Charles Theodore Schaedel Jr.
March 17, 1922 - August 2, 2014

Charles Theodore Schaedel Jr., 92, passed away peacefully at home August 2, 2014 in Fort Worth, surrounded by family and friends.

A memorial service and celebration of his life will be arranged at a future date, in the Founders Chapel at First United Methodist Church, Grapevine. Private interment will be at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to a charity of choice.

Charles was born March 17, 1922, in Bay City, Texas, to Charles T. and Etta Lee (Woolsey) Schaedel. Shortly after his birth, he moved with his parents back to Africa, where they resumed their Methodist missionary work in the Wembo Nyama District of the then Belgian Congo. His mother taught and his father operated a river steamer named “S. S. Texas” on the Congo River.

After his 1929 return to Texas with his family, including a sister, Minnie Lee, Charles spent his youth in Bay City, graduating from Bay City High School in 1940. Following in his father’s footsteps, Charles entered Texas A&M University, majoring in engineering, serving in the Corps of Cadets and playing tuba in the Aggie Band.

Cutting his education short, he joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1943 as a Lieutenant, stationed first at Bradley Field in Connecticut as assistant engineering officer. His tour in the Pacific Theatre concluded with a final posting at Guam. While at Bradley Field, Charles met Sylvia Ann Grochmal from nearby Indian Orchard, MA, and on his stateside return, they married on May 13, 1945. Sylvia died June 29, 2005, just after their 60th wedding anniversary.

Following the war, the Schaedel’s moved to Bryan-College Station, where Charles returned to his studies at A&M, graduating with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. While in Bryan, the Schaedel’s welcomed their first daughter, Mary Carol. The family then moved to Fort Worth, where Charles worked for Consolidated Vultee (Convair), now Lockheed-Martin, on a variety of projects, including the secret Nuclear Energy for the Propulsion of Aircraft (NEPA) program. While at Convair, he completed his Masters in Engineering at SMU in 1959, continuing his work in nuclear energy.

During their years in Fort Worth, the Schaedel’s welcomed two more daughters, Kathleen and Laurine. In the summer of 1963, the family moved to Pittsburgh, PA, where Charles worked for Westinghouse Electrical Corporation’s Astronuclear Laboratory as a test planner and analyst. He was later named senior engineer of the company’s NERVA Reactor Assembly project designed to power the first long range space vehicles. His work focused primarily on propulsion to Mars.

Westinghouse transferred Charles and his family to Washington State in 1971, where he continued his work in radioactive control technology at the Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory. His work also included research and development of the Breeder Reactor program.

After concluding his work at Hanford, Charles and Sylvia remained in Kennewick, WA, where he continued to consult on a variety of nuclear energy projects. After Sylvia’s death in 2005, Charles came back to Texas to be closer to his family. Following the legacy of his parents, Charles was active in his church work and volunteered across his community. His deep faith, wide smile, infectious laugh and generous spirit brought him love and admiration from all who met him.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Sylvia A. Schaedel; daughter, Kathleen Schaedel Cox; and sister, Dr. Minnie Lee Schaedel Lancaster, of Grapevine.

The family is deeply grateful to Charles’ caregivers and friends, Darryl Sanders, Mary Jane Ashton, Paul and Mary Beth Marsh, Gloria, Beverly and the staff of Caring Hearts and Freedom Hospice Services.

Survivors include his daughters, the Rev. Mary Carol Schaedel and partner Mary Ellen Cravotta of Little Elm, and Laurie Schaedel McGown and husband Quentin of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Tammy Cox of Detroit and Christopher Cox and wife Rana of Roseville, CA; great-grandchildren, Hailey and Channing Cox; nephews, Charles, Tim and David Lancaster; and great-nieces and nephews.

Arrangements with Thompson’s Harveson & Cole Funeral Home and Crematory, 702 Eighth Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76104. 817-336-0345.

Bay City Tribune, August 20, 2014
 

Ottmar Schimek
(September 22, 1923 - May 8, 2014)

Ottmar Schimek of Bay City, passed away on May 8, 2014, at the age of 90. He was born on Sept. 22, 1923 in Schulenburg, TX to Henry Schimek and Christina Wentrcha Schimek. Ottmar moved to Matagorda Co. in 1928. He married Martha Jane Schimek on Sept. 8, 1943, and moved to Bay City. For the next twenty years he worked for Matagorda Wholesalers. Then he worked at Celanese until 1988. After that, he helped his son-in-law with farming rice for many years. Ottmar enjoyed volunteering his time as a Little League baseball umpire for 10 years. He was an avid Blackcat football fan, attending games for over 60 years, as well as Hilliard Panther games. Another past-time was supporting his grandchildren in sporting events. Ottmar was an active member of First Presbyterian Church and the Celanese Retirees. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Martha Jane Schimek; daughters Janice Corporon (Russell) of Collegeport, TX and Sylvia Huey (Jimmy) of Bay City; son Ottmar Schimek, Jr. (Joanna) of Anahuac, TX.; sister Henrietta Schlueter (Jim) of Pineville, LA; Grandchildren: Kim Stewart (Curtis), Todd Corporon (Kellie), Taylor Schimek (Erika), John Wheeler, Daniel Wheeler (Corrie), Meredith Schimek (Raymond Rivon), Stephen Huey, and John Huey (Laura). Also, 14 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Ottmar was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Cecilia Harvey and Genevia Hoffman. Visitation will be 5pm until 8pm Friday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Saturday, May 10, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Mark Stoub officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Todd Corporon, Taylor Schimek, John Wheeler, Daniel Wheeler, Stephen Huey, John Huey, Curtis Stewart, and Raymond Rivon. Hononary pallbearers will be Jud Austin, Clyde Workman, Kimberly Stewart, Meredith Schimek, nieces and nephews.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Theresa Franz Sexton

Final rites for Mrs. Theresa Franz Sexton, 87, lifelong resident of Matagorda County and widow of the late Manley F. Sexton, were scheduled for 4 pm Tuesday in the drawing room of the Bay City Funeral Home.

Mrs. Sexton, last surviving child of the late Conrad Franz, an early pioneer of Matagorda County, died Monday evening at her home in Bay City. 

Survivors include 10 nieces, Sue Phillips, Johnnye Peabody, Mrs. Floyd Ryman, Theresa McGehee, Janie Savage Milner, Mae Gilmore, Bertha Tilman, Beulah Cartwright, all of Bay City; Lyda Mae Huddleston of Palacios and Dorothy Harlow of Beaumont.

The Rev. Harold H. Spurgeon, pastor of the Assembly of God Church, officiated at the services, followed by interment in Roselawn Memorial Park.  Pallbearers were Hamilton Savage, Alfred McGehee, Fred Ryberg, Leroy Franz, Floyd McGehee and Joe Milner.

Daily Tribune, June 19, 1962         Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

Kimberley Ware Shafer - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Kimberley Dianne Shafer

Kimberley Dianne Shafer, 41, of Mont Belvieu, Texas died April 23, 2004 at her home. She was born November 24, 1962 in Bay City.

Funeral service will be held 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 28, 2004 at Navarre Chapel. Visitation was 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Navarre Funeral Home with the Rev. Danny Biddy. Interment will be 3 p.m. at Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Van Vleck.

Pallbearers are Jerry Ware, Mike Ware, Scotty Walker, Shane Berry, Rex Lewis, and Darren Anderson.

Honorary pallbearers are Brett Walker, Claude Hudson, and Bobby Wilder.

Survivors are: parents, Billy and Pat Ware of Van Vleck, Don and Wanda Brown of Mont Belvieu, Texas; grandmother, Velma Stansell of Marble Falls, Texas; children, Josh and Ashley Shafer of Mont Belvieu; brothers and sister-in-law, Sonny Ware of Hardin, Texas, Matt and Sherri Ware of Mont Belvieu, Craig Ware of Angleton, Shane Ware of Angleton, niece and nephew, Briel and Pryson Ware; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by grandparents Mr. and Mrs. E.H. Ware, and Marvin Stansell.

Arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home.

Bay City Tribune, April 28, 2004
 

Robert E. Shafer

Robert E. Shafer, 75, of Bay City passed away Saturday, March 17, 2001 at the Gulf Coast Medical Center in Wharton. He was born in Collegeport, Texas on November 16, 1925 to parents James Edward and Robbie Ann Frasier Shafer.

He was a lifelong member of Matagorda County and served in the United States Navy during World War II and worked for Central Power and Light Co. He was also a member of the Van Vleck Volunteer Fire Department for many years.

Robert is survived by: wife, Della Dollery Shafer of Bay City; daughter, Sharon Shafer of Sugarland, Texas; son, Robert E. Shafer, Jr. of Midland, Texas; two grandchildren, Ryan Wilson of Sugerland and Kristen Shafer of Midland; two sisters, Annie Titt of Van Vleck and LaVerne Stevens of Bay City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Billy and Leslie Shafer and sisters Lueta Callaway, Clara Benedict, Emma LaRue and Bertha Klingaman.

Services will be held Tuesday, March 20, 2001 at 2 p.m. at the Bay City Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Don Meador officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Pallbearers will be Bennie Stevens, John Stevens, James Stevens, Jack Williams, Charles Benedict, Kenneth Titt and Ryan Wilson. The family will visit with friends at the funeral home Monday evening from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Services are under the direction of Bay City Funeral Home. A00011A2001MR20

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Tuesday, March 20, 2001
 

Mary Ann Mielsch Shamblin

Funeral services for Mary Ann Mielsch Shamblin, 86, of Bay City will be held 2 pm Thursday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home with the Rev. W. E. Dugger officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park, Van Vleck.

Mrs. Shamblin was born Aug. 4, 1901, in East Bernard to Paul Emil Mielsch and Bertha Ring and died Sept. 1, 1987, at Matagorda General Hospital.

A former resident of Dallas, she has resided in Bay City for the last 15 years.  She was a member of the Methodist church.

Survivors include two sons, Paul E. Jones of Dallas and Thomas E. Jones of Houston; a sister, Hilda Snyder of Bay City; a sister-in-law, Ella Mielsch of Bay City; a brother and sister-in-law, Paul E. and Susie Mielsch of Bay City; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Daily Tribune, September 1987        Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

Thomas L. Shannon

Funeral services for Thomas L. Shannon, 88, of Galveston, formerly of Houston, will be held 3 pm Sunday Taylor Brothers Funeral Home with the Rev. Don Lewis officiating.  Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Mr. Shannon was born Dec 24, 1900, in Green City, Mo, and died Feb 10, 1989, at St Mary’s Hospital, Galveston.

He was the former head of the math and science division at the South Texas College in Houston which later became the downtown University of Houston.

A veteran of WWII, he was a member of the Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Netta Lee Shannon of Galveston; a son, Bryan Shannon of Houston; three grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City.

Daily Tribune, February 1989             Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

William "Bill" Shine
(October 12, 1926 - June 13, 2010)

Bill Shine, 83, of Katy passed away Sunday June 13, 2010. He was born October 12, 1926 in New York City to the late William Martin & Irene Debra Shine. Bill was a life long educator, and served his country as a Signalman Third Class during World War II as a member of the United States Navy.

He is survived by his 2 sons: Giles Shine & Jeff Shine both of Katy; and 2 granddaughters: Brittany & Bethany Shine. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Jocelyn Jeannene McIver Shine in 1980, and 2 sisters: Irene Judge & Virginia Appleyard.

A graveside service with Veteran Honors, performed by VFW Post 2438, will be held 10:00 AM Friday, June 25, 2010 at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

www.taylorbros.net             Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Philip M. Silva

Philip M. Silva, 71, of Bay City died March 20, 2003 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Houston. He was born February 5, 1932 in Buckeye, Matagorda County, Texas to the late Premitivo and Angela Moreno Silva.

Mr. Silva was a life long resident of Bay City and was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Survivors include: wife, Mary Louise Ochoa Silva of Bay City; two daughters and sons-in-law, Lydia and Jesus Enriquez of Old Ocean, and Angela and Sam Gonzalez, Jr. of McAllen, Texas; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Philip Silva, Jr. of Houston, James and Cathy Silva of Conroe, and Fred and Diana Silva of Bay City; sisters, Jacinta Garcia of Dallas and Virginia Maza of The Colony (Dallas); brothers, Leo Silva of Bay City and David Silva of Markham; 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his brother Paul Silva.

Rosary was 8 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2003, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home and the funeral mass will be 12 noon Sunday at Our Lady Of Guadalupe Catholic Church with the Rev. Gerard Cernock officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00014B2003MR23

The Bay City Tribune, Sunday, March 23, 2003
 

Rosalie Simmons

Rosalie Simmons, 70, of Cedar Lane, passed away Monday, March 4, 2002 in Bay City. She was born May 27, 1931 in Tuskahoma, Oklahoma to Joe and Pearl Weldon Emerson. She was a resident of Cedar Lane since 1955 and a member of Cedar Lane Baptist Church.

She is survived by: husband of 53 years, Jimmy Simmons of Cedar Lane; daughters, Prissy O'Neal of Houston and Rinda Simmons of Cedar Lane; sisters, Anna Lee Blaha, of Palestine and Marie Clayborne of Elkhart; brother, Ed Emerson of Elkhart; and by her grandchildren, Lisa Townsend, Rick O'Neal, Jr. and Jason Otto, all of Cedar Lane and Trey Munsey of Cary, North Carolina and by her great grandchildren, Linsey and Josh Townsend and Samantha and Dawson O'Neal of Cedar Lane, and Robbie Munsey of Cary, North Carolina.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 8, 2002 at the Cedar Lane Baptist Church with the Rev. Bob Whitechurch officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Pallbearers will be Rick O'Neal, Sr., Mark Grisham, Jesse Townsend, Rick O'Neal, Jr., Jason Otto and Trey Munsey. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Grisham, Joe Wyse, William Foyt, Lee Rutherford, and Kenneth Joyce.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00014B2002MR06

THE BAY CITY TRIBUNE, Wednesday, March 6, 2002
 

Thelma Sirmon
(October 12, 1911 - November 24, 2006)

Thelma Sirmon, 95, of Bay City passed away November 24, 2006. She was born October 12, 1911 in Rockwall, Texas to William Clyde Sansing and Naomi Thompson Sansing. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and a longtime resident of Bay City.

Survivors include her daughter Thelma Jean Parma of Lake Jackson, granddaughter Patti Phillips & her husband Cliff and great grandson Clay Phillips all of Lake Jackson.

Funeral service will be 2:00 pm Sunday, November 26, 2006 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Dr. Mike Zimmerman and Rev. William Hodge officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers include Clay Phillips, Cliff Phillips, John Ashcraft, Jimmy Sansing, Donald Northcutt and Matt Ashcraft.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Children's Playground in Bay City.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.taylorbros.net.

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

www.taylorbros.net                                  Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Earl W. Sirmon

Funeral services for Earl W. Sirmon, 88, of Bay City will be held at 2 pm Friday, May 28, 1999 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. William J. Hodge officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck.  The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 pm Thursday, May 27 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

Mr. Sirmon died May 24 at Bay Villa Nursing Home.  He was born Jan. 20, 1911 in Markham to the late Richard Thomas and Maude Hardee Sirmon. He was a member of the Methodist Church, a lifelong resident of the Bay City area, and a rice farmer and rancher.

Mr. Sirmon is survived by his wife, Thelma Sansing Sirmon of Bay City; daughter and son-in-law, Thelma Jean and Lang Parma of Lake Jackson; granddaughter, Patti Phillips and husband Cliff; great grandson Clayton Phillips all of Lake Jackson; two sisters, Ethel Holsworth of Collegeport and Inez Chapman of Magee, Ark.; sister-in-law, Ben Eddie Sirmon of New Braunsfels; and devoted friend Merlene Moore, who sat with Mr. Sirmon for 11 years.

Pallbearers will be Clyde Ashcraft, John Ashcraft, Mason Holsworth, Thomas Holsworth, James Sansing, and Donald Northcutt.  Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. 

The Daily Tribune, May 27, 1999           Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

E. C. "Gene" Smith
(March 19, 1913 - November 19, 2009)

E. C. “Gene” Smith, 96, of Bay City passed away Nov. 19, 2009. He was born March 19, 1913 in Hopkins County, Arkansas to the late George Robert and Minnie Vola Carter Smith. He was a lifelong resident of Matagorda County; past Noble Grand of IOOF Lodge #81; held numerous state offices with IOOF; member of Eagles Lodge; was an original member of the Medicare Band playing rhythm guitar and bowled twice a week with the Sterling Silver Seniors team.

His wife Annie Jo “Jody” Smith, son Robert Spencer Smith and great grandson Logan Shane Smith preceded him in death. Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law David Eugene & Betty Smith of Houston and Larry Wayne & Polly Smith of Baytown; sisters Georgie Knight of Bay City and Shirley Barfield of Sweeny; 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Monday, Nov. 23, 2009 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Tom Morgan officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. His grandsons and great grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Bay City Tribune, Published November 24, 2009                               Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Annie Jo "Jody" Smith

Annie Jo "Jody" Smith, 84, of Bay City (Selkirk Community) died Aug. 19, 2000, at her residence in Selkirk. She was born Aug. 1, 1916, in Lampasas, Texas, to the late Willis Spencer and Emma Stokes Webb.

A resident of the Bay City area since 1918, she was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, an active member of Rebecca Lodge No. 79 of Bay City, the Ladies Auxiliary of Eagles Aerie No. 3232 and the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post No 2438.

Survivors include: husband, E. C. "Gene" Smith of Selkirk, three sons and two daughters-in-law, David Eugene and Betty Smith of Houston, Larry Wayne and Polly Smith of Baytown, and Robert Spencer Smith of Corpus Christi; brother and sister-in-law, W. O. and Alline Webb of Bay City; nine grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Gene Laird and Marietta Pards, and four brothers, A. C., Randol, Edgar and Edward Webb.

Funeral Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 22, 2000, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church with the Reverends Elizabeth Moreau and Bill Haskell officiating. Pallbearers are: grandsons Shane, Shanon and Jeremy Smith, Glen Pards, Randol Webb, Jr. and Jack Parsons. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2000AG22

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Tuesday, August 22, 2000
 

Neva Faye Teat Smith, born December 16, 1922 in Irene, Texas passed away on September 29, 2009.

Her parents Katie Lee Teat and Rex Teat Sr. moved to Clemville, Texas in the 1920's. She met and married Fred Maynard Smith of Bay City on September 6, 1940. They moved to Newgulf, Texas where he worked for Texas Gulf Sulpher Co. until his death in 1981.

She is survived by: her sons, James Clayton and wife Mary, Robert Wayne, and Gary Lynn and wife Dale; brother, Clayton Teat. and numerous grandchildren and great grand children. Her love for family will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City at 10:00 a.m. on Friday on Oct.2, 2009.

Bay City Tribune, Published October 2, 2009                               Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Maxwell L. Smith & Leslie A. Smith - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

 

Paul J. Smith

Paul J. Smith, 85, of Bay City died Monday, July 8, 1996 at Bay Villa Nursing Home.

He was born March 19, 1911 in Healdton, Oklahoma to parents Dallas and Cynthia Ann Ridgeway Smith. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a member of the Wesley Sunday School Class before his health became too bad for him to attend.

He was owner and operator of the Smith Welding and Machine Shop on Matagorda Highway.

Survivors are wife, Ruth “Babe” Smith of Bay City; daughter and son-in-law Myrna and Callier Grimes of Bay City; two grandsons and granddaughters-in-law Mark and Ellen Dodd and Lane Dodd all of Bay City; six great grandchildren Matthew, Travis, Garrett, Daniel, Macey, and Haley Dodd all of Bay City.  

Pallbearers are Roy R. Allison, Travis Lofton, Clyde Allison, Jerry Allison, Travis Dodd, Matthew Dodd, Daniel Dodd and Garrett Dodd.

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

Daily Tribune, July 10, 1996            Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

Cole Anthony Spenneberg
May 8, 2003 - September 13, 2014

Cole Anthony Spenneberg was born May 8, 2003, in Clarksville, Indiana and passed away September 13, 2014, in Markham, Texas.

He is survived by his parents, T.J. and Christina Spenneberg; grandparents, Kenneth and Annie Elliott, Betty Spenneberg and Gary Haynes, and Tony and Wendy Spenneberg; sister, Maleah Nicole Spenneberg; and brothers, Anthony Elliott and Kaiden DeWoody.

A Memorial service will be held Monday, September 22, 2014, at 2 p.m., at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Smiles (Easter Seals), 4500 Bissonnet St., Houston, Texas 77401.

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

Bay City Tribune, September 21, 2014
 

Sandra Sanders Steves
May 6, 1939 – March 25, 2022

Sandra Sanders Steves, 82, of Bay City, Texas, passed on to her heavenly home on Friday, March 25, 2022, surrounded by loved ones after battling a brief illness. She was born on May 6, 1939, in Bellville, Texas to the late Mary Kirkland and Arthur Eugene Sanders.

She attended high school in Bay City and Navasota, where she made many lifelong friends. Upon her graduation from Navasota High School, she left to pursue an education at Texas Christian University. It was during her time in Bay City that she met the love of her life, Seth Taylor Steves. They were married on March 27, 1959, and made Bay City their home, where they enjoyed 55 years of marriage! The honor and love they shared for one another and their combined faith was the foundation of their happy home, as their family grew and they were blessed with three children: Mary Frances, Jean Claire, and Scott Taylor. Sandra was devoted to her family and enjoyed being a mother, attending her children’s ballgames, swim meets, dancing and piano recitals, and hosting numerous birthday celebrations and slumber parties. She was strong in her faith and made church and Sunday School attendance a priority for her family.

In addition to her family, Sandra was active in the Bay City community, volunteering and serving in the Junior Service League of Bay City, American Cancer Society, Book Review Club, Women’s Pregnancy Center, Pink Ladies Auxiliary, Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and many other organizations. As a member of the First United Methodist Church, she shared her faith and served wherever she was needed. As a choir member and pianist, she sang and played joyously, and shared her gift and love of music at church and at the Legacy Campus. She loved card games and enjoyed her monthly bridge games with friends. She loved to travel and enjoyed many trips to Branson and other destinations around the world with family and friends. Sandra was a wonderful cook and baker, and famous for her cinnamon rolls, breads, and pies! She loved sharing her gift in the kitchen with her family, friends, neighbors, and anyone in need of a meal or sweet! Her belief in the value of good manners led her to teach a class on etiquette through the Parks and Recreation Program. She loved children was equally loved by them! Both she and Taylor were honored by their community as the Bay City Woman and Man of the Year in 1990.

Sandra was a remarkable wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother! She was a loving and devoted daughter to her parents, Mary and Oscar Kirkland, and Arthur Eugene and Marie Sanders, a devoted and loving wife to Seth Taylor Steves, a loving sister to brothers Mike and David Kirkland, and a devoted great niece to her and Taylor’s great-aunt, Frances Taylor, all who preceded her in death.

Sandra leaves a legacy of faith, hope, and love to all who encountered her. She made lasting memories with her family and friends and touched everyone she met with her abounding joy, goodness, and generosity, which she exhibited every day of her life. She led by example and was an instrument of God’s love, grace, and compassion, always putting the needs of others before her own.

Those left to honor and cherish her memory are daughter, Mary Frances and husband Troy Hatchett; daughter Jean Claire and husband John Muskiet, and son, Scott Taylor Steves and wife Michelle; grandchildren: Claire Kubeczka Carter, Meredith Steves, Morgan Steves, Jordan Kubeczka and wife Emily, Anna Hatchett, Hayden Steves, Avery Steves, Chance Muskiet and wife Shelbie, and Whitney Muskiet; great-grandchildren: Seth Carter, Mason Kubeczka, and Jase Kubeczka; sister, Linda Gibson; sister Judy and husband Don Ray; sister Shelly and husband Stuart Schutze: sister-in-law Savanna and husband Albert Franklin; sister-in-law Diana and husband John Null; brother-in-law Lew Steves and wife Judy; numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, and many loving friends.

We are grateful for Sandra’s 82 years of life and the time we were able to share with her. We are thankful to God for the special gift that she was and for the love she gave us each and every day. Our comfort and peace are found in the knowledge that she now resides in the Lord’s presence for all eternity!

Visitation for Sandra’s family and friends will be at the First United Methodist Church in Bay City from 1-1:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2022, followed by a Memorial Service at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial in her honor to the Organ Fund at First United Methodist Church, 2300 Avenue H, Bay City, or the Bay City Public Library, 1100 7th Street, Bay City, Texas 77414.

Bay City Tribune, April 20, 2022
 

Seth Taylor Steves
April 23, 1936 – August 8, 2014

Seth Taylor Steves, 78, of Bay City, Texas, passed on to his heavenly home on Friday, August 8, 2014 in Houston, Texas after battling a brief illness.

A fifth generation descendant of Bailey Hardeman, one of the original signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, Taylor was born on April 23, 1936 in Austin, Texas, to Bert Charles Steves and Frances Taylor Steves. The family returned to Bay City, where Taylor grew up and graduated from Bay City High School in 1954. He graduated from the University of Texas in Austin in 1959, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, maintaining his friendships with his fraternity brothers until his death. After marrying Sandra his senior year and graduating, they returned to Bay City, where he joined his father as the third generation in the family furniture business.

Taylor was married to the love of his life, Sandra, his beloved bride of fifty-five years. The honor and love they possessed for one another was the foundation of their happy home as their family grew and they were blessed with three children, Mary Frances, Jean Claire, and Scott Taylor.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Taylor became a strong supporter and a pillar of the Bay City community. He embodied the role as Good Samaritan by his numerous contributions to all civic, religious and social organizations in the Matagorda County communities.

As a member of the Jaycees, he was an officer and was named Man of the Year. As a Rotarian, he served as president and a thirty-year sponsor of the Bay City High School Boys Interact Club. He was honored by Rotary International with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship Award. He was instrumental in establishing the Festival Arts program, bringing cultural entertainment to the community and worked tirelessly promoting this worthwhile program. He was elected as a trustee of the Bay City Independent School District and also elected to the Port of Bay City Authority of Matagorda County and served for many years until his death. Taylor was a lifetime member of the Bay City Public Library Association and supported the Matagorda County Museum in many ways, including participating in the Gourmet Guys fundraiser, since its inception. Both Taylor and Sandra were honored by their community as the Bay City Chamber of Commerce Man and Woman of the Year in 1990. Taylor was also honored by the Walmart Foundation as a recipient of the Sam Walton Business Leader Award.

Taylor possessed a contagious sense of humor and love and respect for the life God had given him. As a member of the First United Methodist Church, he served in many capacities. He was chairman of the Board of Trustees and served wherever he was needed. As a choir member, he sang joyously and shared his love of music and his faith. He was a member of the Friendship Sunday School Class and Cookers for Christ, an outreach project of the church.

Taylor was a loving and devoted grandson to Seth and Ella Hawkins Taylor, a loving and devoted son to his parents, Bert and Frances Steves, a loving brother to his sister, Marthella Steves Simpson Spoonemore, and a devoted great-nephew to his great-aunt, Frances Taylor, all who preceded him in death.

Taylor leaves a legacy of faith, hope and love to all who encountered him. To know him was to love him, because he touched everyone with his abounding joy, strength and goodness, which he exhibited in his daily life.

Those left to honor and cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Sandra; daughter, Mary Frances and husband Troy Hatchett; daughter, Jean Claire and husband John Muskiet; son, Scott Steves and wife Michelle; grandchildren, Claire and husband Brian Carter, Meredith Steves, Morgan Steves, Jordan Kubeczka, Anna Hatchett, Hayden Steves, Avery Steves, Chance Muskiet and Whitney Muskiet; great-grandson, Seth Wayne Carter; brother, Lew Steves and wife Judy; sister, Savanna and husband Albert Franklin; sister, Diana and husband John Null; sister-in-law, Linda and husband Gordon Harrell; sister-in-law, Judy and husband Don Ray; brother-in-law, David Kirkland; brother-in-law, James Spoonemore; and numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, and many loving friends.

A celebration of life memorial service will be on Saturday, August 16, 2014, at 2 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Bay City, Texas.

In lieu of floral tributes, the family requests, with gratitude that memorial contributions in Taylor’s honor, be made to the stained glass restoration fund at the First United Methodist Church, 2304 Avenue H, Bay City TX 77414.

Bay City Tribune, August 12, 2014
 

Aubin Cox Sumers
February 23, 1924 - August 29, 2014

Aubin Cox Sumers of El Campo, TX, died August 29, 2014, at the age of 90.

She was born on February 23, 1924 in Shreveport, LA, to the late C. R. and Gertrude Poage Cox. She was committed to her family, church and community. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, life member of the Women of the Church, served on the board of the Heritage Center. She was the first Queen of the Bay City Rice Festival, and was honored as Bonus Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year.

She is survived by her sons, George W. “Bill” Sumers III and wife Helen Dale of Austin, R. Sprague Sumers of Katy, Christopher W. Sumers and wife Donna of Nassau Bay; daughter, Lorey Sumers of Sugar Land; and grandchildren, Frank Cobb Vaughan Jr., Seth Sumers Vaughan, Hannah Aubin Sumers, Sprague Petersen Sumers and Trent Bruce Sumers.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George W. Sumers Jr.; brothers, C. R. Cox Jr. and W. R. Cox; sisters, Patty Wyse and Margaret Alice Delerno.

Visitation was held at 2 p.m., Sunday, August 31, 2014, at Triska Funeral Home in El Campo, with the family receiving friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Monday, September 1, 2014, at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Chuck Kimball officiating.

Entombment followed at Holy Cross Memorial Park.

Serving as pallbearers were Cobb Vaughan, Seth Vaughan, Sprague Sumers, Trent Sumers, John Hancock Jr., John Hancock III, Myatt Hancock, Hefner Appling Jr., and Joe Bruce Hancock.

Memorial donations in memory of Aubin Sumers may be made to First Presbyterian Church.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at triskafuneralhome.com.

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

Bay City Tribune, September 3, 2014
 

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