Charles Edwin Dacke
September 2, 1937 - November 30, 2018

Charles Edwin Dacke, 81, of Lolita, TX passed away at his home on November 30, 2018.

"Charlie" to his friends, was born September 2, 1937 to Elmer Bruce Dacke and Annie Frances Burford Dacke in West Columbia, TX.

Charlie is preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 52 years, Peggy Carol Huff Dacke; brothers, Harold, Bruce, Wayne and Leslie; sisters, Montie and Annabelle; and sons, Casey Charles and Kent Mitchell.

He is survived by a sister, Joyce Dacke; sons, David Gary and Steven Dwayne; five granddaughters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Charles was a retired welder and still enjoyed welding projects, gardening, restoring Farmall tractors and fishing, especially catfishing. Some of his fondest memories were with his family "caravanning: across the state and country with their travel trailers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a memorial contribution be made to Prostate Cancer Research Institute at: www.secure.pcri.org to make a donation on line in honor of Charles Dacke.

There was a visitation on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 from 5 pm. to 7 p.m. at Slavik-Edna Funeral Home Chapel.

 A graveside service was held on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Red Bluff Cemetery in Lolita, TX.

Services have been entrusted to Russell Todish of Slavik Funeral Home, 209 N. Allen St., Edna, TX 77957; 361-782-2152.

Bay City Tribune, December 9, 2018
 

Jimmy John Dacke
September 15, 1934 - February 13, 2019

Jimmy John Dacke, 84, of Bay City passed away February 13, 2019. He was born September 15, 1934 in Goliad, TX to the late Clyde Bee Dacke and Lorene Pearl Allman Dacke.

He was preceded in death by a sister Shirley Dacke Smith and brothers Robert Arliss Dacke, Clyde Henry Dacke, & Franklin Gordon Dacke.

Survivors include sister Doris Norman; brother Arliss Dacke; nieces Janet C. Hyde, Tammy Brewer, Ann Norman, Layla Brewer and Kaila Hyde and nephews Franklin James Dacke, John Norman, Dustin Norman, Michael Brfewer, Hunter H. Hyde and Robert Nichols.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM Saturday, February 16, 2019. Graveside Services will follow at 10:00 AM Saturday at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck, TX.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home               Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

James Andrew Dailey
May 17, 1938 - November 15, 2018

James Andrew Dailey, 80, died in a Beaumont hospice after a battle with an autoimmune disease and then bladder cancer. He was born in Houston on May 17, 1938, the first of five children to Dr. James Emerson Dailey and Catherine Igoe Dailey. He enjoyed an idyllic childhood on Reba Drive where lifelong friendships were formed.
 

Jim graduated from St. Thomas High School, and from Texas A&M University eleven years later. In between he had many adventures, including studies at Notre Dame, surveying in Alaska, service in the United States Navy Pacific Fleet, and a life-changing blind date in Galveston, TX in 1966. An A&M classmate, Maggie Bains, introduced Jim to his future wife, Melanie Coburn.
 

In 1968 Jim began work in Palacios, TX for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department as a marine biologist. Joyous to rise each morning, he continued for 29 years, helping to monitor Matagorda Bay’s ecosystem. Jim remained in Palacios where together with his wife, Melanie, they raised their children, regularly attended St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, supported community and school activities, and enjoyed lifelong friendships.
 

Later in his career, Jim helped pioneer saltwater fly fishing on the middle Texas coast, often speaking on his passion around the state. His joy and enthusiasm attracted many others to the sport, and to revere all forms of wildlife around Texas.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers-in-law Sam Thomson, Paul Stallings and Neil Coburn.
 

He leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Melanie Coburn Dailey of Palacios. He is also survived by his children and their spouses; James Kevin and Angela L. Dailey of Spring, TX, and Drs. Karen Bains Dailey and Jorge A. Hernandez of Beaumont, TX.
 

Jim’s four sisters all survive him; Margaret Dailey Stallings of Houston, Sandra Dailey Thomson of Eagle Lake, TX, and Catherine Ann Dailey and Caroline Dailey Hunt, both of Willis, TX.
 

Other-in-laws surviving Jim include Steve Parker Coburn and wife Victoria B. Coburn of Dallas, and Dr. Keith A. Coburn and wife Victoria B. Fayle of Baytown, TX. Nine nieces and nephews also survive their favorite Uncle Jimmy.
 

Jim leaves behind five cherished grandchildren, all of whom he introduced to their Grumpy’s favorite outdoor activities: Lauren Elizabeth Dailey, Brooke Larkin Dailey, Alexis Emerson Dailey, Beatrice Sofia Hernandez-Dailey and Ruben James Hernandez-Dailey.
 

James Andrew Dailey was a joyous, kind, and funny man. Generous to the end of his life, he donated his remains to the Texas A&M College of Medicine Willed Body Program.
 

Jim will be memorialized on December 1st, 2018 at a funeral mass at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, located at 1004 Magnusson Avenue in Palacios, TX. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jim’s memory to the Matagorda Bay Foundation, 15918 CR 946, Brazoria, TX 77422, (361) 781-2171, bill.matbayfoundation@gmail.com

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

Bay City Tribune, August 1, 2018
 

Kirk Bailey Daniel
December 11, 1958 - July 28, 2018

Kirk Bailey Daniel, 59, of Bay City, TX was born December 11, 1958 in Mesa, Arizona and passed away July 28, 2018, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Houston, TX.

He was the son of Dr. Tillman M. Daniel and Freda Kilgo Daniel.

Kirk graduated from Bay City High School in 1977.  After graduation, he attended Southern Methodist University and was affiliated with Sigma Alpha Epsilon Social Fraternity.  He attended Scuba Diving school where he received his certification.  He received a degree in Medical Technology at ITT in Houston, TX.  He became a member of the United States Marine Corp in 1994.  After his service, Kirk managed D & D Turf Farm and Ranch, a family business.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed these times with his dad and brothers.

He was a member of Cradle of Texas Chapter #35, Sons of the American Revolution Chapter #35, Sons of the Republic f Texas, and Bay City First United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Bailey, and Mr. and Mrs. T. M. Daniel.

Kirk is survived by his parents; daughter, Bailey Louise Daniel of Bay City; brothers, Greg T. Daniel and wife Nancy of Austin and Brett C. Daniel of Sargent; sister, Lisa Daniel Frick and husband Tod E. Frick of Orange Beach, AL; nephews and nieces, Greg T. Daniel Jr. and wife Erin, Jacob C. Daniel, Tod Mills Frick, Leslie K. Daniel and Emery E. Frick.

Viewing will be from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 2, 2018 at First United Methodist Church in Bay City with Dr. Russ Munch officiating.

Pallbearers are Greg Daniel Sr., Brett Daniel, Greg Daniel Jr., Jacob Daniel, Tod Frick and Jesse Regalado.

Memorials may be made to the Bay City First United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.

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

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home                                        Photo courtesy of Susie Adkins

Ned Reagan Daniels
February 8, 1928 - December 22, 2018

Ned Reagan Daniels, 90, of Midland, passed away on Saturday, December 22, 2018 surrounded by his family. The family will be receiving guests from 5:00pm-7:00pm, Thursday, December 27, 2018 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland. Funeral services will be 10:00am, Friday, December 28, 2018 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at 3:00 pm on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City, Texas.

Ned was born on February 8, 1928 in Marshall, Texas. He grew up in Tatum, Texas and graduated high school from Beaumont South Park High School and then attended North Texas Agricultural College (NTAC) in Arlington, TX.  He enrolled in The University of Texas at Austin and graduated with a BS in Petroleum Engineering in 1950.  Following graduation from UT, he served in the US Army at the Engineer Research and Development Laboratories at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.  Upon discharge in 1952, he went to work for the Ohio Oil Company (now Marathon Oil Company) in Bay City, TX.  Ned had a distinguished career working in the engineering and operations groups at Marathon as he held various positions in Bay City, Houston, Hobbs, NM, Iraan and Midland.  He was Operations Superintendent for the prolific Yates Field from 1969 to 1982 which included the time period when the field was unitized in 1976.  Ned retired in 1986 from Marathon after 37 years of service.  He served as president of the Iraan Sheffield ISD school board, the Pecos County Hospital Board and was a longtime member of the Lions Club.  Ned enjoyed collecting coins, bird hunting, fishing and cheering for the Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys.

Ned is survived by his wife Gwen Daniels of Midland, son Reagan and wife Jennifer Daniels of Missouri City, TX and son Steve and wife Amy Daniels of Midland. Ned is also survived by grandchildren Katie Daniels of Houston, TX, Erin and husband Colby Baker of Sugarland, TX, Austin Daniels and fiancé Jill Stiebel of Missouri City, TX, Jordan and wife Kayla Daniels of Spring, TX, Taylor and wife Sarah Daniels of Midland and one great grandson Wayde Reagan Daniels of Missouri City, TX.  He is also survived by Gwen’s children Brent and wife Sheri McClure of Weatherford, TX, Kelli and her husband Clay Bateman of Midland, Lance McClure of Allen, TX and grandchildren Rachel and Jenna Bateman of Midland, Roy Bateman of Lubbock, TX, Collin McClure of College Station, TX and Cayden McClure of Allen, TX, Jake Moore of Weatherford, TX and Melissa Baker of Ft. Worth, TX.

He is preceded in death by his parents Tommie and Floyd Daniels and brothers Whit, Tommy, Jerry and Bill Daniels as well as first wife Betty Ann Craft Daniels, to whom he was married for 35 years until her death in 1990.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or the Manor Park Younger Center.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Visiting Angels staff members, especially Jessica Munoz, Cynthia Burcham and Aida Prieto and the staff at the Manor Park Younger Center.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory, Midland, Texas
 

Rosie Mae Blair Dannelley

Rosie Mae Blair Dannelley, 76, of Van Vleck went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 2, 2018. She was born on March 26, 1942 to Clyde and Delia Blair.

She graduated Livingston High School in Livingston, California and then married her husband of 57 years, Ed Dannelley. They resided in California until 1976 and then moved to Texas to be by Ed's family. Rosie worked outside of the home until her grandchildren were born.  She spent most of her life taking care of others; she was the main caregiver to her son Rodney for over 30 years.  She was known as Memaw to most of the community. She loved to cook, sew, and read. She would often make dolls and give them to friends and family or donate them to various community fundraisers. Rosie enjoyed her family and loved spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rosie is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ed Dannelley; brothers, Bob Blair, Frank Blair, and Sonny Blair ; and sons, Jim and Rodney Dannelley. She is survived by her brother, Jack Blair; daughters Tammy Quinn-Johnson of Pearland, Texas and Nancy Dannelley of Van Vleck, Texas; grandchildren James Dannelley Jr., of Van Vleck, Texas,  Micheal Dannelley of Van Vleck, Texas, and Siena Bradford and husband Lane of Palacios, Texas; great grandchildren James Dannelley III, Hunter Dannelley, Trevor Dannelley, and Jason Dannelley; numerous nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Penny.

The family will receive friends at relatives 6:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday September 5 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, September 6, 2018 at the First Baptist Church of Van Vleck. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be Lane Bradford, James Dannelley Jr., Michael Dannelley, Mark Jacobs, Rick Brooks, and Wayne Brooks.

Bay City Tribune, September 9, 2018               Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Maye Everette Thompson Darby
March 30, 1933 - January 13, 2019 

Maye Everette Thompson Darby, 85, of Dallas, Texas passed away January 13, 2019 in Dallas. She was the daughter of Willie Thompson Jr. and Margaret Veola Bouldin Thompson. She was born in Live Oak, Texas on March 30, 1933.

She was a 1948 graduate of Hilliard High School in Bay City, Texas. Prior to retirement, she was employed as Home Economics Educator in the McKinney and Dallas Independent School Districts for 40 years.

Her church affiliation was The Potter's House in Dallas.

Funeral services were held Friday, January 18, 2019 in Dallas, Texas.

Graveside services were held Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. at Eastview Cemetery in Bay City.

Local arrangements were with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas.

Bay City Tribune, January 27, 2019
 

                Orval T. Davis      Sallie E. Davis     Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

O. T. Davis

Funeral services for O. T. Davis, 81, of Van Vleck will be held at 2 pm Wednesday at First Pentecostal Church, Bay City, with the Rev. Marvin Moore officiating.  Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Mr. Davis was born March 30, 1906, in Almartha, Mo., to Henry Davis and Nora Reed and died August 30, 1987, at Matagorda General Hospital, Bay City.

A 50-year resident of Matagorda County, Mr. Davis was the owner and operator of O. T. Davis and Son Water Well Service.  He was president of Wellco Drilling of Bay City and he was a longtime independent oil developer of the Boling Dome, Boling.

He was a member of the Texas Water Well association and First Pentecostal Church.

Survivors include his wife, Sallie Ellis Davis of Van Vleck; two daughters, Betty Teeler and Mary Ann Wells, both of Bay City; six sons, Billy Davis of Pearland, Curtis Davis of Bay City, Walter Davis of Cedar Lane, Jimmy Davis of Sweeny, Alfred Davis of Van Vleck and Leon Davis of Sugarland; a brother, Ardith Davis of Oklahoma City, Okla.; 12 grandsons; 12 granddaughters; and 24 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons; Larry, Donnie, Ronnie, Jerry, Jimmy Jr., Gary, Ricky, Marshal and Howard Davis, Sherman Teeler Jr., and Glenn and Steve Wells.

He was preceded in death by a son, Tommy Lynn Davis, April 17, 1975, and a grandson, Daniel Curtis Davis, March 19, 1974.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City.

Daily Tribune, August 1987             Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

Ruby Virginia Davis
October 13, 1925 - March 20, 2019

Ruby Virginia Davis, 93, went home to her Lord and Savior peacefully on March 19, 2019 in Bay City, Texas after a brief illness. She was born October 13, 1925 in San Antonio to Henry Lee and Olive Raiford Hardwick. She was the middle child of three, both brothers. Most of her growing up years were spent in George West.

Ruby Virginia graduated from Mary Hardin Baylor University in 1948 when it was an all-girls school. She recognized the need for the school to evolve into a co-ed university. However, she always missed the all-girls atmosphere. Ruby Virginia graduated with a degree in Home Economics and taught in Freer, Odem, The Valley, Refugio, and twice in Sinton, Texas. She retired from teaching in the late 1980’s from the Sinton Public School District.

It was during the first time Ruby Virginia was teaching in Sinton, that she met her beloved husband, Eugene (Bo) Davis. They were married in June 1951, and enjoyed 43 years of marriage before his death on Memorial Day 1993.

Ruby Virginia was a committed believer in Jesus Christ. She was active in Baptist churches wherever she lived. She enjoyed teaching whether in public school or church settings. Her artistic gifts were expressed in painting and gardening. She was an avid reader. One of the family’s recent fond memories, are of her reading her Bible to her then 2 year old grandson. She dearly loved grand and great-grand children, and the many friends she made wherever she lived.

Ruby Virginia is preceded in death by her parents; husband, and her brothers. She is survived by her only child Eugene Davis, Jr. and wife Judy of Bay City; grandson Brent Alan Davis and wife Stephanie of Bullard, TX, and great-granddaughters Emily and Madison; granddaughter Shelley Rebecca Davis James and husband Matt of San Antonio, and great-grandchildren Ryan and Sarah.

The family will receive visitors beginning at 9:00am Monday, March 25, 2019 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Services will follow visitation at 10:00 am Monday at the funeral home with Dr. Mike Zimmerman officiating. Interment will be 3:00 pm Monday, at Glenwood Cemetery in Beeville, TX.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mary Hardin Baylor scholarship fund, started by the women’s graduating Class of 1948.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Shannon Nicole Dawson
July 11, 1988 - December 04, 2018

Shannon Nicole Dawson, 30, of Sargent, Texas passed away Tuesday, December 4, 2018. She was born July 11, 1988 in Bradenton, Florida.

She is survived by her parents Steven Alfonso & Sherry Matthews; Husband William Lewis; two daughters, Savanna Nicole Dawson, and Summer Jade Lewis; sister Katherine Morrow, and brothers David and Stephen Alfonso.

Graveside services for Shannon will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck, Texas with Reverend Sidney Tenery Officiating.

Pallbearers will be Lonnie Lewis, Sr., Lonnie Lewis, Jr., Will Lewis, David Alfonso, Stephen Alfonso, & Jason Stietz.

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.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home               Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Lara Kay Deadrick-Glasper
March 24, 1962 - February 3, 2019

Mrs. Lara Kay Deadrick-Glasper was born to Ruby and Larry Deadrick on March 24, 1962, in Palacios, Texas.  On February 3, 2019, she left her earthly home for a mansion in glory.

Raised in Palacios, Texas and educated in the Palacios school system, Lara Kay was a 1980 graduate of Palacios High School, serving as Vice-President of the Sr. Class, Vice-President of Student Council, President of the Future Teachers of America, Member of the Speech & Debate Squad, Flutist in the Shark Band and an actress in UIL winning plays.

Upon graduation from high school Lara Kay attended Victoria Junior College before earning her Bachelor of Science in Education from Prairie View A & M University.  As a student at PVAMU, Lara Kay participated in the University Forensic Society and numerous other collegiate activities.  A candidate for Miss Prairie View, Lara Kay carried forward the proud legacy of Alpha Kappa Alpha women in her family and was initiated into the Zeta Gamma Chapter as one of the 16 Trendsetting Beauties.

While a student on "The Hill" Lara Kay met a young transfer student from Chicago, Illinois.  After a courtship of several years, she married Lynn Glasper - her husband of 27 years.  Together, they welcomed what Lara Kay often described as her "best work ever" - her son Larry Lynn.

With her Education Degree from PVAMU in hand, Lara Kay began her long career as an educator, accepting a position at Thomas Edison Middle School in HISD.  She left Edson to work in Montessori education helping to shape young minds and give them the best start on their educational journey.  In 1988, Lara Kay joined Fort Bend Independent School District where for 31 years she educated, mentored and guided students - first at Christa McAuliffe Middle school, later at Progressive High School, and, for the last 20 years, at Willowridge High School.  During her tenure in Fort Bend ISD, she was twice awarded Teacher of The Year for her campus.

In May 2017, an example of her commitment to her students was captured on Twitter, when the Fort Bend ISD Chief of Police posted a photo of Lara Kay taking off her shoes at the 2017 graduation ceremony and giving them to a student with a broken shoe heel, so that the student could walk across the stage without embarrassment.

While Lara Kay's life as an educator was busy, she still found time to volunteer as a member of the Continental Societies, as well as for activities for Larry's school and Boy Scouts.  Each October and March found her donning her apron and flipping pancakes with the members of the "Cousins Club" for the annual church mission breakfast in Palacios.

An avid reader, with a preference for John Saul, Patricia Cornwell and any series romance.  Lara Kay will be remembered for her humor and her "fix-it" approach to life.  A true South-Texas girl, she loved country music with its truthful, storied lyrics.  Lara Kay was a faithful Christian who lived her testimony of trust in God and shared the compassionate heart of Christ with others.

Absent in the body, present with The Lord - that is where our Lara Kay is now.  She leaves to mourn her passing and celebrate her life: her husband, Lynn Glasper and her son, Larry Lynn Glasper; her parents, Ruby and Larry Deadrick; her sisters, Rossana Deadrick, Regina Deadrick and June Deadrick; her stepdaughters, Cathy Glasper and Octavia Williams; her aunts, Winnie Mauryne Grigsby, Kenda White, Tara Williams and Rita Holmes.  Also mourning her are her "family-in-love", Mrs. Henrietta Wynn, Mr. James Glasper, Sr., the Glasper, Weakley, Lowe and Wynn families; her cousins; her school family, and countless other relatives and friends.

Viewing will be Thursday, February 7, 2019, 10:45 – 11:45, at The Church Without Walls followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p. m. Graveside services will be Friday, February 8, 2019, 9:30 a. m. – 10:00 a. m. at Palacios Cemetery, 916 County Road 347 followed by interment. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a. m. at Agape Family Outreach, 1811 Newsome Blvd., Palacios, TX 77465.

O. W. Wiley Mortuary, Houston, TX
 

Larry M. Deadrick
January 7, 1933 - March 2, 2019 

Larry M. Deadrick, 86, of Palacios, Texas passed away March 2, 2019.

He was born in Palacios, Texas on January 7, 1933, the son of Lawrence DeSoto Deadrick and Myrtle Shannon Deadrick.

Visitation and guest book registry will be Wednesday, March 6, 2019 from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Bay City, Texas.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 7, 2019 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 202 Main Street in Palacios, Texas with Bishop R.B. Finlayson, eulogist.

Burial will follow at Palacios Cemetery.

Condolences may be shared with the family by fax (979) 476-3269 or online at duncanrobertsfh@gmail.com .

A detailed obituary will be published at a later date. Mr. Deadrick is survived by an enormous host of relatives and friends.

Arrangements with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, 2500 Avenue C (JP David Blvd.) Bay City, Texas; 979-245-5197.

Bay City Tribune online

Larry's Life

Larry Moore Deadrick, was born in Palacios, Texas on January 7, 1933. He was the fourth child welcomed into the home of Myrtle (Shannon) and Lawrence DeSoto Deadrick. This loving family was truly the start of his remarkable life. He was educated at home, first and foremost, learning the basics of humility, responsibility and integrity. His mother was a homemaker, who focused on giving her best to her family, particularly sharing her love of reading and literature. His father was a seafood industry foreman, cattle rancher and scholar who loved learning and expanding one's knowledge base, for the sake of knowing how to live better and how to share that better life with others. He had a rich childhood, surrounded by a large extended family of grandparents, aunts and uncles and a passel of cousins. Christian values were taught, and church attendance was an undisputed must. He grew up, singing the songs of Zion, and reciting bible verses alongside his siblings and cousins. He also had "neighborhood friends" who became family - the Aparicio family, the Rodriguez family and the Polk/

Haynes family, to name a few. He learned to speak fluent and perfect Spanish from his childhood friends, a skill that would bode well for him throughout life.

As required and expected by his family, Larry excelled in school, starting with grades I - 8 at the Palacios Colored School, under the instruction and tutelage of Mrs. Lola V. Mulkey, Dr. Granville Sanford and the phenomenal Mrs. Carita Foley Sanford, He and his siblings spent one year in school in the Bell Bottom Community (east Matagorda County), Upon returning to the Palacios schools, he engaged in sporting events, oratory contests, choir and other activities in addition to pursing academic excellence with his classmates and all the students in the school. He often spoke fondly of the UIL competitions and stressed that they WON each time they performed. Though his father was a significant property owner and tax payer, the restrictions of segregation prevented further public schooling in Palacios, and for the 1947-48 school year, he enrolled in Solomon M. Coles High School in Corpus Christi, TX, living with his aunt and uncle Vera and Joe Reed, In 1948, he enrolled

in Hilliard High School in Bay City, Texas. It must be noted that he traveled daily, round trip on Continental Trailways bus, to attend school, as there was no transportation provided for Negro students to attend high school. His parents paid the fare, which was graciously discounted by the bus station managers, Mrs. Helen Ward and Mrs. Parchman, as they admired his drive and determination. While at Hilliard, he excelled in athletics (football, track and baseball). He also was an excellent student and "man around campus". He graduated with accolades and accepted a football scholarship to Wiley College. His career at Wiley was interrupted by service in the United States Army Air Corps. He was a paratrooper, serving at Fort Bliss (El Paso, TX), Camp Stewart (Georgia), Fort Bragg (North Carolina). He fondly recalled that all of his "night jumps" were performed at Fort Drum in upstate New York. He received an honorable discharge in March, 1955, and remained a proud veteran of the United States Military.

He returned to Wiley in 1955, this time focused on stoking the fires of academic pursuit. While he no longer was a student athlete, he still rallied around the purple and white of the Wiley Wildcats. With his academic pursuits focused, a young coed English Major, Miss Ruby Williams caught his attention. His personal assessment was... "she was popular, smart, beautiful and a recent inductee of the prestigious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority - everything all in one". They matriculated English classes and she assisted him with composition and rhetoric, which developed into a relationship culminating in marriage. His senior year was filled with responsibility - he was a married man, and they welcomed their first child during the fall semester of 1957. He focused on completing major courses, student teaching and graduation (with brief sojourns into fun, with his jazz musician friends), receiving his BS in History in May, 1958.

He returned home to Palacios with his new family and worked with his father in various aspects of the seafood industry. As the family grew, so did his "itch" to utilize his academic achievements in a meaningful and challenging way. In 1964, he accepted a teaching/coaching position in Carver High School in Edna, Texas. Then, in 1966, he entered a contract with Palacios Independent School District, to teach US History at Palacios Jr. High School, He became the first African American teacher in the district. He welcomed this opportunity to display his knowledge, bringing all aspects of life into the classroom. He had his own way of teaching and was determined to allow students to grow and expand their knowledge base, regardless of the prescribed curriculum. He often touted that "knowledge is beyond books - it is life that allows us to think and reason and be the writers of those books". He transitioned to Palacios High School in 1971, where he finished his 31- year teaching career in 1996.

He has volumes of writings about his life and times at PHS, with quips about subjects from the mundane to the extraordinary. His writings detail outstanding students and challenging students. Those musings are peppered with names and events which resonated with him.

He was always pursuing and expanding his knowledge base. Graduate study was always an adventure. For several years, he researched programs concentrating his study in areas related to his field of interest, accepted and completed course work at Union College (Schenectady, NY) and Smith College (Northampton, MA) where he participated in one of the first programs where male students were allowed on-campus study. He completed course work to become a Driver's Education Instructor through Prairie View A&M University and then focused on master's study at Texas Southern University, earning the M.A. degree in 1973. He was a 9th and 10th Calvary specialist, producing a master's thesis (A Look at the 10th Calvary) which explored the origins and exploits of the Buffalo Soldiers. Further Ph.D. study was completed at Abilene Christian College and Trinity University in

San Antonio, Texas where he was challenged by intellectuals and pundits alike. While at Trinity, he pursued a different avenue of interest, engaging in all law-related educators courses and focusing on the history, structure and functioning of the Texas Penal system. He could often be found "researching" at local libraries, attending lectures and serving on discussion panels. He was an educators' educator; focused on study for the love of learning, to improve one's life and lives of others.

Always working for his family, times of study were often preempted by work. For his family, he always had a side job, or two...or three, working on the bay in the seafood industry (opening oysters, loading ice bars, shrimping on the Captain Clyde with his brother or with the Seamans, the Bates, the Garcia brothers and many other commercial fishermen in the Palacios and Port Lavaca areas). Additionally, he was a Service Agent for the Neighborhood Youth Corps, taught Drivers Education, was a local tax return preparer, tutor, and hauled bales of hay for local farmers and ranchers. NOTHING was beneath him, when it came to honest labor, and he was grateful for the opportunity to earn every dollar.

Often, family vacations in the past 20 years included some historical tour where Larry D knew more (and shared much more detail) than the formally trained tour guides. The family vacations years expanded with retirement. The trips were epic for all..,.Disney Land, Pennsylvania Amish Country tours, the North Dakota Badlands, Vermont and New Hampshire tours, touring Seattle and side trips to Victoria, BC, driving the Pacific Coast Highway and visiting Hearst Castle, visiting the Winter Olympic Village, a phenomenal visit to the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, extensive touring in Boston, Salt Lake City, Nashville, traveling for various family reunions, professional sporting events (Cowboys, Texans and various collegiate teams) and numerous other treks across the country. Regardless of where he went, what he saw, learned and enjoyed, his ultimate satisfaction was always to return to Palacios, his haven of rest in the City by the Sea.

Raised in a Christian home, led by a father and mother who lived their testimony of holy living and demonstrating the compassionate heart of Christ to anyone in need, Larry was known for giving to others. His knowledge of scripture and Biblical history was massive, and he often incorporated "the Word" in his classroom teachings. Over the years, his participation in formal worship waned somewhat, but he never strayed from the teachings received in the home and a strong belief that "God can do anything but fail". In the late 1990's he professed renewed faith and a testimony of salvation, reuniting with The West Palacios Church of God. He became a covenant member, under the pastoral care of the late Bro. Roosevelt Ellis, Jr. He proudly accepted the responsibilities of Sunday School Superintendent, as his father before him faithfully served the church in the same capacity for several

decades. He remained a faithful member until his failing health prevented him from attending services, He continued Bible study and prayer, engaging his children, nieces and nephews, and many friends in discussions, scripture recitations and prayer - as recently as a few hours before his death.

On Saturday, March 2, he answered die call of his Creator, keeping the single appointment for which none will be tardy. His earthly journey ended, as his spirit was released in a goodbye to his loved ones on earth, he rejoiced with a greeting to his Savior and his loved ones in his heavenly home.  Predeceased by his parents, brothers Eugene Lawrence, LD, Jr., and Clyde, and his daughter Lara Kay Deadrick-Glasper, he is survived by his spouse of 62 years, Ruby Jean Williams-Deadrick, daughters Rossana Deadrick, Regina Deadrick and June Deadrick, son-in-law, Lynn "Chico" Glasper, granddaughter Stefani Farris, grandsons Brandon Farris and Larry Lynn Glasper, 3 great-grandchildren-Brandon, Bryne and Braya Farris, his beloved sister Winnie Mauryne Deadrick-Grigsby, aunt Martha Matthews, special first cousins Maxwell Cline Deadrick, Dolores Deadrick-Finlayson and Glennnie Carter, loving nieces, nephews, extended family, former colleagues and students, neighbors and friends.

He often shared that, at age 4, his mother taught him his first recitation, a memory gem:

"The height of great men reached and kept was not obtained by sudden flight;
But they while their companions slept, were toiling upward through the night."

Accordingly, he never met a stranger, and wanted to truly know everyone he met. He could connect people, places and events and was living proof that we are truly united under one heavenly Father. He will be missed immensely, and his "Larry Deadrick-Isms" will endure as along as a single individual whom he encountered breathes on earth. This was his life-long mantra; learned well and lived well.

From funeral program
 

Sandra Lynne Dees - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

 

Guadalupe Guajardo DeLeon
September 21, 1944 - March 25, 2019

Guadalupe Guajardo DeLeon, 74, of Wadsworth passed away March 25, 2019. He was born September 21, 1944 in Rio Hondo, TX to the late Francisco and Audeleia Guajardo DeLeon.  He worked for Zachary for over 10 years as a professional Carpenter which he loved to do.  His hobbies were fishing and hunting, but most of all he loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by 3 Daughters: Vivian Flores & husband Ruben of Bay City, Monica DeLeon Perez & husband Frank Jr. of Wadsworth, and Leticia DeLeon & husband Trinidad Jimenez of Bay City; Son: Tony DeLeon & wife Melissa of Brazoria; 8 Grandchildren: Anthony DeLeon, Angelica Runk, Amber Tinoco, Chasidy Llanes, Jose Jayasi Jr., Eric Jayasi, Erica Jayasi, and Santiago DeLeon; along with 12 great grandchildren .  He was preceded in death by his parents and wife: Petra Benavides DeLeon.

The family will receive friends and relatives 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Friday, March 29, 2019 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Baby Boy Delgado - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Eva Luna DeLosSantos
August 22, 1947 - January 18, 2019

Eva Luna DeLosSantos, 71, of Bay City, passed away January 18, 2019. She was born August 22, 1947 to Paulino and Vincenta Salva Garza.

Eva is preceded in death by her parents; husband Rodolfo DeLosSantos and daughter Vicenta DeLosSantos. She is survived by children Yolanda DeLosSantos (Lalo Orta), Esmeralda DeLosSantos; Ida DeLosSantos (Martin Garcia); Rebecca Sanchez (David Sanchez), and Rosario DeLosSantos (Janie DeLosSantos); sisters Fermina Aguilar, Maria Aguillon and Epifania Olivarez, and grand children Emelia, Mattie, Jazlynn Elizabeth and Elizeo.

Visitation will begin 8:00 am Wednesday, January 23, 2019. at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home . Funeral services will follow visitation at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home & Bay City Tribune, January 20, 2019
 

Herman E. Denbow     Ethel D. Denbow - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Ethel Dorothy Denbow

Graveside services for Ethel Dorothy Denbow, 81, of Bay City will be held 2 pm Tuesday at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck with the Rev. Dale Mason officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Mrs. Denbow was born Dec. 17, 1908, to William and Myrtle Haynes Platt in Markham and died Aug. 25, 1990, at her home.

She was a member of the Baptist Church.

She is survived by her daughter, Betty Anderson of Bay City; four sons, Bill Denbow of Van Vleck, Willie Denbow of Old Ocean, Harold Denbow of Houston, and Herman Denbow of Amarillo; a sister, Opal Holland of Navasota; 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

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

Daily Tribune, August 1990         Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

 Leona Denbow - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

 

  Louis Rambin DeSoto Jr. - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

 

Dorothy A. Doss - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

 

Louise E. Doss - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

 

William W. Doss      Ida E. Doss - Roslawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

 

Marcella "Margie" Kotlar Drastata

Marcella (Margie) Kotlar Drastata, age 89, of Palacios, Texas died Aug 9, 2018. She was born on January 22, 1929 in Hillje, Texas to Frank J. and Agnes Koudela Kotlar.

Margie grew up in Hillje, worked in El Campo, then in Houston prior to marrying Joe F. Drastata in Hillje on November 18, 1947. Joe and Margie settled in Palacios where they raised their 3 children.

Margie’s life centered around her family and her church, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. She kept a large vegetable garden and beautiful roses in her yard. She sewed, crocheted, and quilted. She was especially known for her homemade bread, kolaches, and lemon meringue pies. Margie played beautiful music on her keyboard and she painted wonderful landscapes, both self-taught talents.

After Joe’s retirement, Margie and Joe were blessed to travel all over the U.S. by attending the annual reunions with Joe’s World War II squadron.

Margie leaves behind her son Douglas Drastata of Dickinson, daughter Janet Drastata Bliss (husband Bill) of Bastrop, son-in-law Steven Morrison (wife Patt) of Clear Lake, and grandchildren Tammy Bolander (husband John) of Houston, Michele Morrison of Pasadena, Wayne Drastata (wife Debbie) of League City, Ryan Bliss (wife Sarah) of Bastrop, Kevin Bliss (wife Becky) of The Woodlands, and Darin Bliss of Bastrop. She is also survived by her great grandchildren Mason Drastata, Tyler Davidson, Drew Davidson, T.C. Bliss (wife Shaylyn), Rivers Bliss, Maggie Bliss, Hayden Bliss, Noah Bliss, and Madeline Bliss.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Joe F. Drastata, her daughter Diana Drastata Morrison, her sisters Mary Popp, Betty Juranek, Cecilia Hoffmann, Bessie Juranek and her brothers Frank, Blasé, and Johnnie Kotlar.

Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. Monday, August 13 at Triska Funeral Home in El Campo followed by rosary service at 7 p.m. . The funeral mass and burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 14 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Taiton, Texas.

Pallbearers are Wayne Drastata, Ryan Bliss, Kevin Bliss, Darin Bliss, T.C. Bliss, and Steven Morrison.

Memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Catholic Church Building Fund, 1843 County Road 469, El Campo, TX 77437.

Condolences may be left for the family online at www.triskafuneralhome.com
Triska Funeral Home, El Campo, 979-543-3681

Triska Funeral Home, El Campo, Texas
 

Catherine Drisdale - Roselawn Memorial Park - Courtesy of Faye Cunningham

 

 Marvin "Pete" Duncan     Mary Duncan - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

 

Eddie Steve Morgan Dunbar
April 24, 1925 - January 23, 2019

Funeral services for Eddie Steve Morgan Dunbar, 93, formerly of Bay City, Texas will be held Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 1 p.m. at Enterprise Baptist Church

Burial will follow in the Harrison family plot at Markham Cemetery in Markham, Texas.

Visitation and guest register will be Friday, February 1, 2019 from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Bay City.

She was born in Markham, Texas on April 24, 1925 to Hamp Morgan Sr. and Veella Harrison Morgan. She passed away January 23, 2019 in Pearland, Texas.

Among survivors include two daughters, Eddie Marie Dunbar Vangura and Mary Dunbar Durgan; one  son, Ricky Lee Dunbar; a host of grand and great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Condolences may be shared with the family by fax (979) 476-3269 or online at duncanrobertsfh@gmail.com

Arrangements with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, 2500 Avenue C (JP Davis Blvd), Bay City, Texas 77414; (979) 245-5197.

Bay City Tribune, January 30, 2019
 

Betty Lee Durrance
February 19, 1930 - February 21, 2019

Betty Lee Durrance, 89, passed away February 21, 2019. She was born February 19, 1930 in El Centro, California to the late Edward James Stevens and Lillian May Gilmer Stevens.

She was a Registered Nurse and devoted her career to the emergency room.

Her husband Dr. Frederick York Durrance II and a granddaughter Tiffany Hansen preceded her in death.

Survivors include daughter Susan Lindolf and her husband Jim; sons Fred Durrance, Steve Durrance, John Durrance and Lee Durrance; 14 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 3PM until 5PM Sunday, February 24, 2019 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

December 31, 1947 - January 02, 2019

Grace Diane Dyer, 71, of Blessing, passed away January 2, 2019. She was born December 31, 1947 in Winnfield, Louisiana to Albert and Gracie Bundick Little.

Grace is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by sons John Dyer (Angela), Gerald Dyer (Jana) and Jeremy Dyer (Sarah) all of Blessing; brothers Michael Little (Lisa) of Liberty, TX, and Albert Bodie Little of Louisiana; grandchildren Mikayla Dyer, Lynsey Dyer, Nathan Sliva, Jessica Dyer, Emma Dyer, Madison Dyer, Gavin Dyer, Gage Dyer, Levi Dyer, Kylie Dyer and Josiah Dyer.

The family will receive friends and relatives 5:00-7:00pm Monday, January 7 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Services are 2:00pm Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at the funeral home with Rev. Eddie Cude officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery. Pallbearers are Nathan Sliva, Greg May, Reno Cornett , James Cornett, Joey Cornett, Michael Barker, Freddy Saavedra and. John Rollie Glenn.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Copyright 2018 - Present by Carol Sue Gibbs
All rights reserved

HOME