Matagorda County Obituaries
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Bernard Dean Vacek

Funeral services for Bernard Dean Vacek, 35, of El Maton will be held 10:30 a. m. Wednesday at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Palacios with the Rev. Henry C. Rachunek and the Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating. Burial will follow at Midfield Cemetery.

Visitation hours are scheduled until 9 p. m. Tuesday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City. Visitation hours are scheduled from 8 a. m. until service time Wednesday at the Palacios Funeral Home.

A rosary will be aid 8 p.m. today at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Mr. Vacek was born April 23, 1956, to Jerome and Martha Brdecka Vacek in Bay City and died April 28, 1991, at the Gulf Coast Medical Center in Wharton.

He was a member of the Catholic church.

Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Fehmel Vacek; a daughter, Melissa Vacek; three sons, Jason Vacek, Justin Vacek and Cody Vacek, all of El Maton; parents, Jerome and Martha Vacek; and a brother, Jerome Lee Vacek of Markham.

Pallbearers are Jim Swint, David Barrett, Bob Skinner, Erasmo Saenz, Johnny Longoria and Don Steele.

Honorary pallbearers are Lawrence Landry and Thomas Orsak.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brother Funeral Home, Bay City.

Daily Tribune, April 1991
 

Betty Juanita McIntire Vacek
September 13, 1940 - August 22, 2020

Betty Juanita McEntire Vacek, 79, passed away August 22, 2020.  She was born September 13, 1940 in Wharton, TX to the late Robert Neal McEntire and Elizabeth Heinrich McEntire.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Joe Vacek, Sr. in 2019.

Survivors include daughters Dianna Lynn Vacek Krenek & husband David and Kathy Lynette Vacek Duke & husband Monte; sons James Joe Vacek, Jr. and Gary Lee Vacek & wife Tami; brother Robert Neal McEntire, Jr. & wife Martha; grandchildren Chace Cole Vacek, Victoria Morgan Vacek, Jessica Renee Vacek Garza, Kaitlyn Kelly Vacek, Amy Nicole Vacek, Ryan Adams, Hannah Denee Aguilar, Kendahl Lynea’ Warn, Ryan Tracey Warn, Bethany Dawnae Duke, Michael Glenn Rush, Jr., Travis Michael Duke, Levi Glenn Rush and 28 great grandchildren.

A rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM Friday, August 28, 2020 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Blessing.  Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 AM.  Interment will be in Hawley Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Chace Cole Vacek, Ryan Adams, Michael Glenn Rush, Jr., Ryan Warn, Levi Glenn Rush, Monte Scott Duke, Jr. and Travis Michael Duke.  Honorary pallbearers will be Jerome Lee Vacek, Monte Scott Duke III and Wyatt James Duke.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

James Joe Vacek, Sr.
October 29, 1929 - November 16, 2019

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Jerome E. Vacek

Funeral services for Jerome E Vacek, 65, of El Maton will be held 10 a. m. Wednesday at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Palacios with the Rev. John Pham officiating. Burial will be at Midfield Cemetery in Midfield. Visitation will be until 9 p. m. Tuesday in Bay City and until service time Wednesday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Palacios.

Mr. Vacek was born June 6, 1927 in Fairchild to the late Staches and Otillie Fisher Vacek and he died Aug. 16, 1992 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Houston.

Survivors include his wife, Martha Brdecko Vacek of El Maton; a son, Jerome Lee Vacek of Markham; four sisters, Beatrice Ferro of Stafford, Tillie Bryan of Houston, Wilma Stieber of Rosenberg and Marcella Stanley of Needville; three brothers, S. E. Vacek of El Maton, Louie Vacek of Palacios and James Vacek of El Maton and six grandchildren, Michelle Vacek, Jason Vacek, Melissa Vacek, Justin Vacek, Kimberly Vacek and Cody Vacek.

He was preceded in death by a son, Bernard D. Vacek, April 28, 1991 and by his parents.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay City.

Daily Tribune, August 17, 1992
 

Staches Eddie Vacek

Staches Eddie Vacek, 79, of El Campo and formerly of El Maton passed away Feb. 23, 1997.

He was born in Needville on Jan. 5, 1918 to parents S. T. Vacek and Otylie Fisher Vacek, and was a retired canal boss with the Lower Colorado River Authority.

He is survived by his daughter Shirley Setzer of Dallas; son Eddie Vacek of Danevang; sisters Marcela Stanley of Needville and Beatrice Farrow of Stafford; brothers Louis A. Vacek and James J. Vacek both of Palacios; seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Otylie Bryant, Wilma Stieber and Frances McKissick and brothers Jerome E. Vacek and Robert Vacek.

Services will be at 2 p. m. Thursday, Feb. 27 at Triska Funeral Home in El Campo with Deacon Jarrel Nohavitza officiating. Burial will be held at Midfield Cemetery at Midfield. Family will receive friends from 2 to 5 p. m. on Wednesday Feb. 26, and from 1 to 2 p. m. on Thursday, Feb. 27 at Triska Funeral Home. Visitation will be Wednesday at 9 a. m. at Triska Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Dalwyne Wilson, Darby Vacek, James Woods, Bobby Stebert, Elmo Duke, Louis Poessel, Carroll Brown and Henry Heller.

Arrangements are with Triska Funeral Home in El Campo.

Daily Tribune, February 25, 1997
 

Sidonia Zacharias Vaclavik
(November 8, 1930 - October 12, 2016)

Sidonia Zacharias Vaclavik, 85, of Bay City passed away October 12, 2016. She was born November 8, 1930 in Yoakum, TX to the late Fritz Zacharias and Hertha Rupert Zacharias.

Sidonia was a loving, kind and caring mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was full of life and loved her church. She is known as a true avid supporter of the Bay City Blackcat Baseball team. Her joy was watching her grandchildren play ball. She will always be remembered and truly missed by everyone that knew her.

Her husband Rudolph Vaclavik preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children John Vaclavik (Debbie), Diana Mathis (John) and Belinda Organ (Gregg) all of Bay City; sister Dolores Means of Grand Saline, TX; 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Visitation will begin 3:00 PM Friday at St. Peter Lutheran Church. Funeral services will begin at 4:00 PM with Rev. Jared Stillions officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Todd Mathis, Trent Mathis, Jordan Vaclavik, Justin Vaclavik, Bryan Vaclavik and Mark Vaclavik. Honorary pallbearers will be Dick Quinn, John Dickerson, Gregg Organ, Brian Stone and Eugene Vaclavik.

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, October 16, 2016
 

Jesse Rodriguez Valdez
December 15, 1938 - November 23, 2019

Jesse Rodriguez Valdez, Sr.  joined our Heavenly Father in his eternal resting place on November 23, 2019. Loved ones gathered around him as he peacefully transitioned to his next journey as husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend from Heaven above, forever a guardian to those children he leaves behind Jesse Valdez Jr., Valerie Valdez Rigler, Santiago Valdez and Martha Valdez Bazor; also guiding over brothers John Joe Valdez Jr., Guadalupe Valdez and sisters Mary Rose Cox and Corrina Cortez. He will continue to watch over his grandchildren Victoria Valdez, Viana Whitehead, Sloane Valdez Burnop, Vicente Valdez Burnop, Vanessa Valdez, Steven Valdez lovingly from Heaven. He is preceded in death by his wife Valentina Perez Valdez, as well as his brothers and sisters Lorenzo Valdez, Helen Paniagua, Mary Guarjardo and Angelina Lopez.

Sir Knight Jesse Valdez Sr. was born on December 15th, 1938 on a small farm in Cuero, Texas, born of John Joe Valdez and Julia Rodriguez Valdez. His eventful life began in Bay City, Texas where he was raised in a humble home on Avenue M. He excelled as Bay City Blackcat track star and athlete in the 50’s, worked at the Sweeny refinery in Old Ocean, Texas in the 60’s, lived in Houston in the 70’s and was employed by Phillip 66 throughout the 80’s. The 90’s brought him a more laid back lifestyle, often pulling his granddaughter Viana around the block in her red radio flyer wagon and making her microwave cakes. He enjoyed watching old western movies and planting tomatoes and other tasty vegetables. The new millennium brought about changes such as enlistment as “Grandpa”, with fulltime duties and a more dedicated 24-hour assignment. He attended birthdays, school plays and winter choir programs. He laid his wife, Valentina P. Valdez, to rest in 2008. His last decade was filled with love and memories of his years past. Sharing stories with all his loved ones and being loved by his family, appreciating and giving thanks for all his blessings in life.

Visitation will be from 5PM until 7PM Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with a rosary beginning at 6:30 PM. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Rev. Gabriel Espinosa officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

John Joe Valdez, Jr.
August 07, 1941 - May 27, 2020

John J. (Kenny) Valdez, Jr., 78, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2020. He was born in Bay City, TX, the second son of John J. Valdez, Sr. and Julia Rodriguez Valdez on August 7, 1941.

He received his early sacraments at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. He was married at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Kenny worked in construction until going to work as a lineman for 26 years at Central Power & Light. He coached his daughter’s youth softball team for two years. Later, he sponsored and coached the American GI Forum Women’s Softball Team, which traveled the surrounding areas & the Valley. He, along with his friend Greg Cortez, coached men’s softball teams locally, in particular, the boys’ youth team sponsored by Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. He was a long-time fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Kenny retired fro, CP&L in 1994. He opened operated the Dos Caminos Bar until 2014 when his declining health forced his total retirement.

Kenny is survived by his wife of 60 years, Julia Trevino Valdez; his daughter Jessica Melchor; grandson Jonathan Lopez; great-grandchildren Mark Garza, Leigha Melchor, Joel, Joey and Jackie Lopez; great-great granddaughter Jackie Garza; brother Lupe Valdez (Rocio Vieyra); sisters Corrina Cortez (David) and Mary Rose Cox (Roger); sister-in-law Guadalupe (Tony) Saldana; brothers-in-law Tony & Abel Trevino, Erasto Paniagua, Rogelio Lopez, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his daughter Jacqueline Valdez; his parents; step-mother Angelita Valdez; brothers, Jesse, Sr. & Lorenzo Valdez, Sr., and sisters Mary Guajardo, Helen Paniaqua and Angie Lopez.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Fr. Gabriel Espinosa officiating. A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 am followed by the Requiem Mass at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers are Mark Garza, Joel Lopez, Jerry Guajardo, Jimmie S. Valdez, Lupe Valdez, Roger Cox, Jr., David Valdez, Jaime Lopez, Joe & Paul Garay, Amado, Jose P., Rodney & Steve Trevino, Marion & Brett Garcia, Jose Luis Saldana, Joe Guajardo, Jr. and Erasto Paniagua, Jr.

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

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Librado Valdez Jr.
September 4, 1957 - April 11, 2020

Mr. Librado “Lee” Valdez Jr., age 62, of Lake City, Florida died Saturday, April 11, 2020 in the Lake City Medical Center, Lake City, Florida.

Mr. Valdez was born in Refugio, Texas and resided in Aurora, Illinois before moving to Lake City, Florida seven years ago. He was a musician most of his life and played the base guitar in many blues bands in the United States and Italy, most notably for B. B. King’s blues band for many years. When not touring for his music, he worked also as a printer for many printing shops. He loved fishing, hunting, riding his Harley, his music, and watching old movies.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Librado R. Valdez Sr. and Enriqueta Cortinas Ortiez; and nephew, Roberto Lee Barron.

He is survived by his wife, Jill L. Valdez of Lake City, Florida; three sisters, Melinda Valdez Davis and husband Russell Davis of Santa Fe, Texas,  Cynthia Montalvo of Bay City, Texas, and Karen Dede Valdez of Palacios, Texas; one brother, Vicente Ortiz of Sweeny, Texas; nephews, Ray Martinez of Goldsboro, North Carolina, Andy Martinez,  Rocky Martinez, Enrique Barron,  George Montalbo, and Felix Montalbo of Bay City, Texas, Christopher Ortiz of Sweeny, Texas; nieces, Jessica Barron of Bay City, Texas, Jenna Marie Ramirez of Santa Fe, Texas, and Brenda Bess of Brazoria; and many great nephews and nieces.  

Service - We will be having a Celebration of Lil Lee Valdez life at a later date. As soon as we have a date set, we will let everyone know. Thank you for all your support and prayers for our family. God Bless you.

Request by his wife, Jill Valdez and his sister, Melinda Valdez Davis - you can still show your support by sending flowers, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Librado Valdez Jr.

Bay City Tribune, April 22, 2020
 

Sophie Reyes Valdez
(December 3, 1940 - September 23, 2016)

Sophie Reyes Valdez, 75, of El Campo passed away September 23, 2016. She was born December 3, 1940 in Wharton County, TX .

She was preceded in death by her husband Manuel Valdez, daughter Gloria Valdez and grandsons Efrin Lopez, Jr. and Randy Moya.

Survivors include daughters Sarah Fonseca & husband Baudelio of El Campo, Joann Moya & husband Mario of Bay City and Diane Marin & husband Juan of Blessing; grandchildren Cindy, Fermin, Javier, Angelica, Juan, Jr., Norma, Cassandra, Gloria, Mario, Jr. Israel and Marky and 29 great grandchildren.

A rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM Sunday, September 25, 2016 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 AM Monday, September 26, 2016 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Msgr. Gerry Cernoch officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Stephanie Lynn Valdez
February 24, 1986 - December 2, 2017

Stephanie Lynn Valdez, 31, of Bay City, passed away December 2, 2017. She was born on February 24, 1986 in Bay City, Texas to Jose Rodriguez and Katy Valdez.

Stephanie was a loving daughter, mom, cousin and sister. She loved God and was devoted to her faith. Stephanie was also an avid Dallas Cowboy fan.

Stephanie is survived by her son Jordan; parents Jose Rodriguez, and Katy and her husband Steven Garay; brothers and sisters, Cassandra, Leslie, Makayla, Joe and Leanne; grandmothers Hope Zamora and Sophie Q. Valdez; grandfather Moses Zamora and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her grandfather Lorenzo R. Valdez Sr. and Uncle Lorenzo Valdez Jr.

The family will receive friends and relatives 4:00-8:00pm Tuesday, December 5 at the funeral home. Services are 10:00am Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery

Kim Yvette Van Buren
June 21, 1966 - January 16, 2021

Kim Van Buren passed away to be with her savior Jesus Christ January 16, 2021. She was born June 21, 1966 in Baytown, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her father Candido Gonzales, Jr. of Van Vleck, her maternal grandparents Francisco and Emma Rangel of Baytown, paternal grandparents Candido and Refugia Gonzales of Austin, Uncle Robert Gonzales of Houston and cousins Nick Gonzales of Houston and Bill Wood of Baytown.

On November 19, 1988, she received her degree of Bachelor of Arts from Houston Baptist University. She taught school for 25 years from first to twelfth grade levels. She taught at Galena Park ISD, Friendswood ISD and Pearland ISD. She considered the classroom her mission field as she not only taught the students, but became their friend and counselor.

God blessed her with many talents. Kim was a pianist and singer. At the age of 12, she started playing piano for the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Bay City where her father was pastor. She was an avid reader and talented writer.

She gave her heart to Jesus and always called herself a child of the King. Oh! How she loved Jesus, because of his sacrificial love on the cross to save us.

She is survived by Evan Van Buren, her son of Pearland; Gloria Gonzales, her mother of Van Vleck; Aunt Minerva Harkins (Phil) of Houston; Aunt Rebecca “Honey” Wood of Baytown; Uncle Robert Rangel of Garland, TX; Uncle George Rangel of Porter, TX; Aunt Mary Baker (Don) of Austin; cousins Monte Baker (April), Missionaries in Buda Fes Hungary, Karla Jackstadt (Eric), Mark Flores (Jeanette), John Flores (Sandy), Jackie Guerrero (Albert), Tiffany Rangel and Nancy Rangel.

“In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you, for I go to prepare a place for you.”

Private services will take place.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Delores Mae Harvey Van Dyke

Delores Mae Harvey Van Dyke was born on September 2nd, 1943 and passed away peacefully at home on May 9th, 2020 of natural causes. She was called home to join her family in heaven.

In 1960 Delores married Donnie Kubecka, they had five children Paul, Robbie, Julie, Pete, and Steven.

On Friday, April 13th 1973, she married the love of her life, Mickey Van Dyke. They had one son Jeremy L. Van Dyke, while in the Air Force, they were sent to many different places and enjoyed all of them. She had 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

She was a lifetime member of the VFW women’s auxiliary in Palacios, Texas.

She opened a gift shop called Grandmas Touch in Lockhart, Texas, with her mother Leetta Harvey and daughter Julie.

She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who enjoyed sewing for her daughter and granddaughters.

Her parents Curtis and Leetta Harvey and her three brothers Jeffie, Charles, and, Terry Harvey from Palacios, Texas who all had preceded her in death.

Her memorial service will be held in Palacios, Texas at the VFW on August 1st at 2 PM.

Palacios Beacon, May 27, 2020
 

Sharon Jean Vance
January 28, 1950 ~ August 29, 2016

Sharon Jean Vance of Angleton, Texas, passed away in Clear Lake, Texas, on Monday, August 29, 2016, at the age of 66. She was born on January 28, 1950, to Bill and Jeannie (Ruefenacht) Radford in Willow Springs, Missouri.

Sharon, lovingly called “Sister” by her three younger brothers, spent most of her childhood in the Bay City/Markham area before moving to Angleton during her high school years. This is where she met her one true love, Lonnie, and they were married 47 years. She loved being a wife, momma, and Nana and she loved her family well. She also worked as a jewelry consultant at Service Merchandise, as well as Weight Watchers and H & R Block. Her love of antiques was shown through her antique booth at County Seat Antiques, which she operated for 15 years. She was a wonderful seamstress and her children and grandchildren always looked forward to the elaborate costumes she made for Halloween each year. Sharon's hobbies included bowling on a league with friends, doing crafts and painting. She also loved to travel and was able to visit several places traveling with Lonnie on jobs, as well as making many trip to her favorite vacation spots, Branson, Missouri and First Monday Trade Days in Canton, Texas. Above all, she was a strong Christian woman who remained faithful to her Lord and family.

Services are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church located at 237 E. Locust, Angleton, Texas, 77515 on Saturday, September 3, 2016, with Dr. Rodney Bowman officiating. Burial will take place in Hawley Cemetery in Blessing, Texas, following the service. The family welcomes friends for a time of visitation on Friday, September 2, 2016, at First Baptist Church from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Lonnie R. Vance, her children; Weston Vance (wife, Kelly), and Dana Harden (husband, Tyler), her brothers; Will Radford (wife, Carol), Jesse Radford (wife, Brenda) and Shanon Clay Radford (wife, Nikki), as well as her beloved six grandchildren; Zachary Harden, Daycie Harden, Cambry Harden, Ember Harden, Max Vance and Avery Vance.

Services lovingly fulfilled by the dedicated staff at Palms Funeral Home

Palms Funeral Home
 

Anita W. Vara - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

 

Jorge Guadalupe Vargas, Jr.

Jorge Guadalupe Vargas, Jr., died April 23, 2004.

He was born April 23, 2004, to Jorge Guadalupe Vargas, Sr. and Patricia Mendoza Vargas.

He was buried in Midfield Cemetery.

Arrangements were with Green’s Mortuary.

[Information provided by Green’s Mortuary]
 

Ricarda Vargas
(May 24, 1921 - July 3, 2017)

Ricarda Rosas Vargas, 96, of Bay City passed away July 3, 2017. She was born May 24, 1921 in Mexico to the late Julian Rosas and Natalia Martinez Rosas.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Miguel C. Vargas in 2009.

Survivors include daughter Maria Delia Jaramillo; sons Victor Vargas and wife Dolores, Rocendo Ismael Vargas and wife Elisia and Juan Manuel Vargas; sisters Juana Rosas Sanchez and Trinidad Rosas Castillo; 15 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM Thursday, July 6, 2017 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

A rosary will be recited at 1:30 PM Thursday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with mass following at 2:00 PM with Msgr. Gerry Cernoch officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Mark Eenink, Ricky Vargas, Rene Vargas, Oscar Jaramillo, Victor Vargas, Jr.,Tony Vargas, Gilbert Vargas and Robert Vargas. Oscar Nino will serve as honorary pallbearer.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Florencia Vasquez
(January 26, 1929 - September 9, 2016)

Florencia Vasquez Zavala, 87, of Bay City, Texas died on September 9, 2016 surrounded by family and friends. Florencia was born on January 26, 1929 in Mexico to Benigno Zavala and Agustina Zamarripa. In her earlier years, she was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Palacios and later in life, was a devoted member of our Guadalupe Catholic Church in Bay City. She spent her life caring for others. She never put herself before others. She would often go out of her way to reach those in need. She was a loving, caring, understanding, and a mother to all who knew her.

She was a strong women who raised 5 children in a loving and happy home. She was committed to her family.

She was survived by daughters Irma Pena (Stephen), Valdemar Vasquez (Stella), Hope Flores (Pete), 8 grandkids and her sister, Rita Zavala Aguilar from Piedras Negras, Mexico. She also leaves behind numerous loving relatives and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Urbano Vasquez, her daughter, Rachel Vasquez and son, Hector Vasquez, her parents and 10 brothers and sisters.

The family wishes to thank all of those who cared and prayed for her during her illness.

The family will receive friends and relatives Sunday, September 11 from 6:00-8:00pm at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, with a rosary service at 6:00pm. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 am Monday, September 12, 2016 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Msgr. Gerry Cernoch celebrant. Pallbearers will be Vincent, Andrew and Adrian Pena, UJ Vasquez, Juan Zavala Jr., and Rumaldo Ibarra. Rite of committal will follow at the Palacios Cemetery. Fellowship and meal will be held at the KC Hall in Palacios.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Estella Vasquez
(September 15, 1954 - January 11, 2018)

Teresa Estella Vasquez, 63, of Bay City passed away January 11, 2018. She was born September 15, 1954 in Fisher County, Texas to Juan DeDios Torres and Maria Guadalupe Alveldano.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Paula Jacobo, sister Isabel Gonzales and fathers Juan DeDios Torres and Edward Guzman.

Survivors include her mother Guadalupe Guzman ;husband Fernando Vasquez; children Alex Torres (Kelly), Rachel Torres, Jessica Moreno (Julian), Felicia Jacobo, Sahul Jacobo (Jennifer) and Jennifer Gurrola (Francisco); grandchildren Cassandra Martinez, Vanessa Estrada, Valarie Estrada, Adrian Estrada, Brianna Jacobo, Zailynn Jacobo, Alexis Torres, Marissa Moreno, Julian Moreno, Jr., Jazlene Guevara and Fernando Gurrola; great grandchildren Trae Martinez and Antonio Martinez and her siblings Julie Torres, Jaime Torres, Rosie Renteria, Manuel Torres, Norma McClelland, Corinna Wood, Debbie Torres, Josie Moore and Edward Guzman, Jr.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 5 pm-7 pm Monday at the funeral home with a rosary being recited at 6:30 pm. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 am Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Msgr. Gerry Cernoch officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Pallbearers will be Alex Torres, Sahul Jacobo, Adrian Estrada, Julian Moreno, Abel Tamez and Daniel Martinez, Jr. Her brothers will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home              Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Tommy John Vasquez
October 01, 1950 - February 29, 2020

Andrew Vaughn Jr.
August 30, 1947 – October 30, 2020

Andrew Vaughn Jr., 73, of Bay City, Texas passed away on Friday, October 30, 2020 in Bay City.

He was born in Mississippi on August 30, 1947 and has lived in Bay City for many years.

Viewing and guest book registry will be on Friday, November 13, 2020 from 12 noon until 3 p. m at the Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Bay City.

Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery in Bay City.

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

Bay City Tribune, November 11, 2020                   Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Jesusa Vela
April 27, 1937 - July 17, 2017

Jesusa Vela, 80, of Bay City, Texas passed away July 17, 2017.

She was born April 27, 1937 in Poteet, Texas to the late Albino Villanueva and Paula Moreno Villanueva.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Vela Sr.

Survivors include her daughters, Malinda Fabela (Daniel), Lucinda Lough (Ray), Dora Trevino and Janie Vasquez; sons, Frank Vela Jr. (Rosemary) and Adam Vela; 25 grandchildren; and 36 great grandchildren.

Bay City Tribune, Sunday, July 23, 2017                      Photo courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise

Lorenzo Velasquez - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

 

Sammy Eugene Vestal
(August 5, 1936 - February 17, 2017)

Sammy Vestal of Houston passed away on Friday, February 17, 2017. Sammy was born on August 5, 1936 in Overton, Texas to the late Clarence Melvin and Amy Blanch Vestal. Sammy loved to watch sports. Sammy also loved to travel. Sammy served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp. Sammy was a born-again Christian. Sammy is survived by his family; son Scott Vestal & wife Katherine, daughters, Sherry, Samantha, son, Steven, step-son, Sammy Vestal; 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother Clarence Jesse Vestal and one sister Anne Ruth Rone. There will be a gathering of family and friends on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 1:00P.M. at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Burial to follow at Cedarvale Cemetery.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home

Guadalupe “Lupe” Villarreal

Funeral services for Guadalupe “Lupe” Villarreal, 43 of Bay City will be 2 pm, Thursday, Dec. 9, 1999 in the chapel of Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck. 

Ms. Villarreal died Sunday, Dec. 5, 1999 in Houston.

She was born Aug. 8, 1956, in Bay City to the late Ynes Villarreal Sr. and Senona Solis Villarreal.

She is survived by: her mother of Bay City; daughter, Anna Maria Villarreal of Bay City; son, Ignacio Villarreal of Bay City; sisters, Mary Perez of Rosenberg, Tommie Suarez of Houston, Magdalina Tovar of Houston; and Margaret Rodriguez of Austin; and brother, Ynes Villarreal, Jr. of Bay City.

Pallbearers include: Ignacio Villarreal, Jesse C. Villarreal, Arthur C. Villarreal, Carlos C. Flores, David Flores, and Jessie Villarreal, Jr. Honorary pallbearers are: Scott Sherrill and Joey Charles.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, December 5, 1999        Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Darla Vinson
October 02, 1950 - November 13, 2019

Darla Kay Reese Vinson, 69, of Bay City passed away November 13, 2019.  She was born October 2, 1950 in Bay City to the late Vance Eugene Reese and Shirley Jean Steinbach Reese.

Survivors include daughter Rhonda Brown & husband Ron of Bay City, Texas; sons David Vinson & wife Jennifer of Katy, Texas and Donald Vinson of Bay City; brothers Don Reese & wife Sherry of Onalaska, Texas and Ronnie Reese & wife Bonnie of Houston, Texas; grandchildren Ron Brown, Jr (Chassity)., Logan “Brehanna” Davis (Nicole), Phalicidy Brown, Christopher Robinson, Star Miller, Ashley Garcia and Samantha Vinson; great grandchild Kinsley Brown; niece Julie and husband Paul Lock and nephew Frank Reese.

The family would like to offer special thanks to St. Christina’s EMS, Dr. Pant and her staff, Dr. Neret and his staff, and the staff at Matagorda Nursing & Rehabilitation for going above and beyond.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 5PM until 7PM Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.  Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Lane Pardue officiating.  Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Gerardo Garcia, Isreal Moya, DeMetric Monroe, Meridith Horn, Leon White, Adam Zavala, Mark Perez Jr, Stephen Torres.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home        Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Joyce Janette Volkmer
October 26, 1944 - March 8, 2019

Joyce Janette Volkmer, 74, went to be with Jesus March 8, 2019 in her home in Lakewood, Colorado, after a long battle with pain and suffering from back and spinal surgeries. Joyce was born in Yorktown, Texas on October 26, 1944 to Alton and Thelma Martin.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Frank Volkmer Sr.  She was a loving mother to Frank Volkmer Jr. (wife Tracey) of Lakewood, Colorado, Jennifer Murray of Alamogordo, New Mexcico, and Brenda Goss (husband Zac) of Duluth, Georgia. Joyce had eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three sisters, Doris Duderstadt, Rose Miles and Shirley Dahl; one brother, Alton Martin Jr.; and many nieces and nephews.

Joyce and Frank owned the Dairy Mart for four years. They then opened Frank's Country Style BBQ Restaurant. In 1980, they moved their family to Denver Colorado and opened Frank's BBQ Restaurant & Catering of which Frank Jr. and Tracey own and operate today.

Frank and Joyce moved back to Bay City, Texas and got into the rental market. Joyce loved God and always put everyone before herself. There are not tears in heaven, she is finally at peace and free of pain. 

Memorial services will be held at the Nichols Church of Christ in Bay City on April 8, 2019 at 4 p.m., followed by a catered BBQ dinner.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Arabia Shrine Temple, P.O. Box 20625, Houston, Texas 77225. Checks to Shrine Hospital for children in memory of Joyce Volkmer.

Bay City Tribune online

Ola Mae Voris
April 21, 1932 - August 04, 2017

Ola Mae Voris of Blessing, Tx. passed away on Friday, August 4, 2017 at the age of 85. Ola was born on April 21, 1932 in Blessing, Texas to William Henry and Della Maxwell Smith.

Ola Mae is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Lee, J. B., Robert, Lester and Wayne Smith; sisters, Wildeane Ertell, Louise Smithey, and Betty Jean Smith. Ola Mae is survived by her husband William Lilley; sisters, Barbara Adams and Lee Eva; son, Forrest Harter; daughters Donna Michael, Maria Tetur, Leah Harter; step-children, Melissa Lilley, Amy Roberson, Robert Lilley, and Michele Jost and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends and relatives Monday, August 7 from 5:00-8:00p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery near Blessing.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Woodie Gene Vowell

Bay City, Tx – Woodie "Chip" Gene Vowell, 55, of Bay City, Passed away on Friday, April 19, 2019. He was born on January 14, 1964 in Greenville, MS to Woody G. Vowell Sr. and Diane Ramsey Vowell.

Woodie (Chip) G. Vowell, Jr. was born January 14, 1964 and passed away on Good Friday, April 19th, 2019, after a valiant fight against cancer. Chip was born in Greenville, Mississippi to the late Woodie G. Vowell Sr. and Diane Ramsey Vowell. He was an expert pipefitter and old soul that loved the simple things in life. Chip enjoyed bartering goods instead of the retail way; a bag of fresh caught fish was worthy currency in his book. You could find Chip hunting, fishing, or canoeing in his spare time, and always with a trusty canine at his side. He lived adventurously with the alligator tales and scars to show for it. He could tick the hours away shooting the breeze, fireside… truly his favorite pastime. Chip was a fine craftsman, especially talented in making knives, wire sculptures, and leather cases. If you hung around long enough you would end up with one of each; he was known for his generosity. Chip was also a master cook, his beef jerky and fresh squeezed juices were unmatched. He made the best out of every situation and didn’t have a cross word to say about anyone. Most of all Chip loved people. Chip was a treasured friend, husband, brother, and uncle, and he will be dearly missed.

Woodie Gene Vowell was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Edwin Scott Vowell. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Petrosky Vowell, sisters Jane Baker, Jennifer Vowell, and Julie Vowell Kuzin; nieces Leah Vowell and Madeline Kuzin; and nephews Ryan Compton and Chance Vowell. Chip will be laid to rest at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City, TX on May 4th at 11am.

obitsonline.net      Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Alton DeWayne “Al” Voyles
October 10, 1937 - March 5, 2018

Al was given his angel wings on March 5, 2018, following his journey with Alzheimer’s Disease.

He was born in Childress, Texas on October 10, 1937.  He grew up and worked hard as a young man to help his family with cotton farming in Childress and Tell.  He attended college on a baseball scholarship and later worked for the railroad before owning his own service station in Childress.  Al moved his family to Longview in the 1960s to pursue a career in the automotive business.

Some of Al’s special times included earning his private pilot license, watching the Dallas Cowboys, dancing, and traveling.  He volunteered on many community projects and enjoyed working to give independence to people with disabilities and the wounded warriors.  He loved America, our National Anthem, our flag, our veterans, our active service members, and everyone who worked to make our community safe and great.  He was a Christian and a member of the Longview First United Methodist Church.

Al was preceded in death by his father, Horace Voyles; mother, Verda Mae Voyles; sister, Edna Mae Cheatheam; and brother, Harlon Voyles.

He is survived by his best friend, devoted wife of 30 years and caregiver, Linda Voyles; his son, Mike and wife Pamela Voyles of Sweeny; daughter, Michelle and husband Adam Gerber of Crested Butte, CO; stepsons, Dale Lessenberry of Longview and David Lessenberry of Austin; grandchildren, Jesse Gerber, Tiffanie Rice, and Brittney Tucker Pitcock; and two great grandchildren.  He is also survived by brothers-in-law, Wayne and wife Vicki Head of Brazoria and Bobby Head of Bay City; sisters-in-law, Sherry Head Rothermel and husband Greg of Bay City and Pat Voyles of Littlefield; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

Al’s body has been donated to the UT Southwestern Medical Center Willed Body Program for medical teaching and research purposes.

A private memorial service will be planned at a later date.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Longview Chapter of AMBUCS, P.O. Box 3092, Longview, TX 75606 or to the East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance, P.O. Box 6011, Longview, TX  75608.

Bay City Tribune, March 11, 2018
 

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