. of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church officiating.

Mrs. Peabody was born May 16, 1904, in Bay City to John Crawford and Maggie Franz McGehee and died Oct. 7, 1988, at Jacinto City Health Care Center, Jacinto City.

She worked as a registered nurse for many years. She was a member of the Episcopal church.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-aw, Nancy and Paul Glover of Houston and Mary and Carl Hooper of Houston; a sister, Theresa McGehee of Bay City; two grandchildren, Theresa McGehee of Bay City; two grandchildren, Frederick Ryberg Jr. and Melanie DeRaadt; and eight great-grandchildren.

Services were under the direction of Dick R. Elkins, Bay City Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, October, 1988
 


Marion Katherine Peabody
 


FRANCIS ‘Frank’ D. PEARCE

Funeral services for Francis Dorton Pearce, 87, of the Deutschburg Community, Jackson County, Texas, were held Jan. 12, 2010 at Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna, Tx. with Rev. Raymond Wiseman officiating. Internment was at Memory Gardens of Edna Cemetery.

Francis, also known as Frank, was born on Sept. 29, 1922 in LaWard, Tx. to the late Ben and Florence Dorton Pearce. He passed away Jan. 8, 2010.

He grew up in Francitas, Tx. and served in the US Army as a sergeant in the 557 Tank Company in World War II. He married his childhood sweetheart, Lillie Mae Pearce on Oct. 26, 1942. Frank went to work in 1946 for the Francitas Gas Company and Neuman Gas where he continued to work for 40 years as a line foreman. He retired from his position with the company in 1985. Frank and Lillie began to travel together and saw many places around the world and enjoyed meeting people.

Frank was an active member of the Point Comfort Church of Christ. He was considered by those he knew to be a well respected, dignified, caring and generous man. He was a deeply adored husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Lillie Mae Green Pearce of Palacios; son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Jean Pearce of Fulton; granddaughter, Erin Pearce Cruzan and husband Kenny; grandson, Matthew Ben Pearce; and great grandchildren, Camryn and Cason Cruzan, all of Rockport.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Harold Ben Pearce and Morgan Pearce; and sister, Mary Pearce Howell.

Pallbearers were Larry Dillard, Matthew Pearce, Kenny Cruzan, Glenn Green, Billy Gene Yendrey and William Earl Gates. Honorary pallbearers were Paul Cooper, Floyd Perry, Ken Griffin, Billy Felts and J. V. Hammon.

Memorials may be made to Sunny Glen Children’s Home, PO Box 1373, San Benito, Texas 78586.

Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna, 361-782-2221.

The Palacios Beacon, Wednesday, January 13, 2010
 


Harold B. Pearce

 

PALACIOS - Harold B. Pearce, 88, of Palacios, died Monday, Nov. 4, 2002. He was born July 1, 1914, to the late Ben Hill Pearce and Florence Dorton. He was a retired diesel mechanic for Helafelds and a member of Palacios Church of Christ. He served during World War II.

 

Survivors: wife, Lilly Pearce; sons, Gerald W. Beaty of Belton and Ronald E. Beaty of Palacios; and brother, Frank Pearce of Palacios.

 

Preceded in death by: parents; and sisters, Mary Howell and Morgan Pearce.

 

Visitation will be 6:30-8 p.m. tonight at Oaklawn Funeral Home chapel.

 

Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home chapel, Mr. Shan Jackson and Nathan Burrow officiating. Burial will be at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing. Oaklawn Funeral Home, Edna, 361-782-2221.

 

The Victoria Advocate, Victoria County, Texas

 


 

 

Lilly Bell Pearce

Lilly Bell Pearce, of Palacios, Texas, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, at the age of 97. She was born in Markham, Texas on February 13, 1920, to the late Rowan Green and Neta Ruth Drake Green.

Lilly was a retired school teacher. She will be greatly missed by her son, daughter-in-law’s, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Lilly is survived by her son, Ronald Beaty and his wife Marilyn; daughter-in-law, Doris Beaty; six grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents Lilly is preceded in death by her husbands, James Beaty, Thurman Dean, and Harold B. Pearce; son, Gerald Beaty; granddaughter, Joy Beaty, sisters, Dorothy Jones and June Bowen; brother, Russell Green.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, from 9 -10 a.m., with a funeral service to begin at 10 a.m., in the Oaklawn Funeral Home Chapel in Edna. Burial to follow in the Hawley Cemetery of Blessing. Mr. Shan Jackson will be officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna. 361-782-2221.

Jackson County Herald-Tribune, January 10, 2018
 


ROBIN ALICE DAVIS PEKAR
 

VICTORIA - Robin Alice Davis Pekar, age 43, passed from this life into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on Monday, Aug. 13, 2007. She was born in Houston on Feb. 6, 1964, to Alice J. Simpson Davis and Robert Taylor Davis.


She is survived by her husband Mark A. Pekar of Victoria; her mother, Alice J. Davis of Cuero; brother Robert T. Davis (Shelley) of Louisiana; sister, Kathleen McCrary (Bill) of Victoria and beloved nieces and nephew, Taylor McCrary, and Autumn, Ashley and Aaron Mayes of Houston; aunt Linda Gilbreath (Daryl) of Victoria; uncle, Michael Simpson (Shirley) of Cuero; uncle, Charles W. LeBlanc; aunt, Marilyn Davis and several cousins.


She was preceded in death by her father, Robert T. Davis; her grandparents; and two aunts.
Robin was loving, caring, generous, and kind. She loved animals, enjoyed reading, sewing, handcrafts, and travel to historical sites.


She was guardian, confidant and "mother-hen" to many.


She was the planner, organizer, historian, and caregiver for her family. We will all miss her greatly.


Family visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, August 16, 2007 at Rosewood Funeral Chapel.


Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 17, 2007, at Baptist Temple Church, with the Rev. J. V. Helms officiating. Graveside services will follow at 4 p.m. at Hawley Cemetery, Blessing.


Rosewood Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. 361-573-4546.


Please sign the guestbook at obits.victoriaadvocate.com.


Published in the Victoria Advocate from 8/15/2007 - 8/17/2007.
 


Abelardo Pena Sr.

 

Alberardo Pena, Sr., 73, of Van Vleck died September 7, 2003 at St. Luke's Hospital in Houston. He was born January 8, 1930 in Brownsville, TX to the late Manuel and Maxinina Garza Pena. He was a resident of Matagorda Co since 1953, a member of Nazareth United Methodist Church in Bay City, and was formerly employed with Brown & Root Construction of Houston as a mechanical supervisor.

 

Survivors include his wife: Ramona Guajardo Pena of Van Vleck; 3 sons and a daughter-in-law: Manuel & Rosa Pena of Markham, TX, Abelardo Pena, Jr. of Louisville, KY, and Tony Pena of Van Vleck; 8 grandchildren: Cynthia Lauthers, Sasha Pena, Crystal Pena, Sonia Pena, Abelardo Pena III, Brittany Pena, Tony Pena, Jr., and Donald Pena; and 13 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Maria Elena Rodriguez and his brothers; Dionicio, Antonio, and Fermin Pena.

 

Funeral Service will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, September 10, 2003, at Nazareth United Methodist Church with Rev. Guadalupe Ballinas, Rev. Felix Vela and Rev. Bernabe Munozsol officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing, [Matagorda County] TX. Pallbearers will be: Manuel, Abelardo Jr., Tony, Abelardo III, Tony Jr. and Donald Pena.

 

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

 

The Victoria Advocate, September 9, 2003

 

 

 


Antonio “Tony” Pena Sr.

Sept. 29, 1952 - Sept. 25, 2009


Antonio “Tony” Pena, Sr., 57, of Van Vleck, Texas died on September 25, 2009.

He was born on September 29, 1952 to Abelardo Pena and Ramona Pena.

He is survived by: sons, Tony Pena, Jr. and wife Becky and Donnie Pena and wife Reneea; grandchildren, Amber, Ricky, Tony III, Alicia, Lisa and Elisabeth; and brothers, Manuel and wife Rosa Pena of Markham and Abe Pena Jr., of Louisville, Kentucky.

He was preceded in death by his parents. The service is will be Monday, Nov. 2, 2009 at St. Pauls on Nichols.

Bay City Tribune, Published October 28, 2009

[Burial at Hawley Cemetery near Blessing.]
 


CONCEPCION B. PENA

BAY CITY - Concepcion Benavides Pena, 90, of Bay City, formerly of Port Lavaca, passed away Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010. She was born March 25, 1920, in Rio Grande City, to the late Felipe Benavides and Guadalupe Garcia Benavides. She was a homemaker and a member of Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church.

She is survived by her daughters, Ester P. Perales of Port Lavaca and Maria Pena of Markham; sons, Rogelio Pena of San Juan, Robert Pena of Weslaco, Eliborio Pena of Bay City, Antonio Pena and Alfredo Pena, both of Lake Jackson; sister, Gregoria Ysaguirre of Pharr; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eduvijes D. Pena; daughter, Hermilia Pena; sons, Francisco Pena and Antonio Pena; sisters, Luisa Benavides and Hortencia Benavides; and brother, Julio Benavides.

Visitation will be after 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, with a rosary to be recited at 7 p.m., at Artero Memorial Chapels in Port Lavaca. Visitation will continue from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 13, at Artero Memorial Chapels in Port Lavaca.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 13, at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Port Lavaca Cemetery in Port Lavaca.

Pallbearers are her grandsons.

Honorary pallbearers are her great-grandsons and great-great-grandsons.

Under the direction of Artero Memorial Chapels, Port Lavaca, 361-552-2300.

Published in Victoria Advocate on December 11, 2010
 


MARIA GARCIA PENA

Funeral services for Maria Garcia Pena, 68, of Bryan, Tx., were held July 30, 2010 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bryan. Interment was at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Pena was born Aug. 1, 1941 in Palacios, Tx. to Alfonso and Trinidad Garcia. She passed away July 26, 2010 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Houston.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her brother Henry Perez Jr. of Houston; sisters Penny McCleskey of New Caney, Margaret Zavala, Mona Garcia, Janie Zamora, Beatrice Sanchez, all of Palacios; daughters and sons-in-law Sylvia and Guadalupe Hernandez, Irma and Juan Reyes, Mary Ann Milazzo, Rosalinda and Richard Reyes, all of Bryan, and Suzanne and Claudio Loredo of El Campo; sons and daughters-in-law Frank and Amy Pena III, Alfonso and Lupita Pena, Steve and Lisa Garcia all of Bryan, Tony and Gloria Garcia of Bay City; 35 grandchildren; and 40 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 38 years Francisco Pena; 3 sons, Ramiro Pena, Leopaldo Pena, and Samuel Gonzales; grandson, Alan M. Sevcik; and sister Sanida Perez.

Arrangements were with Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan.

The Palacios Beacon, August 4, 2010
 


RAMONA PENA

VAN VLECK - Ramona Pena, 80, of Van Vleck, passed away Aug. 28, 2008. She was born July 17, 1928, in Pawnee, to the late Manuel and Lucia Salazar Guajardo. She had been a resident of Matagorda County since 1950.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Abelardo Pena Sr.; brother, Lupe Guajardo; sisters, Paola Guajardo, Maria Garza, and Frances Pena.

Survivors include her sons, Manuel Pena and wife Rose of Markham, Abelardo Pena Jr. of Louisville, Ky., and Antonio Pena of Van Vleck; sisters, Dolores and husband Ben Santos of Martha, Okla., Sofia and husband Rev. Felix Vela of Harlingen, Hope and husband Jerry Danny of Boise, Idaho, Maggie Gonzalez of Rupert, Idaho, and Lucy Valdez of Cortez, Colo.; brother, Manuel Guajardo and wife Mary of Texas City; eight grandchildren, Cynthia and husband Jonathan Lauthers, Sasha Pena, Crystal Pena, Sonja and husband Peter Speltz, Abelardo Pena III, Brittany Pena, Antonio Pena Jr., and wife Becky, Donnie Pena and wife Renee; and 15 great-grandchildren.

A prayer service was held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, 2008 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. today, Aug. 30, 2008 at the Family Worship Center with the Rev. Felix Vela officiating. Interment will follow at
Hawley Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Antonio Pena Jr., Donnie Pena, Keegan Johnson, Manuel Pena, Abelardo Pena Jr., and Antonio Pena Sr.

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 the Victoria Advocate on 8/30/2008
 


James Earl Penland, Sr.

James Earl Penland, Sr, 22, a resident of Bay City passed away June 22 as a result of an airplane crash. He was a graduate of Texas A & M in May of 1974 and was engaged in rice farming in the Collegeport area. Survivors include wife: Catherine Gale Burt Penland of Bay City; mother, Mrs. Marguerite Penland of Bay City; sisters, Mrs. Carole K. Lowstetter of Garland and Mrs. Susan Poncik of Bay City; brothers, Aaron Penland Jr. of Huntsville and Robert Penland of Chicago, Ill. Funeral services were held June 24 at 2 p. m. at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. James Thompson and Rev. George C. Aurich officiating. Interment was at the Hawley Cemetery with pallbearers being: Tommy Burnell, Jesse Olivo, Daniel Dablegott, Norwood Dablegott, Darrell Hertel, and Steve Petty; honorary pallbearers were: Allison Leissner, Gary Cartwright, Victor Cannon and Mike McLain. Family request memorials be made to the _____ Fund and the Diabetes Fund. Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, June, 1974

Rancher, Son Die in Crash

COLLEGEPORT, Texas – Prominent Matagorda rancher and rice farmer A. B. Penland, 56, and his son Jimmy, 22, died in the crash of their light plane near the Texas Coast.

Penland and his son were killed when the plane nosed into a field near here, a few miles from Palacios.

There were no witnesses to the crash. Police said the pair had been flying around the county.

Dallas Morning News, June 24, 1974
 


Ruby Sanders Penland
(July 14, 1936 - August 12, 2007)

Ruby Sanders Penland, 71, of Palacios passed away August 12, 2007. She was born July 14, 1936 in Palacios to the late Robert and Daisy Mae Scott Sanders. She was a legal secretary for Eli Mayfield for many years and later worked for the Trull Foundation and in banking.

She is survived by her daughter Sharon Paulette Penland of Palacios; son Ronald Keith Penland of Palacios, sister Jessie Sanders Hairston of Houston; brothers Robert Franklin Sanders of Palacios and Ronald Dean Sanders of Katy; eight grandchildren Tiffany Mooney, Kimberly Ficarra, Paula Penland, Kelli Divers, Aaron Rodriguez, Christopher & Josh Clifton and Paul Michael Penland; eleven great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul Mitchell Penland; daughter Denise Dawn Clifton and son Paul Mitchell Penland, Jr.

Funeral service will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at the Palacios Funeral Home with Rev. John Sanders officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Michael Penland, Christopher Clifton, Josh Clifton, John Mark Hafernick, Rocky Sheffield and Gary Hafernick. Memorials may be made to Houston Hospice, 1102 N. Mechanic, El Campo, TX 77437.

 


Coussie Faye McKenzie Penny
(December 24, 1931 - May 14, 2008)

Coussie Faye McKenzie Penny, 76, of Bay City, passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2008. She was born December 24, 1931 in Huntington, WV to Walter Stacey Woods and Elizabeth Crabtree Woods. She was a resident of Bay City for the past 35 years and a member of Family Worship Center.

She is survived by her daughter: Diane Nall & husband Tim of Bay City; her son: Michael McKenzie & wife Cathy of Vancouver, WA; by her grandchildren: Amber Nall, Wesley Nall & wife Priscilla, Megan McKenzie, Amanda McKenzie and Billy McKenzie; and by her great grandchildren: Johnathan Nall and Madison Nall. She was preceded in death by her parents; and husbands: Emmitt McKenzie and Clay F. Penny.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, May 19, 2008 at the Family Worship Center with Rev. James Guerrero officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be: Steve Alley, Darrell Gibson, Wesley Nall, Berney Schneider, Dennis Schneider, and Dan Tinus.

www.taylorbros.net
 


WALTER PENNY

LAKE JACKSON - Walter Penny passed away suddenly on May 23, 2009. He was born in Bay City, where he spent his early years and graduated from Bay City High School.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, during Vietnam. He was a good Christian of the Baptist faith and was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Bartlett, Tenn.

Walter retired from Goodyear Tire Co. after 25 years of dedicated service. He spent many years in Houston and Memphis, Tenn., as CEO of various Goodyear Retail and Commercial stores.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Clay and Marie Penny, and a step-grandson, Cale Shipman.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Penny of Lake Jackson; sister, Cleo Lovett and husband Jim of Bay City; stepchildren, Lyneé Shipman of Lake Jackson, Layne Fowler of Galveston, and Lance Fowler of Spring; and by five grandchildren, Colt Shipman of Tulsa, Okla., Brittany and Jordan Fowler, and Jacob and Austin Fowler, all of the Houston area.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike Zimmerman officiating. A private committal service for the family only will immediately follow. A reception to meet and share with the family will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, at the Lovett residence, 901 2nd St., Bay City, Texas.

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

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 5/26/2009
 


William Matthews Penny
(November 23, 1918 - March 9, 2010)

William Matthews Penny, 91, of Bay City passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 9, 2010. He was born November 23, 1918 in Houston, TX the son of the late Molly Belle Matthews Penny & William L. Penny.

Bill moved in 1929 with his mother, after the death of his father, to the ranch property they owned near Van Vleck. He graduated from Bay City High School and attended Schreiner Institute in Kerrville, TX. During World War II Bill was in the 14th Air Force and served under General Claire Chennault, when they were known as the Flying Tigers. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and 2 Air Medals.

Bill was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, the Sons of the Republic, VFW Post 2438, American Legion, Lions Club, and the Bay City Country Club where in years past he received much pleasure playing golf and fraternizing with friends. He was associated with Bay City Auto & Sales for many years.

Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years Lilabeth Massenburg Penny; Children: Elizabeth Penny Schmid & husband Mickey Schmid, Bill Penny Jr. & wife Lindy King Penny; grandsons: Mick Schmid IV, Will Schmid & wife Ali, Matt Schmid, William Penny III, King Penny, and Lawson Penny.

The funeral service will be held 4:00 PM Thursday, March 11, 2010 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church of bay City with Rev. Susan Kennard officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bill’s grandsons. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Jack Conner, Bill Wiginton, Carl Anderson, Lindsey Thompson, E.M. Huitt, Frank Lewis Jr., and John Ashcraft.

www.taylorbros.net                                               Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham


 


Alicia A Pequeno
(July 7, 1930 - October 14, 2006)

Alicia A. Pequeno, 76 of Palacios, passed away Saturday, October 14, 2006, in Houston, TX. She was born July 7, 1930 in Falfurrias, TX to Pedro Ayarzagoitia and Jovita Nevarez Ayarzagoitia. She was a resident of Palacios since 1943, retired as a seafood processor from Dumas Seafood in Palacios, and was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church of Palacios.She gave help to everyone that came to her and supported them.

She is survived by her daughter: Lisa Gomez & husband Guadalupe of Wharton; her mother: Jovita Martinez of Edcouch; a step-son: Julio G. Pequeno of San Benito; by her sisters: Imelda Cedillo and Gloria Perez of Surprise, AZ, Bertha Perez of MS, and Rosalinda Ramos of La Villa; by a half-brother: Pedro Ayarzagoitia of Houston; and by 6 grandchildren: Ruben, Gabriella, Aaron, Evelyn, Bethany and Gianna Gomez, all of Wharton. She was preceded in death by her husband: Pedro “Pete” Guerrero Pequeno; her father Pedro Ayarzagoitia; and her brothers: Samuel and Remijio Longoria.

The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at the Palacios Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church of Palacios with Rev. James R. Nischan officiating. Interment will follow at the Palacios Cemetery in Palacios, TX. Pallbearers will be David Longoria, Ray Becerra, Leo Nevarez, Nayo Nevarez, Remijio Longoria, Serafin Lopez, Ruben Gomez, Gabrielle Gomez, Aaron Gomez, Ricardo Moreno, Luisa Moreno and Joe Jimenez.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements with Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, TX (361) 972-2012.

www.taylorbros.net
 


Frances G. Perez
March 21, 1923 - April 18, 2009

Frances G. Perez, 86, of Bay City, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2009.

She was born March 21, 1923 in Francitas, Texas to Luis Guillen and Angelita Soto Guillen. She was a lifelong resident of Bay City and a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

She is survived by: her daughters, Cynthia Rodriguez and husband Jesse of Houston, Jessica P. DeLaRosa and Frances Perez both of Bay City; by her sons, Pedro Perez, Jr. and wife Bertha of Missouri City, and George Perez and wife Yolanda of Bay City; by sisters, Juanita Sanchez and Emma Balboa of Port Lavaca and Angelita Vita Sauceda of Kyle, Texas; by 12 grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, Pedro R. Perez; her parents; by daughters, Juanita Perez, Valentina P. Valdez and Gloria Perez; by sons, Jose Angel Perez and Jesse Perez; and by her brothers, Carlos Guillen, Natividad Guillen and Enrique Guillen.

The Rosary was held at 7 p.m. Monday, April 20, 2009 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

The Funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with the Rev. Gerry Cernoch officiating.

Interment followed at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City.

Pallbearers were Joey Perez, Adam Perez, Jesse Valdez, Jr., Fernando Trevino, Jesse Joe Rodriguez, and John Paul DeLaRosa. Honorary pallbearers were Larry Allen Perez and Jesse Perez.

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

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home (979) 245-4613.

Bay City Tribune, Published April 22, 2009                       Photos courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 


 

 


Francisco (Frank) Xavier Perez

Dec. 3, 1947 - Jan. 2, 2010

MSgt Francisco (Frank) Xavier Perez, retired, 62, from Midwest City, Oklahoma went to be with the Lord on January 2, 2010.

Known as Pancho by many, he was born on December 3, 1947, in Bay City, Texas, to John and Sophia Perez. Frank died days after being diagnosed with cancer.

While serving in the US Air Force from 1968-1988, Frank served 5 tours of duty during the Vietnam War and was among the last to leave Southeast Asia. After retirement, he earned an AAS in Electromechanical Engineering Technology from Rose State College.

Frank loved his home state of Texas (Hook 'em Horns!!!), fishing, watching movies, and gardening like his parents did. Frank and Kathy Perez had four wonderful children (each with two from previous marriages), nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.

He took great pride in his children and grandchildren, gave them much love, and was known by them as Papa.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, John and Sophia Perez; brother, Fred Perez; and sisters, Mary Jane Perez and Connie Lara.

He is survived by: his wife, Kathy; his son, Robert Perez of Midwest City, Oklahoma; daughter, Tuan Mary Perez; of Woodway, Texas; son, Keith Heavner of Helena, Oklahoma, daughter, Melissa Banta of Oklahoma City; older brother, Lupe Perez of Wharton, Texas; and younger brother, Steve of Lehigh Acres, Florida, as well as their extended families.

He touched the hearts of many throughout his life and will be missed by his friends and family everywhere.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Candlewood Chapel at Ford Funeral Service, Midwest City, Oklahoma followed by full Military Honors at Kolb Cemetery.

Bay City Tribune, Published January 6, 2010
 

Henry Perez, Jr., 35, of Bay City, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2000 at John Sealy Hospital, Galveston, Texas. Funeral Services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, September 18, 2000 at the Rose of Sharon Pentecostal Church in Van Vleck with the Rev. Janie Robles officiating. Interment was at Hawley Cemetery, Blessing, Texas.

He was born November 9, 1964 in Bay City to Henry Perez, Sr. and Susie Zamora Perez. He was a lifelong resident of Bay City and a member of Rose of Sharon Pentecostal Church in Van Vleck. He is survived by his wife, Geneva Ann Diaz Perez of Bay City; daughters, Herminia Perez, Nikkita Nicole Perez, and Mary Susie Perez, all of Bay City; sons, Bobby Jay Perez of Eagle Lake, Israel Perez, Henry Perez III, and Martin Lee Perez all of Bay City; his brothers, James Perez Sr., and Joe Steven Perez both of Bay City.

All arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2000SP19

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Tuesday, September 19, 2000, Matagorda County, Texas


Lidia Perez
(September 4, 1943 - May 20, 2009)

God danced the day you were born. You are loved. You are beautiful. You are a gift of God.

Lidia Perez was born on September 4, 1943 to Refugia Sanchez and Juan Perez in Poth, Texas. Lidia was born with Cerebral Palsy and was a special needs gift of God, who loved life and enjoyed music. She lived in Altus, Oklahoma most of her life until 2003 when she moved to Houston. After her mother’s death in 2005, Lidia moved to Bay City to live with her sister who cared for her needs. Lidia is of Catholic faith. She never married or had children, but she did have six brothers and sisters and she shared a special love for a child from each one of her siblings whom she considered her own and they are: Cynthia Perez (Johnny), Christina Perez (Alfredo), Martha Perez (Rudy), Jerry Perez, Jr. (Jerry), Justin Rodriguez (JoAnn), and Isaac & Angelica Gonzales (JoElda). Lidia’s pleasures in life were Dr. Pepper, eating sweets, jewelry, make-up, nail polish, perfumes, clothing and shoes. She was “all” a true lady.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Alfredo Perez and several aunts and uncles. She is survived by her siblings JoAnn Jimenez & husband Andrew of Bay City, Johnny Perez & wife Frances of Kress, TX, Rudy Perez & wife Margaret, Jerry Perez & wife Janie and JoElda Gonzales & husband Leon all of Houston, sister-in-law Margaret Perez of Houston, a host of nieces and nephews and one aunt Paula Estrada of Snyder, TX. She will be greatly missed by her family.

A rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM Friday, May 22, 2009 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Mass will be 10:00 AM Saturday, May 23, 2009 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating. Graveside service will be 2:00 PM Saturday, May 23, 2009 at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Houston.

The Jimenez family would like to express their gratitude and give a special thanks to Dr. Alan Barker, Dr. Kurt Moehring, Angels Care Home Health, Houston Hospice, and especially her caregivers/providers Virginia Sanchez, Elvia Fuentes, Angie Velenzuela, & Juana Amezquita of Girling Home Health. We could not have done this without you all. You have all gone beyond the call of duty.

Bay City Tribune, May 24, 2009
 


MARIA CONCEPSION PEREZ

Funeral services for Maria Concepsion Perez, 95, of Palacios, Tx., were held Aug. 18, 2010 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Palacios. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.

Mrs. Perez was born Dec. 8, 1914 in Goliad, Tx. to the late Pablo and Santana Gonzalez Becerra. She passed away Aug. 16, 2010.

She is survived daughters Maria Luisa Gaitan and husband Daniel, Matilda Munoz and husband Frank, and Maxine Perez; sister Margarita Zavala; 20 grandchildren; 52 great grandchildren; 9 great-great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Trinidad Perez, Sr.; and son Trinidad Perez, Jr.

Pallbearers were Daniel Gaitan, Gilbert Guzman, Frank Munoz, Paul Munoz, San Juan Cabrales and Richard Cabrales.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home, 361-972-2012.

The Palacios Beacon, August 25, 2010
 

Mary Helen Perez

Sep. 14, 1962 - Nov. 11, 2008

Roselawn Memorial Park

Photo courtesy of
Faye Cunningham


STELLA PEREZ


BAY CITY - Stella Perez of Bay City died March 8, 2008, at the age of 78. She was born Feb. 2, 1930, in El Campo, to the late Pete and Lucy Gonzalez Valdez. She was a bookkeeper for Stanley Stores, retiring after 32 years, and was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Bay City.

Survivors: husband, Ralph Perez of Bay City; daughter, Renee White and husband Sam of Georgetown; son, Ralph David Perez and wife Pat of Houston; grandchildren, Christina Perez Cater and husband Bobby of Katy, Taylor David Perez of Houston, Samantha and Meredith White of Georgetown; great-granddaughter, Savannah Cater of Katy; brother, Pete Valdez Jr. of Houston; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m., Tuesday, at Triska Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be offered at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 12th, at St. Robert's Catholic Church in El Campo. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Memorial Park under the direction of Triska Funeral Home.

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

 


MARGARET P. PERKINS

 

RICHWOOD - Margaret Pauline Perkins, 52, of Richwood, died Wednesday, December 25, 2002.

 

She was born Jan. 20, 1950, in Bay City, to Pauline Smith Hickey of Richwood and the late Ray Hickey.

 

Survivors: husband, Cecil W. Perkins; daughters, Jennifer Gutierrez of Dayton and Jane Maxwell of Freeport; son, Jeremy Powell of Houston; mother; sister, Martha Hickey Robertson of Lake Charles, La.; and 10 grandchildren.

 

Preceded in death by: father; one brother; one sister; and grandparents.

 

Family visitation will be 7 - 9 p.m. tonight at Bay City Funeral Home chapel.

 

Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home chapel.

 

Burial will be at Hawley Cemetery [Matagorda County, Texas].

 

Bay City Funeral Home, Bay City, 979-245-4893.

 

The Victoria Advocate, Friday, December 27, 2002

 


Patrick Perowski

Feb. 19, 1940 - Dec. 15, 2009

Patrick “Captain” Perowski, 69, of Matagorda, Texas died on December 15, 2009.

He was born February 19, 1940 to Henry and Eileen Perowski in Vestaburg, Pennsylvania.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bettie Wells Perowski.

He is survived by: children, Bruce Perowski of Stockertown, Pennsylvania, Charles Perowski of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, Michelle Perowski of Daisytown, Pennsylvania, and Regina Treybig of Matagorda, Texas; sisters, Beatrice Lozosky of Fredericktown, Pennsylvania, Mary Lou Rosenthal of Camirillo, California; fourteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Private services are to be held at a later date. Cremation will be by Evergreen Memorial Park in Wharton, Texas.

Matthews Funeral Home, Wharton, Texas is in charge of arrangements.

Bay City Tribune, Published December 22, 2009
 

Funeral services for Charles Kenneth Perry, 60, of Bay City, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 6, 2009 at Mother Zion Baptist Church, Bay City, with the Rev. Murray Martin, eulogist. Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2 until 8 p.m. Thursday, in the funeral home chapel.

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

Bay City Tribune, Published November 4, 2009          Photos courtesy of Faye Cunningham


 


Irene Amelia Perry

Feb. 11, 1923 - Jan. 11, 2010

Funeral services for Mrs. Irene Amelia Perry, 86, of Bay City, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 15, 2010 at Mother Zion Baptist Church, Bay City, with the Rev. Murray Martin, eulogist. Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2 until 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home chapel.

She was born in Blessing, Texas, February 11, 1923, to Osborn Hawkins and Grace Franklin, and passed away January 11, 2010, in Bay City.

Survivors include: five daughters, Lorene Harris of Los Angeles, California, Kathleen Broussard (and Willie) of Houston, Sharon Perry of San Diego, California, Dorothy Parks and Velva Perry, both of Bay City; and two sons, Walter Perry, Jr. of Hollywood, California, and Don Perry of Bay City. Also an enormous host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Nelda Perry and a son, James Wallace Perry.

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

Bay City Tribune, Published January 13, 2010

Photo courtesy of Tresmond Scott
 


JAMES WALLACE PERRY

BAY CITY - Funeral services for James Wallace Perry, 58, of Bay City, who passed away June 9, 2009, will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 13, at Mother Zion Baptist Church in Bay City, the Rev. Murray Martin, eulogist. Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2 until 8 p.m. today at the Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home chapel.

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

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 6/12/2009
 


DR. EDWARD F. PESEK, MD

BAY CITY - Dr. Edward F. Pesek, MD, 80, of Bay City, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009. He was born May 1, 1929, in Wharton, to Frank J. Pesek and Agnes Studney Pesek. He was a 1955 graduate of the Baylor College of Medicine and a veteran of the U.S. Army.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Alice Elizabeth Yoakum Pesek; his brother, Robert Pesek; and his cousin, Henry Studney.

He is survived by his dear friends: Diane Tyra, Marilyn Bonner, and Frederick Garcia, and numerous cousins. He is also survived by his friends and colleagues, Dr. James E. Cowart, MD and Dr. Joseph N. Cannon, MD.

A rosary was held at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, 2009 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. The funeral Mass will be held 9 a.m. today, Oct. 17, 2009 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City.

Pallbearers will be Frederick Garcia, Robert Farley, Kirk Carr, Don Simons, Elizabeth Bridges, Francis Comeaux, and Garrett Comeaux.

Online condolences may be shared at
www.taylorbros.net
 


Thomas McKinley Peters

Thomas McKinley Peters, 63, of El Campo died Sept. 17, in the Veterans Hospital in Houston. He was affiliated with the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Wharton, and a member of the Timothy Lodge 276. An area leader of the Brotherhood of the Independent Missionary Baptist General Association of Texas. Survivors include: wife, Georgia Peters; 2 sisters, Lesser Jackson of Houston and Beatrice Hicks of San Pedro, Calif.; a brother, Ennis Peters of Los Angeles, Calif.; 2 granddaughters, Cotney Ann Hughes and Shanta Sanford of El Campo; an aunt, Mrs. E. L. Roberts of El Maton; and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Wharton, Sept. 12, at 1 pm. with the Rev. C. L. Luddington officiating. Interment will be at the Wilson Creek Cemetery near El Maton. The body will lie in state at the Cook Funeral Home in El Campo.

The Daily Tribune, September 20, 1974
 


LETHA Y. PETERSEN

PALACIOS - Letha Yearwood Petersen, 85, of Palacios passed away March 23, 2010. She was born in Edna on July 2, 1924 to the late Bethel Thomas and Olive Lucretia Shows Yearwood.

She moved to Palacios in 1945 and worked for Central Power & Light for 20 years. In 1952 she married Irvin Petersen. Together they operated Petersen's Restaurant for many years. She was very active in community projects, especially those for youth, was a member of First Baptist Church, a charter member of the Alpha Club, and an honorary member of the Harmonie Club.

She was preceded in death by brothers, Carl, Charles and Roy Yearwood, and Elroy Walton, and sisters, Ina Mae Lassiter, Aline Reid, Birdie Granham, Gladys McGill and Ivy Walker.

Survivors include husband, Irvin Petersen of Palacios; daughter, Tami Lynn Fort and husband Bill of Palacios; son, Brent Thomas Petersen and wife Dawn of Nassau Bay; and grandchildren, Amber Dale, Karch Petersen, Kyle Petersen, Spencer Fort, Heather Fort, and Jennifer Fort.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at Palacios Funeral Home. The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 26, 2010 at the First Baptist Church in Palacios with Rev. Zach Nicholson officiating. Interment will follow at Danevang Cemetery in Danevang.

Pallbearers will be Clint Yearwood, Craig Yearwood, James Yearwood, Terry Oglesby, Michael Glaros, and Larry Taylor.
Memorials may be made to Houston Hospice El Campo or the First Baptist Church of Palacios.

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

Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home. 361-972-2012.

Published in Victoria Advocate on March 25, 2010
 


LENORA PETERSON
 

LOUISE - Lenora Louisa Peterson, age 88, formerly of Louise and currently from Simonton, died Jan. 8, 2009 in Wharton. She was born Jan. 8, 1921, in Clemville, to the late William and Minnie Reckaway Schulze.

She is survived by her nieces, Karen Clark of Simonton, Anita Jean Kraft of Spring, Wanda Kidwell of Danevang, and Suzanne Stanfield of Falfurius; and nephew, Rick Schulze of Danevang.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. today at Wheeler Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Pete Lopez officiating. Interment will follow at Garden of Memories.

Steve Clark, Cody Clark, Rick Schulze, Wess Lee Schulze, Bobby Merta, and Scott Kidwell will serve as pallbearers

Funeral arrangements under the direction of Wheeler Funeral Home, 979-543-3512.

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 1/17/2009

 


Emma Williams Petrosky
(March 1, 1925 - January 25, 2007)

Emma Williams Petrosky, age 81, of Bay City, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2007, at the Legacy Matagorda House in Bay City, Texas.

Emma was born on March 1, 1925, in Inglewood, CA, and was the only child of Myron Earl and Rose Cooke Williams. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 43 years, Bruno Richard “Pete” Petrosky, and infant daughter, Debra Faye Petrosky. Emma was raised and attended school near El Campo in the Plainview Community. She graduated from El Campo High School at the age of 16 in May, 1941. Emma furthered her education and graduated from Southwestern Business University in Houston in December, 1942.

For sixteen years Emma and Pete traveled and lived in 33 areas across the United States while Pete was serving in the United States Air Force. Upon his retirement, they settled in Bay City in December, 1961. Emma was dedicated to her family and remained a homemaker while raising her children. She later worked as a bookkeeper for Stanley Stores and retired from the Texas Department of Human Resources in 1985. After her retirement, Emma enjoyed attending Bay City Book Review, TUTS theater performances, and traveling with friends. She was the navigator and driver for many road trips with the “Golden Girls.”

For over 46 years, Emma was a faithful member of the Bay City First United Methodist Church and the Fellowship Sunday School class. She loved evangelism and never met a stranger. During her many years as a member of United Methodist Women, she served in every leadership position. Emma’s faith in God sustained her throughout her life and inspired those who knew her.

The highlight of her life was spending time with her four grandchildren. She was so very proud of each of them, and she loved caring for them all. Emma’s most recent accomplishment in August, 2006, was attending her 65th El Campo High School “Class of ’41” reunion and sharing with fellowship, reminiscing, and memories.

She is survived by her daughter, Beverly and her husband, F.E. Pryor, Jr. of Bay City; her son, Randy and his wife Lisa Petrosky of San Antonio; grandchildren: Lacie Pryor Orsak and her husband Travis of Bulverde; Lane Petrosky of Austin; Claire Petrosky of San Antonio; her “favorite” grandson, Lance Stockton Pryor of Austin; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday, January 28, 2007, at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, 2313 Ave. I, Bay City, TX.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 29, 2007, at the First United Methodist Church, 2300 Ave. H, Bay City, Texas at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Chris Harrison officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers include Donald Petrosky, Alton Petrosky, Mike Finster, Mark Drake, Ron Owens, and Mike Wade.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to all employees, caregivers, and nursing staff associated with Emma’s loving care and companionship at the Legacy Assisted Living facility, Angels Care Home Health, the Legacy Matagorda House Healthcare Center, and Hospice Support Care of Houston Hospice – El Campo branch.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made in Emma’s name to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 2300 Ave. H, Bay City, TX 77414 or the charity of their choice.

www.taylorbros.net



 

 
Bruno R. Petrosky

Emma Petrosky

Roselawn Memorial Park

Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Bruno “Pete” Petrosky

Funeral services for Bruno “Pete” Petrosky, 68, of Bay City will be held 2 pm Wednesday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. W. E. Dugger Jr. officiating.  Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

He died Jan. 9, 1989, at Diagnostic Center Hospital, Houston.

Retired after 20 years with the U.S. Air Force, he then retired after 20 years with the Texas Employment Commission in Bay City.

Survivors include his wife, Emma Williams Petrosky of Bay City; a daughter Beverly Pryor of Bay City; a son, Randy Wayne Petrosky of Austin; two sisters, Beatrice Daugherty of Lockhart, Texas and Vivian Crupper of Austin; two brothers, Wilson Petrosky and Leonard Petrosky, both of Lockhart; and three grandchildren, Lacie Shannon Pryor and Lane Christine Petrosky of Austin.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Debra Faye Petrosky in 1953.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Daily Tribune, January 1989             Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 


Kathleen June Petrosky
(May 12, 1941 - May 11, 2007)

Kathleen June Petrosky, 65, of Matagorda, passed away Friday, May 11, 2007. She was born May 12, 1941 in Needville, TX to Rudolph Richard Krobot and Delphina Christine Pesak Krobot. She was a resident of Matagorda County for the past 17 years, a member of the Catholic Church and was a homemaker.

She is survived by her daughters: Phyllis Petrosky of Matagorda, Donna Nance of Evadale, TX, Kelly Perry of Idaho Falls, ID, and Lori Jaquez of Wharton; by her sons: Wayne Petrosky of Matagorda and David Petrosky of Boling; by her sister: JoAnn Hausler of Wharton: and by her step-brother: Randy Krobot of Needville. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held Monday, May 14, 2007 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Family memorial services will be held at a later date.

Contributions may be made to the charity of choice.

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

www.taylorbros.net
 


Ruby Landrum Petrucha
 


Ruby Lee Petteway

Mrs. Ruby Lee Petteway, 87, went home to be with the Lord on December 17, 2010.

Visitation will be from 5  until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 21, 2010.

The Celebration of Life Service will commence at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 22, 2010.

Both services will be held at Greater Mt. Zion Church, 6437 FM 521, Brazoria, Texas 77422. Elder Roland K. Hendricks, Pastor, the Rev. Mark Austin, Officiating.  Pastor L. C. Dews, Eulogist.

Interment at St. Paul Cemetery, Brazoria, Texas.

Services entrusted to Lockwood Funeral Home, 9402 Lockwood Dr., Houston, Texas 77016,  713-633-1421.

Bay City Tribune, Wednesday, December 22, 2010
 


Joseph Trinh Duc Pham
(April 9, 1943 - October 16, 2007)

Reverend Joseph Trinh Duc Pham “Father Joe Pham”, 64 of Palacios, TX passed away 5:00 PM Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at the Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX. He was born April 9, 1943 in Quang Ninh, Viet Nam. He was Ordained into the Catholic Priesthood on April 29, 1970 in Viet Nam and served as a Catholic Priest in Viet Nam and Port Isabel, TX. He came to Palacios, TX in 1976 to St. Anthony of Padua Vietnamese Apostolate Chapel, serving for the past 31 years as Parochial Vicar.

He is survived by his brothers: Mr. & Mrs. Pham Khac Nghia, their children and grandchildren of New Mexico, Australia, and Viet Nam; Mr. & Mrs. Pham Dinh Khoi, their children and grandchildren of Minnesota; Pham Ngoc Quynh, his wife and children of Viet Nam; and Pham Minh Chau, his wife and children of Viet Nam; his sister: Pham Thi Ngoc, her husband and children of Viet Nam; his cousins: Pham Duc Thanh, his wife and children of Palacios, TX; Pham Ngoc Son, his wife and children of Palacios, TX; Pham Thi Ngoc Hanh, her husband and children of Palacios, TX; by his aunts: wife of Pham Duc Khanh, Pham Thi Lan of Viet Nam, and Pham Thi Lien of Australia; and by his god sons and god daughters: The Rev. Toma Nguyen Van Thu of Grapevine, TX; The Rev. Giuse Nguyen Dung of Cancun, Mexico; Sister Teresa Hoang Thi Sen, Dominican Order of Viet Nam; Sister Maria Clara Nguyen Thi Xinh, Sister Agnes Nguyen Anh Dao, Sister Maria Teresa Nguyen Kim Hong, Sister Catarina Nguyen Kim Phuong, and Sister Maria Teresa Nguyen Thanh Nga, all of the Dominican Order of Houston, TX.

There will be services with Viewing, Rosary and Mass each evening, at the Vietnamese Apostolate Chapel in Palacios, TX, from 5 PM to 8 PM, Friday, October 19th through Tuesday, October 23rd.

A Viewing, Mass of Mourning and Eulogy, will be held from 5 PM to 8 PM, Wednesday, October 24th; a Viewing, Rosary and Mass, will be held from 5 PM to 8 PM Thursday, October 25th; a Viewing and Mass of Family & Friends will be held Friday, October 26th at 3:30 PM and a Rosary, Mass of Farewell and Eulogy at 6:30 PM, at Vietnamese Apostolate Hall in Palacios, TX.

The Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM Saturday, October 27, 2007 at the Vietnamese Apostolate Hall officiated by the Most Reverend David E. Fellhauer, Bishop of the Dioceses of Victoria in Texas. Interment will follow at the Palacios Cemetery, Palacios, TX.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, TX (361) 972-2012.

www.taylorbros.net
 


Suresh Philip M.D.
March 22, 1962 - June 14, 2010

Suresh Philip M.D., 48, died June 14, 2010.

The family has set up a memorial for Dr. Phillip at the American Heart Association website. The Phillip Children’s Scholarship Fund has also been established by South Texas Medical Clinics at NewFirst National Bank. Donations can be made in his honor to either fund.

He was born March 22, 1962 in Thottackadu, Kottayam, India. His father and mother (K.U. Philipose and Annie Philipose) were career educators.

In 1979, at the young ate of 17, Suresh continued his life long pursuit of knowledge when he immigrated to the United States and lived with his uncle, John Philip. Suresh graduated from George Washington University in 1984 with Honors in a Bachelor of Science. He then received his M.D. from University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1988. He became Board Certified in Cardiology in 1995.

In 1992, he married the love of his life, Sherly. They had two wonderful sons, Satish and Sanjay.

Suresh became a partner in and served on the Board of Directors of the South Texas Medical Clinics. He was also an active member of the St. Thomas CSI church.

Dr. Philip is survived by his wife, Sherly; his sons, Satish and Sanjay; his parents, Annie and K.U. Philipose; his brothers, their spouses, Sugu, Mini, Akhil, Kevin and Ann; Suji and Ancy, Aju and Arun; his uncle, John Philip and wife Mary; his in-laws, Koshy and Moani, Shessy and Ray, Sherine, Tom and Deven.

Dr. Philip’s life was a life of service. As a cardiologist, he spent his career mending broken hearts and as a family man, he spent his spare time fixing the lives of those around him with his generosity, love and humor. His brilliance was only surpassed by his generosity and love of his family. He opened his heart and his home without question or an expectation of return.

His wife and sons were a source of great joy and pride for him. He took his role as the husband and father seriously and lead by example.

To say he will be missed is an understatement of great magnitude.

We love you very much and our lives are better because of you.

Revelation 21:4

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.

Bay City Tribune, Published June 23, 2010
 

 

Homer Theodore Phillips, 90, of Blessing passed away Friday, April 13, 2001 at his residence following a long illness.

 

He was a long-time member and a deacon of the First Baptist Church of Blessing and worked as a contractor building homes in the Blessing area for many years.

 

He was born March 16, 1911 in Thorton, Texas.

 

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Stella Rickaway Phillips of Blessing; sons and daughters-in-law David and Debbie Phillips and Gary and Debbie Phillips all of Blessing; sister, Mildred Autrey of Brazoria; grandchildren, Carrie, Barry and Molly as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

 

A service recognizing his years of service as a deacon and his lifelong dedication to Jesus Christ will be held Monday, April 16, 2001 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Blessing with the Rev. Larry Swift officiating.

 

Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery.

 

The family will meet friends at the Funeral Home on Sunday, April 15, 2001 from 6 until 8 p.m.

 

Services are under the direction of Bay City Funeral Home.

 

A00011A2001AR15

 

The Daily Tribune, Sunday, April 15, 2001

 


Joycelyn Rita Phillips
(October 1, 1925 - May 3, 2008)

Joycelyn Rita Phillips, 82, of Bay City, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2008. She was born October 1, 1925 in Port Arthur, TX to Charlie Roy, Sr. and Hilda Marie Roy. She was a retired switchboard operator and a Life Member of Pt. Neches Groves Indian Reservation.

As the Lord called Joycelyn Rita Phillips home, he received a woman above all women. She was Mom, Momma, Momma Joyce, MJ, Dear, Jo Momma, Gramma, Sweetie, Grammaw, Mammaw, and Nanny to her family and friends. Momma Joyce loved her family big as the sky and taught each on that to live life to the fullest is to love and laugh often with loved ones. She was a faithful servant to her God and spread His word everywhere she lived.

Momma loved to sing, listen to her boys play their guitars and dance. She loved to garden, sew and follow her grandchildren’s activities. Her kitchen was a Cajun culinary school where Grammaw taught her grandchildren to make gumbo and stuff a roast. Nanny was a “youth magnet” who listened to many teen’s problems and gave sound advice. Momma loved shoes, to wrap houses, and let children eat sugar out of the sugar bowl.

Joyce Phillips will forever be remembered as the #1 PNG Indian fan

While Joyce Phillips will be missed tremendously, her influence in the lives of her family and friends will sustain each one. We are thankful for the gift of her life.

She is survived by her daughters: Dr. Saundra Gilfillan of Ennis, TX, Lynette Cooper & husband Dennis of Bay City and Jan May of Groves, TX; by her son: Dr. David Simonak and wife Cathlynn of South Lake, TX; and by her grandchildren: Jason & Matthew Romero, Ryan, Brady and Reese Simonak, Erin Cooper Talasek & husband Chris, Natalie Cooper and Tristan May; and by her Great Grandchildren: Alyson and Caleb Romero and Nicolas Romero. Memorial services will be held at a later date in Groves, TX.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Houston Hospice, 1102 N. Mechanic St., El Campo, TX 77437-3029.

Online condolences 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
 


Kyle Carlton Phillips, Sr.

Services for Kyle Carlton Phillips, Sr., of Conroe will be held at 4:30 p. m. today in the Taylor Brothers Funeral Home chapel.

Phillips, 78, died Sunday at Jamaica Beach in Galveston, County. He was born August 27, 1905 in Limestone County, and was preceded in death by his wife. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Blessing.

Survivors include two daughters, Rita Kay Berry of Albuquerque, N. M., and Noel Ray Banks of Sherman; one son, Kyle C. Phillips Jr. of Conroe; one sister, Mildred Autrey of Salem; three brothers, Noel and Home of Blessing and E. T. of Francitas; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Pallbearers will be Kyle Phillips III, Dennis Phillips, Keith Phillips, Michael Phillips, Ricy Leone, and Jimmy Williams. The Rev. John Tripp will officiate with burial in Hawley Cemetery. Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, August, 1983
 


Noel W. Phillips

Advocate News Service

BAY CITY—Noel W. Phillips, 79, of Blessing died Monday in a Bay City hospital.

A native of Thornton, he was born Feb. 14, 1909, to the late Sidnes and Mary Ann Taylor Phillips. He had been a resident of Blessing since 1980 and was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church in Blessing with the Rev. Ron Lynn and the Rev. John Tripp officiating. Burial will follow in Hawley Cemetery under the direction of Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Surviving are his wife, Jimmie Eads Phillips of Blessing; a son, Dennis Noel Phillips of Blessing; a sister, Mildred Autrey of Brazoria; two brothers, Homer T. Phillips of Blessing, E. T. Phillips of Francitas; and one grandchild.

The Victoria Advocate, _____
 


Stella Rickaway Phillips

 

Stella Phillips, 87, of Blessing, passed away Thursday, February 28, 2002, at her residence. Stella was born on July 31, 1914 in Bay City to parents Frank H. and Rebecca Tolleson Rickaway. She was a long time member of the First Baptist Church in Blessing.

 

She is survived by: sons and daughters-in-law, David and Debbie Phillips of Tidewater Oaks and Gary and Debbie Finch of Blessing; brothers, Steve Rickaway of Blessing and Curtis Rickaway of Jones Creek; and sister Ada Baker of Lake Jackson, also by three grandchildren, Barry, Carrie, and Molly Phillips as well as a number of other relatives.

 

Visitation was held at the Bay City Funeral Home on Saturday from 3-9 p.m. Funeral services are Sunday, March 3, 2002 at 3 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Blessing with the Rev. Larry Swift officiating. Interment followed at Hawley Cemetery.

 

Services are under the direction of Bay City Funeral Home. A00014B2002MR03

 

The Bay City Tribune, Sunday, Mar 03, 2002

 


Sue Margaret Phillips

Cedavale Cemetery

Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

 

Sue Margaret Phillips

Mrs. Sue Margaret Phillips, 74, a resident of Bay City passed away suddenly Friday, July 3. She was born in Matagorda County in 1899 and had been residing at 3100 Ave K until the time of her death. Mrs. Phillips was the daughter of the late Maggie Dennis McGehee and John Crawford McGehee. She was known by her many friends for the years she spent caring for the sick and seeing that many under-privileged children were able to go to school. Besides the personal interest given to so many people Mrs. Phillips served as the Public School Nurse for the Galveston School district for over 32 years. She was also the first Public Health Nurse of Galveston County. Mrs. Phillips had the distinction of graduating from the first nursing class of the University of Texas School of Nursing in Galveston in 1919. She was a member of the Rebecca Lodge, the Eastern Star, and the Methodist Church of Galveston. Survivors include: 3 sisters, Mrs. Floyd Ryman, Mrs. Johnnie Peabody, and Thresa McGehee all of Bay City; 2 brothers, Saul McGehee of Wharton and Green McGehee of Rockport; 4 nieces and a number of other relatives. Funeral services were held Sunday, August 5, at the Bay City Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p. m. with Rev. James Thompson of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Interment was in the family plot at Cedarvale Cemetery with pallbearers being: Francis Savage, Lee Hand, Fred Walker, Fred Ballinger, Billy Mann Jr. and Bill Sirman. Services were under the direction of Dick R. Elkins, Bay City Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, August 16, 1973
 


Loula Sanford Pickel

Funeral services for Loula Pickel, 95, of Bay City were scheduled for 2 p. m. Saturday at First Christian Church with Glen Sedam officiating. Burial to follow in Hawley Cemetery, Blessing.

Mrs. Pickel was born May 31, 1893, in Kensington, Kan., and died March 16, 1989, at Matagorda General Hospital, Bay City.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Phyllis and Temple Sewell of Bay City; a daughter and son-in-law, Verna and Raymond Barker of Corpus Christi; a daughter, Shirley Pickel of Bay City; a sister, Faye Curtis of Bay City; sister-in-law, Lois Pickel of Bay City; a brother-in-law, Paul Pickel of Baytown; five grandchildren, Saundra and Gil McMillan of Weslaco, Sharon and Ray Stubbs of Bakersfield, Calif., and Ray Barker of Austin; two great-grandchildren, David Moreland of McAllen and Christopher Stubbs of Bakersfield, Calif., two nieces, Margaret Trull of Palacios and Mary Jo Poland of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and best friend, Frieda Tallas of Bay City.

Pallbearers include David Moreland, Gil McMillan, Ray Barker, Walter Calhoun, Preston Weeks and Bill Walker.

Services are under the direction of Dick R. Elkins, Bay City Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, March, 1989
 


Claud Edward Pickett

Funeral services for Mr. Claud Edward Pickett, 67, of Bay City will be held 4 p. m. Monday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. John Shubert officiating. Burial will be in Hawley Cemetery.

Mr. Pickett was born March 29, 1917, in Mexia, Texas, and died June 23, 1984, at Matagorda General Hospital. He was a member of the Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Beatrice B. Pickett of Bay City.

Other survivors include: three daughters, Robbie  Church of Webster, Mary Schubert of Willis, and Leta Collins of Bay City; four sons, Bobby McMinn of Dallas, Sidney McMinn of Bay City, Roy Pickett of Houston and James Pickett of Bay City; 14 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Paul Brewer, Dow Mangum, Earl T. Ward, Wade Ashcraft, Wyatt Ashcraft, Mig Dennard, O. K. Fickle and Jim Hicks.

Pallbearers will be Mike Wade, J. W. Luedke, Gary Pierce, Pete Hearn, Robert Williams, Johnny Williams and A. G. Clayton.

Arrangements were made with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, June, 1984
 


Abel Pierce - Hawley Cemetery
 


PIERCE, ABEL BROWN, SR.

A. B. Pierce Rites Set For Thursday At Blessing Home

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 25, at 4:00 p.m. at the family residence in Blessing for Abel Brown Pierce, 69, who died there Tuesday at 10:22 a.m.

Mr. Pierce had been a life-long resident of Matagorda county.

He is survived by his wife; two sons, A. B. Pierce, Jr., of Houston and Lee M. Pierce of the U. S. Navy; one sister, Mrs. Heffelfinger of Blessing; one half-brother, Jonathan Pierce of Houston.

Officiating at the funeral rites will be Rev. N. Chafee Croft of Angleton. Taylor Bros. will be in charge of burial in Hawley Cemetery.

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Wednesday, May 24, 1944, Matagorda County, Texas

 


"Shanghai" Pierce Is Dead
Famous Millionaire Stockman Of Texas Passes Away
His Wide Acquaintance Among Stockmen of a Poor Eastern Boy
Who Went to Texas in the '50's--Original of "Maverick Brander."

 

Pierce, Tex.--Dec. 26, (1900)--A. H. Pierce, the famous millionaire stockman of Pierce, Tex., better known as "Shanghai" Pierce, is dead of Bright's disease.

Mr. Pierce was a remarkable man in many respects and had a national reputation among stockmen and financiers. In his south he was given the soubriquet of "Shanghai" and it stuck to him through life. H possessed great business energy and accumulated a fortune variously estimated at from 4 to 5 million dollars.

Mr. Pierce was born in Rhode Island 66 years ago. He stood six feet four inches and weighed 275 pounds. He was one of a family of ten children, and at an early age was sent to live with an uncle in Virginia. At the age of 13, he ran away from his uncle's home and set out for Texas. He went to work on a farm, but left in disgust when he discovered that a Negro was worth more than a white man.

HIS START AS A COWBOY

Then "Shanghai" became a cowboy and gradually worked into the cattle business on his own account. When the Civil War came on the reputation of "Shanghai" as a cowman was so well established that a contract was made with him to supply the Texas command with beef.

Immediately after the close of the war Mr. Pierce formed a connection with the great firm of Allen & Poole. He traversed Texas for three years as the representative of the firm, buying droves of cattle and sending them to Galveston, where they were shipped to New Orleans. In 1869 this firm discontinued the business. Mr. Pierce drew out $100,000 as his share of the profits, and after puttering around several years he moved to Kansas and embarked in business on a large scale. Three years' experience in the Sunflower State convinced him that he was in the wrong pew, and it was only by exercising admirable business judgement that he managed to save himself from heavy loss. He returned to Texas and had made his home there ever since.

Mr. Pierce's landed estate covers 400,000 acres, and much of it is in rice land. It embraces more than one whole county, and the average Texas county is not small. In addition he owned 30,000 head of cattle. He made regular trips to Kansas City, and usually stayed at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Henry Withers. He last visited this city in August, and was then in good health.

Mr. Pierce, it is said, was the original of Colonel Maverick Brander, in the satirical play, "A Texas Steer," written by the last Charles Hoyt. Hoyt met Mr. Pierce several years before he wrote the play, it is related, and was so impressed by his characteristics that he made him the basis of the part of the big hearted Texan in the play.

Soon after the war Mr. Pierce married his first wife, Miss Lacy, who was a daughter of William Lacy, a member of the Texas congress and of President Sam Houston's cabinet during the days of the Republic. She was the mother of Mrs. Withers of Kansas City, Mr. Pierce's only child. Later he married a Miss James of Austin, Tex., who survives him.
 


Adelaide Emily Hall Pierce

Pierce (Mrs.) Adelaide Emily Hall, 82, died Tuesday afternoon in Matagorda General Hospital. Funeral services will be at 3 p. m. Thursday in St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Bay City with burial in Hawley Cemetery. The outstanding civic leader of Matagorda County was the widow of Abel Brown Pierce, who with his father, Jonathan Edwards Pierce, founded the town of Blessing. She is survived by two sons, Abel B. Pierce, Jr. of Houston and Lee Mudge Pierce of Blessing; six grandchildren, Lee Hall Pierce, Michael E. Pierce, Frederick Pierce of Blessing; Adelaide Harrison Pierce, Sally Jeannette Pierce, Jonathan L. Pierce of Houston; three great-grandchildren, Michael E. Pierce, Stacy Pierce, and Lee Edward Pierce of Blessing; and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be G. K. Nelson, J. E. Cornett, B. B. Rhodes, Richard Dawdy, Verner Bowers, and R. B. Trull. Honorary pallbearers are L. L. Rhodes, Wyatt O. Selkirk, Ben H. Wheeler Jr., A. R. Matthes, Frank Cobb, A. M. Logan, C. P. Butler, George L. Harrison, L. L. Chiles, and Paul J. Wheeler. Ushers will be Paul Braden and Thomas Holsworth. Funeral arrangements under direction of Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, October, 1967
 

 

Allen Pierce Dies From Poisoning
Live Oak Farm Man Takes Own Life.

Allen Pierce, age 33, died this morning at the Loos Hospital where he was carried yesterday morning suffering from lysol poisoning. The young man drank half a bottle of lysol, locked himself in a small house on the premises and set fire to the building. C. L. Rogers, bus driver for the Bowen Lines, saw the burning building and stopped to tender aid. It was then that Mrs. Pierce missed her husband and told Mr. Rogers that he must be in the building. Mr. Rogers broke into a window, forced himself in and carried Mr. Pierce from the burning structure, placed him in the bus and brought him to the Loos Hospital.

The young man died this morning. He is survived by his wife.

Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon from the family residence at Live Oak Farm.

The Matagorda County Tribune, February 28, 1935
 


Benjamin Bull Pierce

Benjamin Bull Pierce, 49, of Elkins Lake, died at his home Jan. 22, 1976. He was born Feb. 22, 1926 in Minneapolis, Minn. Survivors include his mother, Mrs. James Lawrence Pierce of Minneapolis, Minn.; one daughter, Miss Grace L. Pierce of Houston; one sister, Mrs. Sally McLaglen of Red Lodge, Mont.; and one brother, James L. Pierce of Minneapolis, Minn. Graveside services were held at the Hawley Cemetery Sunday, Jan. 25 with the Rev. Robert Tarbet officiating. Arrangements were with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, Jan, 1976
 

 

Son of Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Pierce Dies Suddenly

Clinton Lacy Pierce, fifteen-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Abel Pierce of Blessing, died suddenly yesterday, Thursday at 12:15 at the schoolhouse in Blessing, Texas. During the lunch hour the young man was playing with several of his school chums when he suddenly dropped dead. His death was attributed to heart trouble.

He is survived by his parents, and two brothers.

The funeral services, under the direction of Taylor Bros. will be held from the family residence in Blessing Saturday afternoon at 2:30. Mr. P. E. Engle will officiate. Burial will be in the Hawley Cemetery.

The Daily Tribune, January 18, 1934
 


Donald Yeatts Pierce

Funeral services for Donald Yeatts Pierce, 65, of Garrison, are scheduled for 2 p. m. Saturday, Aug. 13, 1994, at First Presbyterian Church in Palacios with the Rev. Doug Blanton officiating. Burial will follow in the Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.

Mr. Pierce was born April 4, 1929, in Palacios, to Abel Head and Stella Muriel Yeatts Pierce and died Aug. 10, 1994, in Garrison.

A retired accountant from Amaco Oil, he was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force, a resident of Palacios for the past 10 years and a member of the Presbyterian Church in Palacios and a member of the V.F.W. Post 2467 in Palacios.

Survivors include his wife, Helen Pierce of Garrison; a daughter, Robin Leanne Stevensen of Chicago, Ill.; two sons, Dennis Edward Pierce of Pine Hurst and Jay Abel Pierce of Sugarland; a sister, Grace Adams of Tyler; two brothers, Abel Pierce of Palacios and John Edward Pierce of Kenner, La. and 11 grandchildren.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home of Palacios

The Daily Tribune, August 11 or 12, 1994
 



Evelyn Pierce - Hawley Cemetery
 

 


Hall Edwards Pierce

Hall Edwards Pierce, age twenty-one years and two months, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Abel B. Pierce of Blessing, died on Nov. 24, 1932, at his home in Blessing, where he was born on Sept. 24, 1911.

Hall was a second year student at the University of Texas, where he was taking a course in engineering, hoping someday to be a designer of aeroplanes. He was president of the University Aeronautical Society.

He is survived by his parents, his three brothers, A. B. Pierce, Jr., Lee Mudge Pierce, and Clinton Lacy Pierce, by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Hall of St. Paul Minn., by three aunts, Mrs. Allen J. Smith of Philadelphia and Blessing, Mrs. W. W. Heffelfinger of Minneapolis, and Mrs. F. S. Van Bergen of St. Paul, also by an uncle, Mr. John Pierce of Palacios.

The burial took place on Saturday, Nov. 26 in the family cemetery at Hawley, near Tide Haven on the old Pierce Ranch.

Hall E. Pierce

The Tribune, Thursday, received the sad news of the death of Hall E. Pierce, son of Mr. and Mrs. Abel B. Pierce of Blessing, which occurred at his home in blessing following an illness of several weeks.

Hall was 21 years old and two months of age and was born and reared in Blessing. He was a student in the University of Texas and was making a splendid record when he was stricken and compelled to return home.

The end came at 5:30 Thanksgiving morn. The funeral is set for Saturday afternoon at 3 o’clock, with religious services at the home, the burial following immediately in the Hawley Cemetery, near Blessing.

This young man was the scion of one of the oldest and most prominent of South Texas’ families, of a sincere and studious nature and possessed of many sterling qualities. His friends amongst the old as well as the young are many. The sadness and regret over his untimely end is genuine and general in the hearts of all who knew him.

The Tribune joins the hosts of friends of Mr. and Mrs. Pierce in extending to them our sympathy in this, their darkest hour of trial.

El Maton

This community was filled with sorrow Friday when the news reached here of the death of Mr. Hall E. Pierce of Blessing. Mr. Pierce was a young man just entering into manhood. A fine youth and has many friends who regret his going. All was done that earthly hands could do but the powerful hand of God reached down to earth and said come up higher where all pain will be over. At the time Mr. Pierce took sick he was a student in the University of Texas. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Pierce of Blessing. Hall, as he was known among his friends, was a kind loving young man and if any one knew him they would love him. He leaves to mourn his going a kind loving father and mother and three kind brothers and other relatives and many friends. His body was laid to rest in the historical old cemetery at Hawley which was founded by his grandparents many years ago. The freshly molded grave was covered with the most beautiful cut flowers that eyes have ever seen. The funeral procession was the largest that has been led to Hawley for some years. We the people of El Maton which to extend to the bereaved loved ones our heart felt sympathy in this sad hour. Weep not kind friends, you can not call Hall back to you but you can go to him which is a great comfort. May God bless you all.

The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, December 1, 1932
 


Helen Louise Pierce

Helen Louise Pierce, age 71, passed away Monday, August 21, 2000. She was born November 24, 1928 in Lewisville, Arkansas to Herman and Dulcie Jones. Mrs. Pierce was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. During her lifetime she was actively involved as a literacy volunteer, and founded and directed programs in Matagorda County. Mrs. Pierce was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years. Donald Y. Pierce. She is survived by her daughter, Robin Stevinson and husband Dave; sons, Dennis Pierce and wife Debbie, and Jay Pierce and wife Peggy; sister, Billie Smith and husband Bill; brother, Don Jones and wife Lola; eighteen grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to visitation with the family from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Thursday, August 24, 2000 in the Chapel of The Settegast-Kopf Co. at Sugar Creek (Williams Trace Exit), with a Funeral Service to follow at 7:00 PM. Graveside Services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, August 24, 2000 at Hawley Cemetery
, in Blessing, Texas.

Newspaper and date unknown
 


James L. Pierce - Hawley Cemetery
 


Jedie Chiles “Pie” Pierce

Pierce, Mrs. Jedie Chiles “Pie”, of Blessing, passed away at age 49 in Matagorda General Hospital, October 17. Mrs. Pierce served as president of Blessing Community House and Library Association and the Cecil Lee Post – American Legion Auxiliary. She was active with the Matagorda County Historical Society, Matagorda County Council for Retarded Children and the Matagorda County Federation of Women’s Clubs. She is survived by her husband, Lee M. Pierce of Blessing; mother, Mrs. E. I. Chiles of Palacios; three sons: Lee Hall, Michael and Frederick Pierce of Blessing; two sisters: Mrs. Harry Tinsley of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and Mrs. R. E. Feather of Jackson, Michigan. Also, four brothers: F. M. Chiles, Odessa; L. L. Chiles of Brazoria; E. I. Chiles, Palacios, and G. A. Chiles, Sugarland. Also, three grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 19, 3:00 p. m., Taylor Brothers Chapel. Reverend James Abernathy of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Palacios, will officiate, and interment will be in Hawley Cemetery
, Blessing. Pallbearers will be: V. L. Bowers, C. P. Butler, L. L. Rhodes, G. K. Nelson, C. C. Mahrens and B. B. Rhodes. Honorary pallbearers will be: J. E. Cornett, A. R. Domorad, Melvin Lee, A. M. Logan, J. M. Hiltpold, T. L. Kassen, C. L. Thomas, Sr. and G. K. Heck. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, Palacios, or to the Hawley Cemetery Association. Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

The Daily Tribune, October 19, 1975
 


Mr. John Phillips Pierce Passes Away at El Campo

Mr. John Phillips Pierce, age 70 years, 4 months and 25 days, died at the El Campo Hospital, Sunday, April 30 at 3 a. m.

Mr. Pierce, son of the pioneer, John Pierce, is survived by his wife, of Palacios, one daughter, Mrs. W. L. Scarborough of Kenedy, Texas and four sons, Richard Lacy, A. H., J. E. and W. W. all of Palacios. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Grace Heffelfinger, and one brother, A. B. Pierce of Blessing. Another sister, Mrs. Pearl Pierce Smith, preceded him in death just a few weeks.

The services, under the direction of Masonic Lodge of Palacios, with Taylor Bros., in charge of the funeral were held Monday afternoon at 3:30 at Hawley Cemetery
.

The Daily Tribune, May 1, 1939
 


John Roy Pierce

Funeral services for John Roy Pierce, 42, of Palacios, will be held 2 p. m. Tuesday at Palacios Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Doug Blanton officiating. Burial will be in Hawley Cemetery, Blessing.

Mr. Pierce was born Nov. 7, 1942, to Abel H. and Lucille Wilkerson Pierce Jr. in Freeport, and died July 27, 1985, at his residence.

He was a member of the Presbyterian church.

Survivors include his father, Abel H. Pierce Jr. of Palacios; his mother, Lucille W. Coulter of Angleton; a daughter, Sandra Pierce of Norwalk, Calif., two sons, Donald Pierce of Norwalk, Calif, and John Roy Edes of Mission Viejo, Calif.; a sister, Martha Graeber of Patrick’s Air Force Base, Fla.; and a brother, Warren Edward Pierce of Heilbronn, West Germany.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Palacios.

The Daily Tribune, July, 1985
 


Obituary of J. E. Pierce

Jonathan Edwards Pierce was a son of J. E. and Hannah P. Pierce and was born in the State of Rhode Island on December 6, 1839, and grew to maturity in his native soil.

He came to Texas in the year 1860 and landed at Old Indianola, locating soon afterwards in Matagorda County where he resided until his death.

In 1866 he was united in marriage to Miss Nannie Lacy, and to this union there were born four children, all of whom survive him, they being John P. of Palacios, Miss Pearl (now Mrs. Allen J. Smith of Philadelphia), Abel B. Pierce of Blessing, and Miss Grace (now Mrs. W. W. Heffelfinger of Minneapolis). Mrs. Nannie Lacy Pierce died in February, 1896, and in July, 1897, Mr. Pierce was again married, his second wife being before her marriage Miss Grace Lawrence. To this union two children were born, namely, James L. Pierce, who survives, and Evelyn, who died in her infancy. Mrs. Grace Pierce died in October, 1900.

Mr. Pierce remained single for a number of years but was again married in February, 1911, to Miss Laura Duffield, who, together with one child born to this union, also survive him. This child is Jonathan E. Pierce, Jr. Mr. Pierce is also survived by Mrs. Wylie Kuykendall, a sister, who is the only member of his immediate family, besides his children, who is still living.

The decedent was prostrated by illness in October last and he had gradually become weaker until his final dissolution came about nine o’clock in the evening of March 19th at St. Mary’s Infirmary in the city of Galveston, whither he had gone for treatment.

The remains were conveyed to Blessing and placed in the home of his son, Abel B. Pierce, where they were viewed by scores of sorrowing and sympathizing friends. The interment took place at the Hawley Cemetery
 on the afternoon of April 1st. After a brief religious ceremony in the Hawley church the Masonic fraternity, of which the deceased was a true and faithful member, took charge and the body was buried with the beautiful ritualistic ceremonies of that order.

Present at the funeral and interment were the following persons from Bay City: Messrs. Sol J. Cleveland, Frank Vaughan, G. A. Moore, John W. Gaines, John M. Corbett, W. C. Carpenter, T. J. Poole and several others.

A pioneer citizen has gone to his reward, leaving behind a host of grief-stricken relatives and sorrowing friends.

The Matagorda County Tribune, April 9, 1915
 


Lee Mudge “Tick” Pierce

Funeral services for Lee M. “Tick” Pierce, 84, of Blessing, will be held at 4:00 PM Tuesday, July 14, 1998 at the Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Nick Novak officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery
, Blessing.

Pierce passed away July 12, 1998 in Bay City. He was born November 11, 1913 in Blessing to Abel Brown Pierce and Adelaide Hall Pierce. He attended Blessing Elementary School and graduated from St. James Episcopal School in Maryland.

Pierce joined the U. S. Navy during World War II and was stationed in the Pacific. He was a farmer, rancher and owner and operator of the Ace of Clubs Ranch and the Pierce Insurance Agency.

He was a member and was instrumental in the establishment of the American Legion Cecil Lee Post # 649, of Blessing and served as Commander, Adjutant, Treasurer and Judge Advocate. He was President of the Hawley Cemetery  Association in Blessing, he served on the Tidehaven I.S.D. School Board for fifteen years and was also School Board President.

Pierce was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church of Palacios and served as member of the Board of Vestry and served as Senior Warden for many years. He was a member of the Blessing Historical Foundation and a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas in Bay City.

Pierce is survived by his wife, Pauline Pekar Pierce of Blessing; by his sons and daughters-in-law: Lee Hall Pierce & wife Ona Lee of Blessing, Fredrick L. Pierce & wife Crystal of Blessing, and Yvonne Pierce of Blessing; by his Step-children, Jody & Raymond Matura of Pt. Lavaca and Carolyn & Eddie Heatwole of Houston; and by a brother: Abel B. Pierce & wife Ruth of Blessing.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Michael E. Pierce, Jr. & wife Jackie, Stacy G. Pierce Wolf & husband Joe, Lee Edward Pierce, Jedie L. Pierce, Sarena A. Pierce Williams & husband Travis, Sabrina L. Pierce, and Colton T. Pierce; by his step-grandchildren: Natalie Longacre & husband Wayne and Christe Heatwole; by his great grandchildren: Heather Pierce, Wendy Pierce, Michael Wolf, Phillip Zarate, Jr.; by his step-great grandchild: Mark Longacre.

He is preceded in death by a wife, Jedie Chiles Pierce in 1970, by a wife, Anna Marie Selman Pierce in 1990; by his children, Michael E. Pierce, Sr. and Mary Alice Pierce; and by his brothers: Hall Edwards Pierce and Clinton Lacy Pierce.

Pallbearers will be Lee Edward Pierce, Michael E. Pierce, Jr., Joe Wolf, Mel Anders, Emmitt Owen Chiles, and Lawrence Bartosh.

Honorary Pallbearers include the Members of the American Legion-Cecil Lee Post # 649, his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, and his Step-Grandchildren and Step-Great Grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to: Blessing Historical Foundation, P. O. Box 275 Blessing, TX 77419; Matagorda County Museum, 2100 Ave F. Bay City, TX 77414; or to the charity of choice.

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

The Daily Tribune, July 14, 1998
 


Mary Alice Pierce - Hawley Cemetery
 


Final Services Held Dec. 29 For Mrs. Mary Louise Keller Pierce

Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Louise Keller Pierce were held at the Taylor Brothers Funeral Chapel in Bay City, Friday, December 29 at 1 p. m. with Mr. David Mills officiating. Interment was in Hawley Cemetery
.

A native of Matagorda County and a resident of the Palacios area for more than 70 years, she was born October 12, 1870 and died December 27, 1961 in the Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City following an extended illness.

She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. W. T. Scarborough of Kenedy; three sons, John Edward, Abel H. and W. W. Pierce of Palacios and one brother, W. K. Keller of Midfield, a half sister, Mrs. Nona Barber of Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, January 4, 1962
 


Michael Edwards Pierce

Funeral services for Michael Edwards Pierce Sr., 53, of Blessing will be held 4 p. m. today at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Karl Choate officiating. Burial will be at Hawley Cemetery, Blessing.

Mr. Pierce was born July 12, 1939 in Bay City to Lee M. and Jedie Chiles Pierce and he died Sept. 12, 1992 at Matagorda General Hospital

He was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Palacios, a lifelong resident of Blessing, a graduate of Tidehaven High School, superintendent of WCID #5 and a rancher. He was a member of Cecil Lee American Legion Post 649 and the Blessing Volunteer Fire Department.

Survivors include his wife, Yvonne “Tiny” Pierce of Blessing; his father and stepmother, Lee M. “Tick” and Polly Pierce of Blessing; a daughter and son-in-law, Stacy and Joe Wolf of Windthorst; a son and daughter-in-law, Mike E. and Jackie Pierce Jr. of Blessing; two brothers, Lee Hall Pierce and Frederick “Pokey” Pierce, both of Blessing and two granddaughters, Heather and Wendy Pierce of Blessing.

Mr. Pierce was preceded in death by his mother, Jedie Chiles Pierce in 1970.

Pallbearers will be Lawrence Bartosh, John Graff, Jim Davant, Scott Jackson, Earl Foster, Billy Jalufka Sr., Henry Day and Joe Glenn Sliva Sr. Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Hlozek, Fred Everett Rickaway, Tony Alvarado, Ed Armstrong, C. B. Cairnes and Clifton Thomas Sr.

In lieu of the usual remembrances, memorials may be made to the Hawley Cemetery Association.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, September 14, 1992
 


Nancy Deborah Lacy Pierce
Mrs. J. E. Pierce

Pierce, Tex., Feb. 22.—Mrs. J. E. Pierce of Deming’s Bridge departed this life on February 15, 1896. By her death Matagorda county loses one of its most benevolent and charitable women. She was a lady of Texas birth; her maiden name was N. D. Lacy. Her father, W. D. Lacy, was prominently known in Kentucky. He came to Texas with the famous Stephen F. Austin’s colony and was a signer of the declaration of Texas independence. Her husband, Mr. J. E. Pierce, and her interesting family of four children, Jonathan P., Pearl L., A. B.  and Grace H., all of whom reside at Deming’s Bridge, survive her. Mrs. Pierce has been noted for her life’s devotion to her family and for her fervent love of religion. She was by faith a Baptist, and the church of which she was the main promulgator stands as a worthy monument of the zeal of this noble woman. Besides her bereaved family, she leaves a host of sorrowing friends, whose eulogy with one consent is contained in the words:

“None saw her but love her, None knew her but to praise.”
God has, in His infinite mercy, seen fit to call His servant home and our one prayer is that she is being tenderly ministered to by His angels.

Newspaper unknown
 


Richard Lacy Pierce - Hawley Cemetery
 


Stella Yeatts Pierce

Funeral services for Stella Y. Pierce, 85, of Tyler, were held at 1 p. m. today at First Baptist Church, Palacios, with the Rev. Jay Gross officiating. Burial was in Hawley Cemetery, Blessing.

Mrs. Pierce was born Oct. 5, 1899, in Nevada, Texas, and died Jan. 25, 1985, in a Tyler hospital following a lengthy illness.

She was a retired school teacher and a matron of the Order of Eastern Star.

Survivors include three sons, Abel Pierce of Palacios, John Pierce of New Orleans, La., and Donald Pierce of Tulsa, Okla.; one daughter, Mrs. Walter H. Adams of Tyler; one brother, Cecil Yeatts of Meadow, Texas; two sisters, Jane Wade of Brownsville and Lois Yeatts of Lubbock; 14 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

The Daily Tribune, January, 1985

 


Blanca Garza Pina
Dec. 28, 1936 - Sept. 21, 2009

Blanca Garza Pina, 72, of Bay City, passed away Monday, September 21, 2009 in Houston, TX. She was born December 28, 1936 in Edinburg, Texas to Juan Garza and Felipa Munoz Garza.

She was a resident of Bay City for the past 46 years and a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church of Bay City.

She is survived by: her husband, Adan Ortega Pina of Bay City; her daughter, Shirley Miller and husband James of Wimberly; her son, Adam Pina and wife Dawnah of Bay City; by her sisters, Carmen Gamboa of South Houston, Alvesa Mata of Fresno, California, Amparo Garcia of San Isidro; by brothers, Sejia Garza of Richmond, Llenol Garza and Juna Garza, both of San Isidro; and by six grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by a son, Joab Pina and a sister, Marina Longoria.

The Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, September 24, 2009 at the funeral home.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, September 25, 2009 at Holy Cross Catholic Church of Bay City with the Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating.

Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery, Bay City, Texas.

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.

Bay City Tribune, Published September 23, 2009
 

 

Peggy Lawson Pittman
May 3, 1942 – Oct. 9, 2008


Peggy Lawson Pittman, 66, of Boling died October 9, 2008.

She was born May 3, 1942 in Houston, Texas to J. Sewell and Margaret Hill Lawson. She attended WCTC A and I in Kingsville; worked as librarian and substitute teacher in Bay City and Van Vleck ISD’s and owned and operated Pittman’s Variety Store in Palacios and Pittman’s Grocery in Boling.

Her father and her husband Charlie D. Pittman both preceded her in death.

Survivors include: her mother, Margaret Lynn of Palacios; daughter, Sissy P. and Brett S. Taylor; son, Charles Luther and wife Rhonda Pittman; grandchildren, Nicklos, Roxanne and Colton Pittman and Kacy and Kory Taylor and step-children, Rick Daughtery and Karen Daughtery Pierce and their families.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Palacios Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 11, 2008 at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev.’s Andy and Janell Blair officiating. Interment will follow at the Palacios Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be John Toellner, Charles Taylor, J. W. Luedcke, Jimmy Neeley, James Janeck and Dan Tucker.

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

Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home. 361-972-2012.

 

Bay City Tribune, Published October 12, 2008

 


BILLY PLAGERMANN IS DEAD.

The sad news that Mr. Plagermann died this morning at 6 o'clock in San Antonio came over the wire to the many, many friends of his and his family. Mr. Plagermann had been in dreadful health for many months, but had regained his strength to a remarkable degree and had returned to his work in Houston some three weeks ago. He contracted pneumonia and last Friday his wife took him back to San Antonio to the doctors who had been caring for his during his prolonged illness, hoping they might help him again, but not so--his condition grew worse till Monday, November 25, the end came and Billy Plagermann is no more.

He was a man of jolly, jovial nature, and a popular one with his associates. He was a competent business man, and a friend to his friends. His going over means one ore desolated home, one more heart-broken wife, three fatherless children, and a host of friends saddened.

For the wife, the girls and "little Billy," Bay City friends feel sympathy and sorrows. Just one more to answer "present" at the roll call "over yonder" this morning. May a loving Father care for those left behind.

A Friend.

Matagorda County Tribune, Friday, November 29, 1918

W. H. Plagermann.

Shiner, Texas, November 26--The funeral of W. H. Plagermann of Bay City was held here Tuesday from the M. E. Church. Mr. Plagermann was widely known throughout the Texas rice belt, having represented the Standard Milling Company of Houston for about 20 years. He is survived by his wife, who was formerly Miss Cecil Habermacher, daughter of Judge and Mrs. J. C. Habermacher of this place; also two daughters, Ella E, age 14, and Annie Louise, age 12, and a little son, age 2 years. Mr. Plagermann was 39 years old.

Matagorda County Tribune, Friday, November 29, 1918
 


Terri Jo Plant
(April 8, 1955 - November 3, 2010)

Terri Jo Plant, 55, of Bay City passed away November 3, 2010. She was born April 8, 1955 in San Angelo, Texas to the late Harold Wagnon & Jo Nell Price Wagnon. She worked as Service Support Administrator for STP.

Survivors include her husband Ronnie W. Plant of Bay City; son Keith Robert Williams & wife Bonnie of Bay City; brother Bennie Frank Wagnon & wife Vivian of Bay City; uncle Lenny Tyler and one grandson Kyle Williams.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 6pm to 8pm Friday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Saturday, November 6, 2010 at the First Baptist Church in Van Vleck with Rev. Bob Hobbins officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or any Cancer Research Program.

www.taylorbros.net


 


Edna L. Plunkett
(December 16, 1921 - January 16, 2008)

Edna L. Plunkett, 86, of Bay City, passed away Wednesday, January 16, 2008. She was born December 16, 1921 in Troy, TN to Carl Leroy Lasley and Clara Cravens Lasley. She was a resident of Bay City for the past six years, a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, and a member of the VFW Post 2438 Ladies Auxiliary.

She is survived by her husband: Roy H. Plunkett of Bay City; by daughter: Gail P. Weber & husband Mark of Houston; her son: Alan Wayne Plunkett of Bay City; by a sister: Elsie McKeethan of Lenoir City, TN; a brother: Charles Lasley of Sunset, LA; and by 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son: Gerald Leroy Plunkett; her parents: Carl L. and Clara C. Lasley; and a sister: Ruth Armstrong.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, January 19, 2008 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church with Rev. Tom Morgan officiating. Interment will follow at Sweeny Cemetery in Sweeny, TX. Pallbearers will be Alan "Tank" Plunkett, Zach Hayes, Shannon Harper, Norman Steen, Gary Kaiser and Keith Hatton.

www.taylorbros.net
 


Jurldean "Jerry" Poe
(February 7, 1925 - January 6, 2009)

Jurldean “Jerry” Poe, of Hot Springs, AR, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2009. She was born February 7, 1925 in Little Rock, AR.

After graduating from Mt. St. Mary, she spent most of her adult life in Texas. She was an avid golfer and won many tournaments and state titles in Texas, before retiring to Hot Springs. She continued to play golf at Belvedere Country Club, and served on several committees for ladies golf tournaments that supported local charities. She was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church.

Jerry was preceded in death by her mother and father, Minnie Porter Poe and Artho Poe, by two brothers, Hurston and O’Brien Poe, and a sister, Oletha Pumphrey. She is survived by a brother, John F. Poe and his wife Karen of Hot Springs, AR, and many nephews and nieces in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Illinois.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM Monday, January 12, 2009 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Dr. Joseph Cannon officiating. Interment followed at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.taylorbros.net.

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

Bay City Tribune, January 14, 2009                           Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 


Castle Jack Pogue

Castle Jack Pogue, 80, a resident of Clute for four years died Saturday, September 2 in a Clute nursing home. He was born January 25, 1898 in Mississippi and was a World War I veteran. Graveside services and interment was held 3:00 p. m. Tuesday, September 5 at Hawley Cemetery, in Blessing. Rev. John Tripp officiated. Funeral arrangements were with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, September, 1978
 


LAWRENCE C. POINTER
 

BAY CITY - Funeral services for Lawrence C. Pointer 79, of Bay City will be Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008, at 2 p.m. at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Bay City with Dr. T. L. Richardson officiating. Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery.

He was born Dec. 1, 1928, to the late Lena Chapel and Willie Pointer and died Aug. 17, 2008. He was a former member of Enterprise Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. Pointer and later joined the New Hope Baptist Church Family.

He leaves to mourn his loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Lavern Williams Pointer; children, Ingrid Pointer Smith (Douglas), Monica Pointer, Adam Pointer Sr. (Judy), all of Bay City, Charles Kelley Pointer (Pam) of Houston, Willie Pointer (Linda) of Bernice, La., and Regina Perryman (Harry) of San Antonio; 20 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and children, Lawrence Pointer and James Hardison.

Viewing will be Friday from 3-8 p.m. at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Bay City.

Final arrangements entrusted to Green's Mortuary at 979-245-3489.


Published in the Victoria Advocate on 8/21/2008
               Marker photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

 

 


Louise Socha Pointer
(December 6, 1911 - February 9, 2006)

Louise Socha Pointer, 94, of Bay City passed away Thursday, February 9, 2006. She was born December 6, 1911 in El Campo, TX to Adolf & Beatrice Chambless Socha. Louise was married to George Pointer on March 20, 1929. To this union was born two sons, Robert and Arlye.

Louise and her son and daughter-in-law, Robert & Barbara Pointer, owned and operated Pointers Drapery and Upholstery for thirty eight years. She was a charter member of Calvary Baptist Church, a diligent prayer warrior, and worked in many departments of the church over the years. After becoming legally blind, she continued her work by sending cards, call, and crocheting lap robes for friends and shut-ins. She was a great inspiration to friends and family by her will to keep going.

She is survived by her 2 grandsons: Larry Pointer & wife Kimberly, of Belton, TX and formerly of Port Lavaca, and Ron Pointer and wife Brenda of Allen, TX; her sisters: Lillian Graham of Bay City and Jane Wendt of Sargent; by her great grandchildren: Erik, Christina, Alyssa, Stephanie, Ryan, & Melanie; and by her great-great granddaughter: Madison Anne; and by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Pointer; and by her sons and daughter-in-law: Robert & Barbara Pointer and Arlye Pointer.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, February 11, 2006 at the Calvary Baptist Church of Bay City with Rev. Chester Sassman officiating. Interment will be at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City. Pallbearers will be Roger Gay, W. J. Clayton, Marion Coker, David Orr, Wayne Cox, & Greyson Smith.

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

www.taylorbros.net
 

 

Ima Jene Wilson Polensky
Aug. 21, 1922 – July 8, 2008


Ima Jene Wilson Polensky, 85, of El Campo passed away July 8, 2008.

She was born August 21, 1922 in Commerce, Texas to the late Homer and Josie Lena Nabers.

She was a member of Memorial Baptist Church in El Campo; member of the Bay City Art League; and former member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed painting many beautiful pictures as her hobby.

She was preceded in death by: her first husband, Joe “Pop” Wilson; daughter, Betty J. Smithey, and brother Tracy Nabers.

Survivors include: her present husband, Lawrence Polensky of El Campo; step-son, Russell Polensky of Arizona; grandson, Ray and Sherry Smithey of Bay City; great granddaughter, Nikki Smithey of Bay City and brother J. L. Nabors of Sulphur Springs, Texas.

Funeral service was at 10 a.m. Friday, July 11, 2008 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Bob Hobbins officiating.

Interment followed at
Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, July 11, 2008 at the Memorial Baptist Church in El Campo.

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 13, 2008          Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

 

 



Lawrence Polensky

(December 30, 1915 - January 12, 2014)

Lawrence Polensky, 98, of El Campo passed away January 12, 2014. He was born December 30, 1915 in Wharton, TX to the late Antone Michael Polensky and Mary Anne Luczak Polensky.

He was preceded in death by his wives Eloise Sparks Polensky and Ima Jean Polensky as well as siblings Johnnie Polensky, Rose Lee Williams, Frances Jurek, Stanley Polensky, Eddie Polensky and Rudolph Polensky . Survivors include his son Russell Polensky of Florence, Arizona; sister Beatrice Duzan of Saginaw, TX and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM Tuesday at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Interment will be 9:00 AM Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck, TX with a memorial service following at 11:00 AM at Memorial Baptist Church in El Campo, TX. Pallbearers will be Mike Gingrich, James Kana, Jerry Bell, Mike Bell, Bobby Bell and Carlos Montalvo. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of his Sunday School Class at Memorial Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in his name to Memorial Baptist Church; PO Box 1045; El Campo, TX 77437.

Bay City Tribune, January 15, 2014                Eloise Polensky               Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

 

Lillian Polensky
May 30, 1924 - March 18, 2009


Lillian Polensky, 84, formerly of Port Lavaca, passed away March 18, 2009 in Bay City.

She was born May 30, 1924 in Leroy, Texas to the late Frank and Bessie Tomasek Fojtik.

Her husband Edward Polensky preceded her in death in 1988.

Survivors include: daughter, Nancy and Joe Novak of El Campo; sons, Don and Linda Polensky of Alvin and Ray and Rita Polensky of Port Lavaca; sisters, Mary Valka of Pt. Arthur, Agnes Fikes of Edna, Hattie Poole of San Antonio and Betsy Hutson of Sweeny; brothers, Jimmy Fojtik of Bay City and Albert Fojtik of Edna; grandchildren, Misty Rasmussen, Megan Novak, Christi Korenek, Ray Polensky, Jr., Shanda Polensky and Jarrod Polensky and great grandchildren, Kyle and Julia Rasmussen, Jordane and Kaleigh Polensky.

A rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2009 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2009 at Holy Cross Catholic Church.

Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Jarrod Polensky, Ray Polensky, Jr., Ron Korenek, Mark Rasmussen, Joe Valka, Loddie Valka, Steve Valka and Louis John Fojtik.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ricky Poole, Gary Poole, Jeff Poole, Robert Fojtik, Tommy Fikes, Auddie Hutson, Gordon Hutson and Michael Fojtik.

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 22, 2009                          Edward Polensky                    Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

 

 


EARLINE HAYNES POLK

PALACIOS - Funeral services for Earline Haynes Polk, 87, of Palacios, will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 20, at Agape Family Outreach Church in Palacios, with Pastor Eric Young, eulogist. Burial will follow at Palacios Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. in the Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home chapel in Bay City.

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

Published in Victoria Advocate on November 19, 2010
 


ROBERT LEE POLK SR.


PALACIOS - Funeral services for Robert Lee Polk Sr. of Palacios, who passed away Aug. 12, 2008, will be held Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008, at 2 p.m., at New Pilgrim Rose Baptist Church, Palacios, with the Rev. Leroy Monroe, eulogist. Burial will follow at Palacios Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday from 2 until 8 p.m. at the chapel.

Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Equella Goodall (and Larry) of Palacios; and two sons, Robert Lee Polk Jr. of Houston and Anthony Ray Polk of El Paso; five sisters, Velma Jedkins, Hattie Collins, Bessie Boone, Annie Thomas and Olivia King; and one brother, Dwight Polk; and other relatives.

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

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 8/22/2008

 


Hudson Don Pollard

Services will be held for Hudson D. Pollard, 76, of Bay City, 4 p. m. today (Friday) at the First Baptist Church.

Officiating at the services will be the Dr. W. D. Baker of First Baptist Church.

Pollard died February 23, 1983 at Matagorda General Hospital.

Survivors include wife, Irma J. Pollard of Bay City; sons, Hudson Donald Pollard of Bay City, D’Janin Pollard of Alvin; daughter, Lena Maude Shaffer of Bay City; brother, W. Q. Pollard of Bellaire; sister, Mrs. A. H. White of Cape Royale on Lake Livingston; 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren.

The Daily Tribune, February, 1983
 


Glen Leroy Pore

Glen Leroy Pore, 61, a resident of Palacios passed away at the Wagner General Hospital March 29. Survivors include: wife, Mrs. Eula Pore of Palacios; mother, Mrs. Ivona Pore of Edinburg; 2 daughters, Mrs. Walter Weakley of Robstown and Mrs. Don Detherow of Palacios; 2 brothers, Ray Pore of Edinburg and Eli Pore Jr. of Corpus Christi; 6 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 31, at 10 a. m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Palacios with Rev. James Abernathey officiating. Interment will be at the Hawley Cemetery. Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to M. D. Anderson Cancer Society Institution or your favorite charity.

The Daily Tribune, March, 1973
 

BAY CITY - Erma Lee Portee, 70, of Bay City, formerly of Allenhurst, died Monday, March 27, 2006.

She was born Oct. 3, 1935, in Allenhurst to Tommie Sr. and Mary Washington Abbott.

Survivors: husband, Isaac Portee; daughter, Patricia Portee; sisters, Cassie Abbott of Bay City and Earline Abbott of New York; brothers, Tommie Abbott Jr. of Ashwood and Robert Lee Abbott of New York; three grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Visitation will be 3-9 p.m. today at Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home chapel.

Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at New Hope Baptist Church, the Rev. T. L. Richardson officiating.

Burial will follow at Ashwood Cemetery. Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, Bay City, 979-245-5197.

Victoria Advocate, March 31, 2006
 


Roger James Porter


 


Burton "Burt" William Post
(February 10, 1976 - March 2, 2010)

Burton “Burt” William Post, 34, of Baytown, TX passed away Tuesday, March 2, 2010. He was born February 10, 1976 in Cincinnati, OH. He was a former resident of Bay City, a 1994 graduate of Bay City High School, and a former member of the Bay City Volunteer Fire Dept. He has resided in Baytown for the past 11 years, and was a District Manager for Rent-A-Center, and a member of Marantha Church in Mt. Belvieu, TX.

He is survived by his wife, Angela Post and children Gabrielle Post and Samantha Franco; his parents, Cheryl & Ray Mitchell of Wadsworth; his father: Burton E. Post of Bay City; maternal grandparents: William & Audrey Davis of Grand Rapids, MI; his sisters: Heather & Eddy Salazar of Deltona, FL and Heidi & Rick Jones of Richland, WA; uncle: Rick & Lynn Davis of Ada, MI; aunt: Beverly & Dan Schreiner of Houston, TX: nieces: Lyncoln & Nicolette Standley of Richland, WA; nephews Kiel Standley of Richland, WA and Luke & Ross Fulton Deltona, FL. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents: S. Burton & Nadine Post.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Trice officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City.

Memorials may be made in his name to: Texas Blessings, P.O. Box 209, Blessing, TX 77419 www.texasblessing.com.

Bay City Tribune, Sunday, March 7, 2010


 

POWELL, Henry Edward, 60, passed away Tuesday morning in Blessing. Powell was an oil gauger for the Blaine-Dunbar Co. and had been a resident of Blessing since 1938. Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. in the Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. James E. Scott and Aubry Maxted officiating. Interment will be in Hawley Cemetery. Powell is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mae Powell of Blessing; one daughter, Mrs. Frances Mae Witham of Houston; one grandson, Walter Powell Witham of Houston; two sisters, Mrs. Emma Stephenson of Kilgore and Mrs. Maggie Brooks of Tomball; and three brothers, Joel Herman Powell of Blessing and Gussie and Roye Lee Simpson of Palacios. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, November 15, 1967, Matagorda County, Texas


Melanie Faye Powell
(April 4, 1983 - May 23, 2010)

Melanie Faye Powell, 27, of Bay City passed away May 23, 2010. She was born April 4, 1983 in Bay City, TX. Melanie was a good friend to so many people. She worked at Matagorda nursing and Rehabilitation Center and was dedicated to her work. She took a loving interest in all of her resident patients. Melanie also went to the Culinary School of Cooking. She loved to cook. In her teens Melanie, sister Ashley, Charity Green Fernandez & Chelsea Green Hale would play Iron Chef in the family kitchen. Most of the time the food was pretty good, but at times the food just stuck to the pan, spoon and all, but they always smiled about their cooking results. Melanie and Charity where also know as The Wadsworth Domino Champs, rarely loosing a game.

She was preceded in death by her Great Grandmother and namesake, Faye Ester Spencer of Bay City; grandparents J. D. & Beatrice Powell of Pasadena and uncle James Ross Warren of Bay City.

Survivors include her mother and step-father Leisa Powell Presley & Jesse Presley of Bay City; father and step-mother Gary & Sherri Powell of Selkirk; brother & sister-in-law Kent & Crystal McDonald of Wharton; sister Ashley Powell of Wadsworth & her fiancé Jeff Wagnon of Bay City; nephew Hunter Bruening of Wadsworth; step-sisters Daphne Deprich & husband Tim of Matagorda and Ashley Krobot of Matagorda; nephew John Krobot also of Matagorda; step-grandparents Barbara Presley McGee & Claude McGee of Bay City; Aunts & Uncles Jime & D. J. Powell of Austin, Charles Hargrove & Alan Warren of Bay City, Sandra Archacki & husband Richard of Sugar Land & Patricia Frick & husband Otto of Bay City; Cousins Kerri, Nikki, Cody, Amber Dawn, Kimberly Ottis, James Lee, James Alan, Macy Ann & Rusty. Melanie had many friends that she really loved, Momma T, Kendal, Clara, Sonya, Jared, Misty, Tabatha, Billy, Ty and so many more. Thanks to you all for your love and support.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 6pm to 8pm Wednesday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Thursday, May 27, 2010 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Chester Sassman officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.

The Bay City Tribune, Wednesday, May 26, 2010
 


TOMMYE RAYE POWELL

 

Tommye Raye Powell, 61, of Blessing, died March 7, 2002 at her residence. She was born August 13, 1940 in Bay City to Willis and Etta Marie Nash Epperson. Ms. Powell was a member of the First Baptist Church of Blessing and a life long resident of Blessing.

 

Survivors include: parents, Willis and Etta Marie Epperson of Blessing; daughter and son-in-law, Samantha and Derril Franzen of Collegeport; son, Sammy Powell of Nashville, Tenn.; sister and brother-in-law, Ginger and Victor Joe Zemanek of Hurst, Texas; granddaughters, Stephanie and Savannah Franzen of Collegeport; nephew, Greg Zemanek of Dallas; and niece Tracy Lipperdt of Keller, Texas.

 

Funeral services will be 4 p.m. Sunday, March 10, 2002 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with the Rev. Larry Swift officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery.

 

Pallbearers will be G.W. Franzen, Wesley Franzen, Joe Jenkins, Homer Green, Greg Zemanek, and Glenn Lipperdt.

 

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00014B2002MR10

 

The Bay City Tribune, Sunday, March 10, 2002

 


MARY ANN PRICE

A memorial service for Mary Ann Price will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010 at Trinity Baptist Church.

The church will be providing a dinner after the service.

Mary Ann was a long time resident of Palacios, Tx. She passed on Feb. 17, 2010 in her daughter’s home with her husband at her side.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Roy Price; her children Randall Price and Wanda Price Stevens; and granddaughters Niccole Stevens Hill, Alyssa Stevens and Lyla Mae Price. Mary Ann has brothers, a sister, nieces, nephews, and many friends in the Asheville, NC area.

The Palacios Beacon, Wednesday, February 24, 2010
 


Glen M. Prinzing

Graveside services for Glen M. Prinzing, 78, of Markham, were held at 1 p. m. today at Hawley Cemetery, Blessing.

Mr. Prinzing was born Sept. 26, 1906, in St. Paul, Minn., and died June 26, 1985, at El Campo Memorial Hospital, El Campo.

Survivors include a son, Glen S. Prinzing of Markham; four sisters, Mildred Moorman of Winter Haven, Fla., Lucille Chedester and Ardis Serafin of Birmingham, Mich., and Gladys Rogers of Odem; a brother, Dan Prinzing of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.

The Daily Tribune, June, 1985
 


Glen Sam Prinzing

Letter to the Editor
Bay City Tribune, - Sep 15, 2013

Memories Of Sam Prinzing Live On

On Aug. 25, 2011 Glen Sam Prinzing was killed on his 302-acre farm which bordered the western edge of Markham. Sammy, as he was known to friends, was born on Nov. 8, 1932. His mother, dad and grandfather moved from Minnesota to Palacios in the early 1940s. Sammy went to school in Palacios until his family moved to the family farm on the edge of Markham. He finished high school in Bay City and then went to the University of Texas to receive his mechanical engineering degree.

Sammy’s father ran Coastal Farm Supply in Bay City, and when they moved to the farm and began farming rice he closed his business and devoted all his time to farming. After graduating, Sammy came home and farmed on the family farm until his latter years, when he leased his land to others.

Sammy’s dad’s name was Glen Melville and his mother’s was Syneva Prinzing.

Sammy was the most compassionate and tender hearted man his friends had every known. He would not kill or harm any living creature nor would he cut down a tree, unless it was absolutely necessary. He was an extremely intelligent individual and could talk and debate on any subject for hours. He was a collector of foreign cars and motorcycles and was a student of the Bible spending hours talking with friends about it.

Sammy’s death was a very difficult case for our law enforcement officers but their dedication and tireless efforts were rewarded with the capture of the suspects as revealed in the September 8th edition of the Bay City Tribune.

On behalf of his family and friends we would like to thank all those involved in apprehending those involved in Sammy’s death.

Louis Kopnicky
Markham, Texas

Markham man found dead by neighbor
Heather Menzies – Bay City Tribune, Aug 27, 2011

Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a robbery/homicide after a 78-year-old Markham man was found dead in his home around 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25.

Glen Sam Prinzing was found dead in his home by a concerned neighbor who went to check on the man, said Suzan Thompson, Matagorda County Justice of the Peace pct. 2.

“Apparently the neighbor has not seen him in a couple of days and he thought that was very rare,” said Thompson.

“He walked over and found him —apparently there was a blunt-force trauma to the head.”

Thompson performed inquest on the man at 11:45 p.m. and ordered an autopsy to be performed by the Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office. Results were not available at press time.

The lead detective on the case is Sgt. Doug Pruitt, of the MCSO, and Texas Rangers are assisting with the investigation.

No further information could be obtained. Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office spokespeople did not return phone calls at press time.

Three men charged in 2011 murder
Barry Halvorson – Bay City Tribune, Sep 8, 2013

Two men have been arrested on capital murder charges while a third man is waiting to be served with a grand jury indictment in connection with the murder of Markham resident Glen Sam Prinzing.

Prinzing, 78 at the time of his death, was found deceased in his barn near Markham on Aug. 25, 2011 according to a Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office news release.

On Friday, Aug. 30, the murder charges were handed down in the form of sealed indictments against three individuals, the release said.

Arrested in the case have been Robert Kotlar, 55, of Houston and Michael Horton Sr., 33, of Bay City. At last report, Kotlar and Horton were in custody in the Matagorda County Jail. Each is being held on a $2,000,000 bond.

The third person indicted in connection with Prinzing’s death has been identified as Christopher Evans, 23, of Austin. The release stated Evans is in custody in the Travis County Jail on other charges. A detainer was placed on Evans for capital murder from Matagorda County. The release says the indictment will be served on Evans when the charges from Travis County are completed and he is transported to Matagorda County.

In response to an email request, Matagorda County District Attorney Steven Reis said the case was presented to grand jury through Texas Ranger David Chauvin. He said there is no probable cause affidavit as the arrest was pursuant to the grand jury indictment.

“This has been an ongoing investigation since the date of the reported homicide,” Reis wrote. “And I personally appreciate the tenacity shown by all the investigators involved.”

The indictments were based on the investigation that started with the discovery of Prinzing’s death.

The release states Sgt. Doug Pruitt was assigned as the lead investigator in the case during the initial investigation. At the time, Sheriff’s Capt. Richard Rooth requested help in the investigation from Texas Ranger, David Chauvin. The release states that Pruitt along with Chauvin investigated the case until all leads were exhausted.

This case went cold until 2013 when new information was obtained. According to the sheriff’s office, after many long hours and days of tedious work, the new information resulted in the grand jury indictments.

According to a Bay City Tribune story from Aug. 27, 2011, Matagorda County Justice of the Peace Pct. 2 Suzan Thompson said Prinzing was found dead in his home by a concerned neighbor who went to check on the man,

“Apparently the neighbor has not seen him in a couple of days and he thought that was very rare,” said Thompson.

“He walked over and found him — apparently there was a blunt-force trauma to the head.”

Thompson performed inquest on the victim and ordered an autopsy to be performed by the Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office.

In the news release, Matagorda County Sheriff Skipper Osborne said when he took office one of his priorities was to revisit cold cases and to utilize new tools and technologies. He said he was proud of the arrests and grateful for the assistance and hard work of Texas Rangers David Chauvin and Kip Westmorland, and the DPS crime lab.

Defendants in Prinzing murder plead guilty
Dwight Baker – Bay City Tribune, May 6, 2016

Three defendants charged in the murder of a Markham resident in August 2011 pled guilty in the 130th District Court Thursday.

Robert Kotlar pled guilty to the murder of Glen Sam Prinzing, which occurred Aug. 24, 2011 in a barn at Prinzing’s home in Markham. Michael Horton pled guilty to a lesser charge of burglary earlier this year and Christopher Evans pled guilty to aggravated robbery in late March of this year.

According to court documents, a neighbor thought it odd he hadn’t seen Sammy, as he was known, in several days. Upon investigation, the body was discovered in a farmhouse on the property with obvious blunt-force head trauma.

Local and state investigators found little evidence other than bloody prints on a barn door they couldn’t match. The case went cold for nearly two years until investigators received an anonymous tip.

While high on drugs, Kotlar let slip to a friend that he and two accomplices had broken into Prinzing’s farmhouse to commit burglary and killed the owner in the process. Kotlar violated his parole from another crime and authorities matched his prints to the crime scene.

Kotlar escaped detection by using several aliases including “Murdock” and “Paul Wayne Conners.” Kotlar’s lengthy rap sheet included previous arrests for burglary, larceny, theft, forgery, drug possession, resisting an officer and giving false information to police.

Matagorda County District Attorney Steven Reis acknowledged the additional help of Texas Rangers David Chauvin and Kip Westmoreland as “witnesses and evidence was scattered from Bay City to Markham to Austin.”

The case was further hindered by additional scientific testing that was requested by defense counsel. The evidence was sent to the Houston Department of Public Safety crime laboratory twice, then to another DNA lab with even more capabilities than the Houston lab.

“The purpose of the testing was to more closely determine the level of culpability for each of the three defendants,” said Reis. “Once all the testing results were finally obtained and reviewed by the prosecutors and the three different defense attorneys, plea negotiations began in earnest in the closing months of 2015.”

The court found Kotlar committed the actual murder using a pipe he found on the property, leading prosecutors to believe Evans and Horton didn’t think murder was the plan that day, only burglary.

“These cases never have a ‘happy ending’ because they are brought about by terrible events,” said Reis. “In this instance, all three men acknowledged guilt and accepted their punishment. Sadly, that cannot bring Mr. Prinzing back into the lives of those in this community who called him friend and neighbor.”
 


Syneva A. Prinzing

Funeral services will be held for Mrs. Syneva A. Prinzing, 67, of Markham, 2 p. m. Saturday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Chapel.

Prinzing died December 29, 1981 at her residence.

Survivors include husband, Glen M. Prinzing of Markham; son, Glen S. Prinzing of Markham; sisters, Mrs. Harold Jurgens of Waterloo, Iowa, Mrs. Robert Thompson of St. Paul, Minn. and Mrs. H. D. Butler of Austin; brothers, George Slattum and Ralph Slattum both of St. Paul, Minn.

She was a resident of Markham since 1949 and a LVN member and officer of the Gulf Coast League of LVN. She was Nurse of the Year for 1981-82 in the Gulf Coast League and was first runner-up for Nurse of the Year in the Texas State League of LVN. Prinzing was very active in the American Cancer Society.

Burial will follow services at Hawley Cemetery.

Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, December, 1981
 


Charles W. Pritchett          Julia J. Pritchett

Julia Jeptha Thompson Pritchett
Death of Mrs. G. W. Pritchett

Mrs. Julia Jeptha Thompson Pritchett was born October 17th, 1862 at McDonna, Ga. Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Pritchett were married September 13, 1883. There were born to this home ten children, eight of the children having died while they were very young. There are two living children, Mrs. Max McRee of Lexington, Texas, and Mrs. Hood of Bay City. Mr. and Mrs. Pritchett both joined the Baptist church in their early married life. Mrs. Pritchett has never been a woman to take a hold out in public life like some women, but she has been home builder. She has made the home the most attractive place that she could for her beloved husband and children. She is survived by her husband and two daughters.

The services were conducted from the home on South Avenue G, at 10:00 a. m. Monday, Rev. Odis Rainer, pastor of the Baptist church, officiating.

Comforting words were brought from the 14th chapter of John.

A host of friends were present. There was a most beautiful floral offering. The grave was just covered completely with the wonderful flowers.

Father, the shadows fall along my way;
‘Tis past the noon of the day.
My “westering sun” tells that the eve is near;
I know, but feel no fear.

The Matagorda County Tribune, April 6, 1928                                   Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Mr. Charles Pritchett Dies Tuesday Night

Mr. Charles Walter Pritchett, age 89 years, five months and nine days, passed away in the Matagorda General Hospital at 10:00 p. m. Monday, Mr. Pritchett has made Bay City his home the past 35 years.

Two daughters, Mrs. Max McRee of Bay City and Mrs. Jep Traylor of Galveston, survive.

Funeral services were held from the First Baptist Church at 4:30 p. m. today (Tuesday) with Dr. Allen O. Webb officiating. Interment was in Cedarvale Cemetery with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Active pallbearers were Jack Spurgeon, Gus Benedict, Fort Verser, Lee Anderson, W. D. Williams and J. E. Clements.

The Daily Tribune, May 22, 1951
 


IVA F. PRUETT
 

CEDAR LANE - Iva F. Pruett, 88, of Cedar Lane, passed away Jan. 20, 2009. She was born Nov. 2, 1920, in Van Zandt County, to the late John Francis and Vada McKnight Malone. She was a loving mother and grandmother and member and former Sunday school teacher at Cedar Lane Baptist Church.

Her husband, Cecil E. Pruett Sr., and four sister preceded her in death.

Survivors include her sons and their wives, Mike and Harrolyn Pruett of Cedar Lane, Eddie and Mary Pruett of Katy, and Ronny and Helen Pruett of Bay City; sister, Ruth Garfield of Lago Vista; grandchildren, Tiffany and Mike Foltyn, Todd and Heidi Pruett, Tammye and Cary Everidge, Tonya and Wade Schulz, Heather and David Sewell, Holly and David Jordan, Amanda Pruett, Sarah Pruett, and Justin Pruett; and great-grandchildren, Kassidy and Kylie Pruett, Bailye Foltyn, Pruett, Jenna and Olivia Schulz, Amber and Brandon Bearden, Lydia Pruett, and Bethany Pruett.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23, 2009 at Cedar Lane Baptist Church with the Rev. Zach Nicholson and the Rev. Robert Carter officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Todd Pruett, Justin Pruett, Mike Foltyn, Wade Schulz, Cary Everidge, and David Sewell.
Brandon Bearden and Pruett Schulz will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to Cedar Lane Baptist Church or the Alzheimer's Association.

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 the Victoria Advocate on 1/22/2009
                                              Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

 

 


Justin Ty Pruett
(October 9, 1981 - June 22, 2011)

Justin Ty Pruett, 29, of Cedar Lane, passed away, Wednesday, June 22, 2011, in Galveston, TX. He was born October 9, 1981 in Corpus Christi, TX to Ronny G. Pruett and Helen J. Pruett. He was a resident of Cedar Lane since 2003, employed as a Plant Operator, and a member of the First Baptist Church of Bay City.

He is survived by his parents: Ronny G. & Helen Pruett of Cedar Lane; his sisters: Amanda Pruett of New Braunfels and Sarah Hodges of Cedar Lane; and by 2 nieces: Lydia Pruett and Bethany Pruett, both of Cedar Lane. A brother, Andrew Pruett, preceded him in death.

The family will receive visitors from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday, at the funeral home. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, June 25, 2011, at the First Baptist Church of Bay City with Dr. Michael Zimmerman officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be Todd Pruett, Chad Wehe, Gary Flora, Jonathan Flora, Michael Wehe, Trenton Wehe, Ethan Wehe, and Kyle Wehe.

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.

www.taylorbros.net


 


Pruitt, Goldia Mary Bowen

FRANCITAS - Goldia Mary Pruitt was born Aug. 2, 1910 to Jasper and Alice Bowen. She was called to her heavenly home on Aug. 10, 2007 at the age of 97. Goldia was a Christian and a member of the Francitas Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school for many years. Goldia married W. O. Pruitt on Oct. 10, 1931. They were together for 57 years, until his death in 1988. She was a homemaker and a wonderful, loving wife and mother. She loved the Lord, her family, and her friends.

Goldia is survived by her daughter, Joyce Green of Francitas; sons J.O. Pruitt and wife Evelyn of Ganado and Travis Pruitt and wife Pat of Edna; grandchildren, Elaine Green of Beeville, Darvin Green of Francitas, Douglas Pruitt and wife Donna of Bay City, Jennifer Noack of Dripping Springs, Jacque Mercer and husband Pat of Inez, Penny Hendry and husband Wesley of Lolita; great-grandchildren, Chad Strong of California, Jon Pruitt and Derek Pruitt of Bryan, Cierra Pruitt of Houston, Kris Kunkel of College Station, Rachel Willauer of Bay City, Hunter Noack and Alyssia Nicholes of Dripping Springs, Sarah Bradley and husband Cody of Edna, Patrick Mercer of Austin, Jack Hamm and Sydney Hamm of Lolita, Brianna Hendry and Colby Hendry of Edna; two great-great-grandchildren, Hayden Fisher and Gage Fisher of Houston; and one sister, Eula Mae Shimek of Edna. Goldia is also survived by all of her dear friends at Southbrooke Manor Nursing Home, especially Hazel Peagler and Wayne Johnson.

Goldia was preceded in death by her husband, W.O. Pruitt; son-in-law, Howard Green; sisters, Jessie Lee Pedigree, Margie Brem and Elsie LeMaster; and brothers, Cecil Bowen, Virgel Bowen, and Preston Bowen.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 13 in the Baptist Temple Church of Edna, with the Rev. George Tompkins and the Rev. Ron Lynn officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Francitas Baptist Church, P.O. Box 62, Francitas, TX 77961 or Hospice of South Texas, 605 E. Locust, Victoria, TX 77901.

Arrangements under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home, 361-782-2221.

Please sign the guestbook at http://obits.victoriaadvocate.com.


Published in the Victoria Advocate from 8/12/2007 - 8/13/2007.
 


Washington O. Pruitt

Advocate News Service


GANADO—W. O. Pruitt, 84, of Francitas, died Friday at his residence following a sudden illness.

A native of Ellis County, he was born Dec. 10, 1903, to the late George and Pearl Lambert Pruitt. He was a retired Jackson County Precinct 4 employee.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Sunday at the Ganado Funeral Home with the Rev. Ronald Lynn, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Blessing, officiating.

Burial will follow the services in Hawley Cemetery under the direction of Ganado Funeral Home.

Surviving are his wife, Goldie Pruitt of Francitas; a daughter, Mrs. Joyce Elaine Green of Francitas; two sons, J. O. Pruitt of Ganado, Travis Pruitt of Edna; five sisters, Eva Evans of Houston, Minnie Griffin of Sabinal, Florine Smith of Montigo, Calif., Lois Welch of Junction, Ann Blankenship of Amarillo; a brother, Sim Pruitt of Devine; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The Daily Tribune, July, 1988
 


Ella Julia Stassel Puckett

Funeral services for Ella Julia Puckett, 92, of Bay City will be held 2 p. m. Tuesday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home with the Rev. Joe Ramsey officiating. Burial will be in Hawley Cemetery, Blessing.

Mrs. Puckett was born Sept. 16, 1896, in Cat Spring, Texas, to Henry and Marie Dablegott Stussel and died May 21, 1989, at Bay Villa Nursing Home, Bay City.

A resident of Matagorda County since 1936, she was a member of the Methodist church.

Survivors include two daughters, Marguerite Penland of Bay City and Gloria Ann Puckett of Ortesia, N. M; a son, Allen Dablegott of Bay City; two sisters, Hertha Peshel and Olga Schultz, both of Rosenberg; 17 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, May, 1989
 


Gloria May Pulsifer
(March 5, 1936 - February 14, 2010)

Gloria May Pulsifer, 73, of Bay City passed away Feb. 14, 2010. She was born March 5, 1936 in Victoria, TX to the late Charlie and Aline Urban Volkmer.

Her husband Donald Pulsifer preceded her in death. Survivors include daughter Donna Griffith and husband Barney of Bay City; sons Robert and Richard Pulsifer both of Bay City; sisters Rosa Lee Stehling of Yorktown and Sharon Gonzalez of Victoria; brothers Virgil Volkmer of Cuero and Edward Volkmer and wife Janell of Yorktown; grandchildren Amber Billings, Kaden Pulsifer and Ashlyn Pulsifer.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 5pm to 7pm Wednesday at the funeral home. Funeral Services will be 4:00 PM Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Chapel with Rev. Jared Stillions officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Ray Pawlosky, Randy Bull, Buddy Gonzalez, Jeff Volkmer, Gregg Rickaway, Frank Reeves, Jason Kasper and Josh Olivarez. Ralph Pulsifer and Doyle Volkmer will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The Bay City Tribune, Wednesday, February 17, 2010          Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 


Mary Beatrice Purnell
 


Ellena L. Purvis & Thomas W. Purvis - Hawley Cemetery

 


Chloe Pybus

Died at her home on Cashes Creek, in Matagorda county, on Monday August 10th 1896, Mrs. Chole Pybus, wife of John Pybus, aged 74 years. Deceased who had lived to a ripe old age of three score and ten and four years more, was an old settler of the county, of perhaps a half a century. For a long number of years she lived in the county with her husband, who survives her. We did not hear just how long she had been married, or how long she had lived in the county, but they are very old settlers. Deceased was a quiet character who lived out her allotted time and towards the last she grew very infirm and feeble and finally passed away from the infirmities of old age, but she was a faithful wife, a good neighbor, a good woman and she has gone on just before the aged partner of her life to welcome him home. Peace to her ashes.

Newspaper unknown
 


GEORGE THOMAS PYKA


BAY CITY - George Thomas Pyka, 86, of Bay City, formerly of La Ward, died Thursday, July 17, 2008. He was born on Sept. 17, 1921, in Bandera, to the late Andrew Pyka and Magdalen Postert Pyka. He was retired from Alcoa.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Iona Pyka; daughter, Cindy Luedecke and husband Dennis of Bay City; sons, Sam Pyka and wife Margaret of La Ward and Jerry Pyka and DiAnn Sabin of Port Lavaca; grandchildren, David, Jeremy, Shelly, and Shaun; and great-grandchildren, Dawson and Reaghan.

During WWII, he served with the Army as a combat engineer, infantryman, and machine gunner. He saw extensive action in Sicily, Italy, France, Alsace-Lorraine, and Germany. Several years before and after WWII, he was a carpenter and stonemason. He then became the foreman on a ranch near Bandera for several more years, calling upon skills obtained while growing up. Although he never stopped ranching in his heart, his last occupation was as an Alcoan in Point Comfort.

A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Bay City VFW Hall.


In lieu of usual remembrances, the family requests donations to the Houston Hospice-El Campo, 1102 N. Mechanic, El Campo TX 77437, 800-420-6193.

Published in the Victoria Advocate from 7/19/2008 - 7/20/2008

 

 

Copyright 2007 - Present by Carol Sue Gibbs
All rights reserved

Created
Jul. 15, 2007
Updated
Dec. 29, 2010
 

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