Matagorda
County Veteran Obituaries S
This is not a complete list of veterans.
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SALAS, MIKE
Mike Salas, 57, of Pledger, died Monday, December 8, 2003 in a Houston
hospital following a brief illness.
He was born on April 27, 1946 in Bay City, the son of the late Ben Salas
and Rosie Pearline Smith Salas.
Mr. Salas was a lifelong resident of Pledger.
Following high school, he entered the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the
Vietnam crisis.
Mr. Salas was a farmer, having worked for the David Foehner Farms for
the past 17 years. He married Lynette Badgett on January 21, 1983 in
Wharton.
Mr. Salas loved to play dominoes and he enjoyed helping his
grandchildren with their 4-H projects. He was Catholic by faith.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 13, 2003 at St.
Josephs Catholic Church in Boling, with Father John Kunnathukuzhy
officiating.
A rosary service was held at 9:30 a.m. prior to the funeral mass.
Graveside services with full military honors provided by the Philip H.
Parker VFW Post 2438 of Bay City and interment followed in Roselawn
Cemetery in Van Vleck, Texas.
Wake services were held at 7 p.m. Friday December 12, 2003 at the
Wharton Funeral Home.
Survivors include: his wife, Lynette Salas of Pledger; daughters, Carmen
Douglas and husband Bill of Bay City, Jennifer Wagner and husband Glenn
of Pledger; step-daughters, Tracy Drozd of Wharton, and Amy Warzecha of
El Campo; son, Scott Salas and wife Deena of West Columbia; sisters,
Rosemary Prochaska, Sandra Stavinoha and Elaine Broll, all of Wharton;
brothers, Armand Salas of Van Vleck, Wayne Salas of Lufkin, Paul Salas
of Bryan, and Ray Salas of Newgulf; and 13 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Carl Salas.
Memorials: Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Houston Chapter, 5075
Westheimer, Suite 682, Houston, Texas 77056.
The Bay City Tribune
Sunday, December 17, 2003
Matagorda County, Texas
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SALINAS, ZARAGOZA G.
ZARAGOZA G. SALINAS
Funeral services for Zaragoza Gonsalez Salinas, 92, of Palacios were
held Oct. 3, 2005 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Rev. Charles
Dwomoh officiating. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.
He was born August 17, 1913 in Benavidas, TX to Mauricio Gonsalez
Salinas and Bartola Gonsalez Salinas. He died Oct. 1, 2005.
He was a resident of Palacios since 1936, a member of St. Anthony’s
Catholic Church and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.
He is survived by his wife Maria Salinas of Palacios; daughter Mary Ann
Zuniga of Santa Fe; sons Alvin M. Salinas of Bay City and James Edward
Salinas of San Antonio; sister Nieves Salinas Samora of Richmond;
brother Mauricio Salinas of Palacios; 11 grandchildren; and 18
great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife: Bernice Leach
Salinas; by his sons Zaragoza G. “Charlie” Salinas, Jr. and Christopher
Salinas; sisters Maria Trevino and Frances Cunningham; brothers Jesus
“Red” Salinas, Santos Salinas and Jose Salinas; 5 infant siblings; and
grandson Robert Carlos Salinas.
Pallbearers were Fernando Aguilar, Jr., Juan Aguilar, Antonio Chavez,
Justin Hargett, William Hargett, Edward Salinas, and Mark Salinas.
Arrangements were with Palacios Funeral Home.
The Palacios Beacon
Matagorda County, Texas
October 5, 2005
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![](vt_rl_savage_hamiltonw.jpg)
Hamilton W. Savage
Hamilton Wadsworth Savage
Hamilton Wadsworth Savage, 68, a widely-known Bay City rancher, died
after a long illness in Houston’s Herman Hospital Sunday.
Savage was the grandson of Norman Savage who registered one of the
oldest cattle brands in Texas, the Pitchfork, in 1842. The Savage
family settled in Matagorda County with Stephen F. Austin’s colony in
1833.
Savage, a native of Matagorda County, was a member of the First
Methodist Church and a WWI veteran.
Funeral services will be held in the First Methodist Church of Bay City
at 3 pm Monday. The pastor, the Rev. Leslie Scott, will officiate.
Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Bay City. (Roselawn
Memorial Park in Van Vleck)
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Eva Robbins Savage; daughter, Mrs.
Barbara Savage Stell; a son, Hamilton Wadsworth Savage, Jr.; a brother,
Stewart Savage, and three sisters, Mrs. Beulah Cartwright, Mrs. Mae
Gilmore and Mrs. Janie Milner, all of Bay City.
Post Texas News Service, November 7, 1965 Obituary courtesy
of Faye Cunningham
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SCHMERSAHL, LEWIS JOHN, JR.
Lewis John
Schmersahl, Jr.
(April 18, 1927 - June
30, 2007)
Lewis John Schmersahl, Jr. passed from this earthly life on June 30,
2007 to join the angels in heaven and to meet our almighty and merciful
Father.
Lewis was born on April 18, 1927 in Rosenberg, TX to the late Lewis John
and Bertha Foss Schmersahl. As a young man, Lewis was baptized into
Christ by his brother-in-law, Dean Rhodes. From that day forward he was
faithful to his Lord. He fellowshipped the Sweeny Church of Christ for
many years. He married Lorine Joines July 22, 1952. They began their
family together in Bay City, then Old Ocean and finally Sweeny.
Lewis served in the Navy from 1944 to 1946. He attended college at the
University of Texas in Austin and was employed by Phillips Petroleum
Company from 1947 to 1985, where he was nicknamed “Doc”.
Lewis was preceded in death by Lorine. He leaves behind daughters Brenda
Wright of Bay City and Linda Northcutt of League City and son Don
Schmersahl of Van Vleck; sister Fern Rhodes of Georgetown, TX; six
grandchildren and four great grandsons.
Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, July 3, 2007 at the building
of the Church of Christ at 1200 Nichols Street in Bay City with Bro. Mel
Strietelmier and Bro. Glen Organ speaking. He will be laid to rest at
Hawley Cemetery near Blessing beside his partner in life. Pallbearers
are grandson Don Schmersahl, grandson-in-law John Bundick, brothers in
Christ Duane Ryman, Jeff Hubbard, Alfred Sabrsula and Jack Burt.
Memorials may be made to World Bible Translation Center, 4028 Daley
Ave., Ft. Worth, TX 76180 to further the work of the Lord. Online
condolences may be sent by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements
with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. 979-245-4613.
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SCHNEIDER, ALVIN "AL" HENRY
PALACIOS [Matagorda County, Texas] - Alvin "Al" Henry
Schneider Sr., 82, of Palacios, died Friday, Oct. 3, 2003.
He was born Aug. 27, 1921, in Rockdale, to the late Charles E. and Mary
Lou Worley-Schneider. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corp,
serving in WWII as a crew chief. He was a first class machinist,
retiring from Alcoa. He was a Methodist.
Survivors: daughters, Sandra Koch of Palacios and Sharon Duke of
Wallaceville; son, Alvin Henry Schneider Jr. of North Pole, Alaska; 11
grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by: wife, Vera Lively Schneider; daughter, Tammy Lynn
Schneider-Diaz; and brothers, J.B. Schneider and Charles E. Schneider
Jr.
Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. tonight at First United Methodist Church.
Services will be 1 p.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Don Storey
officiating.
Burial with military honors, under the auspices of Veterans of Foreign
Wars-Queen Hamlin Post No. 2467, will be at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.
Artero Memorial Chapels, Port Lavaca, 361-552-2300.
The Victoria Advocate
Victoria, Victoria County, Texas
October 5, 2003
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SCOTT, JOHN G. "JACK"
John G. “Jack” Scott, 76, of Sargent died May 9, 2003 at the
Methodist Hospital in Houston. He was born August 9, 1926 in Goose
Creek, Texas to the late John Gates and Mattie Gilchrease Scott. He was
a resident of Sargent since 1968 since 1968, a veteran of WWII serving
in the US Navy, a life member of Sargent VFW Post # 2412, and was a
director for Matagorda Co. Drainage District A. A. for the past 32
years.
Jack served as past president of the following; Sargent Area Chamber of
Commerce, Caney Creek M. V. D., S. A. V. E. S (Sargent Area Volunteer
Emergency Services), Downey Caney Creek Club, Caney Creek Estates Club,
and Sargent Area Volunteer Fire Dept. and was a former Chief for nine
years.
Survivors include: wife, Nina Frost Scott of Sargent; daughter, Sharon
Scott Jones of Conroe; son and daughter-in-law, John B. and Vicki Scott
of Conroe; step-sons, Michael McGinnis of Flower Mound, Texas, Carl
McGinnis of Frankermuth, Mich., Steve McGinnis of Reese Mich., and Jeff
McGinnis of Sebewaing, Mich; six grandchildren, Shanon Jones, Renee
McDonald, Christopher Scott, Tonya Allen, John Lee Scott and Carter Dean
Scott; one great grandson, Matthew Allen; and eight step grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia McDonald; son, Carter
Dean Scott; sisters, Margaret Tullis, Katy Crunk; brother, Arthur
Daniels.
Graveside Military Honors under the auspices of Philip H. Parker VFW
Post #2438 and Sargent VFW Post # 2412, were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday,
May 14, 2003, at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers were Mike, Carl, Steve, Jeff, Eric McGinnis, John
Lee Scott and Shannon Jones.
Arrangements were with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00014D2003MY14
The Bay City Tribune
Wednesday, May 14, 2003
Matagorda County, Texas
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SEDLACEK, JAMES CLIFTON
James Clifton Sedlacek, 43, a resident
of Matagorda, passed away July 16 at the
Veterans Hospital. Survivors include:
wife, Dolores Sedlacek of Matagorda; 1
son, Larry of Austin; 3 daughters, Carol
Jarrett, Cynthia and Mary Ann Sedlacek
of Galveston; 3 step-daughters, Cynthia,
Wendy and Lena Baros all of Matagorda.
Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m.
Thursday at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
with the Rev. Ellis Epps officiating.
Interment will be at Hawley Cemetery in
Blessing with pallbearers being: Larry
Falkner, Tom Kovar, Jerry Chamblee,
David Hinton, Bud Sanders and W. R. Cox.
Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral
Home.
THE DAILY TRIBUNE, July 18, 1974,
Matagorda County, Texas
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SHEPARD, THOMAS A.
Thomas A. Shepard, 57, of Bay City, passed away Saturday, October 27,
2001. He was born November 18, 1943 in Albany, Ore., to Neil Addison
Shepard and Goldie Louise Goodman Shepard.
He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church of Bay City, a member of
the First Methodist Wesley Class, a former Operator at Texaco Oil
Company and a veteran of the US Navy serving during the Vietnam era. He
was the First Vice Commander of Philip H. Parker VFW Post 2438 of Bay
City. He had been a member of the post since 1977, and had held all the
officer positions up to First Vice Commander. He was a forthright and
strong team member of the post and he worked diligently for the
betterment of all veterans. He was a member of Bay City Post 11 of the
American Legion and was a Past Commander of the Post. He was a member of
Disabled American Veterans Chapter 230 of Bay City serving as Chapter
Judge Advocate. He was also a member of the Joint Veterans Organizations
Honor Guard Detail, which is composed of members of the VFW, American
Legion and Disabled American Veterans.
He is survived by his wife, Catherine Shepard of Bay City; sons, David
Addison Shepard, Thomas Wane Shepard and James Allen Shepard, all of Bay
City; by his aunt, June Taylor of Bay City; and his grandchildren,
Jessica Nicole Shepard, Ashlee Elizabeth Shepard, David Addison Shepard,
Jr. and Thomas Wane Shepard, II. He was preceded in death by his
parents, Neil A. and Goldie Shepard.
The Rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Monday, October 29, 2001 at Taylor
Bros. Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday,
October 30, 2001 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with the Rev. Casey
Jarzombek officiating. Interment will follow at
Roselawn Memorial Park
in Van Vleck.
Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2001OT30
THE DAILY TRIBUNE,
Tuesday, October 30, 2001
Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
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SHERRER, DAVID NEAL
SINTON - David Neal Sherrer, a Marine Corps veteran and owner of an oil
industry construction company in California, died Jan. 2, 2003. He was
67.
Survivors include two daughters, Susan Sherrer of Santa Paula, Calif.,
and Sherri McDonald of Bakersfield, Calif.; a son, Jason Sherrer of
Taft; two stepsons, John and Fred Hust, both of Los Angeles; his father,
George Sherrer of Sinton; a sister, Sally Sherrer of Sinton; a brother,
Richard Sherrer of Sinton; and two grandchildren.
Services will be at a later date at Holly [Hawley] Cemetery, [near] Bay
City [Matagorda County, Texas].
Seaside Funeral Home
Corpus Christi Caller-Times
January 4, 2003
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SHUGART, WELTON TATE, SR.
PALACIOS [Matagorda County, Texas] - Welton Tate Shugart, Sr., 79, of
Palacios, died Sunday, April 11, 2004.
He was born December 29, 1924 in Pride, to the late Even Jefferson and
Evelyn Harris Shugart. He was a member of Carpenter's Local No. 1266 in
Austin and a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army.
Survivors: wife, Carol Smith Shugart of Palacios; daughters, Patricia
Ann Carpenter of Taylor, Evelyn Eugeneutia Gauna of Tempe, Ariz., and
Sharon K. Holbrook of Palacios; sons, Welton T. Shugart Jr. of Carmel,
Ind., and Michael Evan Shugart of Willow Springs, N.C.; sister, Beatrice
Quinn of Belton; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will begin 2 p.m. today at Palacios Funeral Home chapel.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Palacios Cemetery, the
Rev. Steve Tompkins officiating. Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios,
361-972-2012.
The Victoria Advocate
Victoria, Victoria County, Texas
April 13, 2004
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SIFFORD, PAUL LINDY
Paul Lindy Sifford, 74, of Markham died December 10, 2001 at Matagorda
General Hospital. He was born May 6, 1927 in Palacios, Texas to the late
Oscar Lee and Mary May Downer Sifford. Mr. Sifford was a resident of
Markham since 1953, a veteran of WWII serving in the U. S. Army, a
member of the American Legion and Woodman of the World.
Survivors include: wife, Lillian Anderson Sifford of Markham; sister,
Ruth Florine Smudrick of Bay City; and two brothers: Robert Lee Sifford
and William Paul Sifford both of Bay City.
Pallbearers are Louise Kopnicky, Joe Cruz, Cris Hadish, James W. Lynn,
T. Hall Lynn and James Henry Lynn.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday, December 14, 2001 at Taylor Bros.
Funeral Home with the Rev. Joe Ramsey officiating. Interment will follow
at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.
Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2001DC14
THE DAILY TRIBUNE
Friday, December 14, 2001
Matagorda County, Texas
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SIMPSON, THELBERT E.
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SLIVA, SYLVESTER JAMES
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![](wwii_ko_smith_baker_joseph.jpg) |
Baker
Joseph Smith
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Funeral services for Baker Joseph Smith, 69, of Bay City
will be held 1 p. m. Thursday at Mother Zion Baptist Church
with the Rev. K. J. Griggs offficiating. Burial will be at
Eastview Cemetery. Visitation will be this evening with a
wake 7 to 9 p. m. in the chapel at Green's Mortuary. The
body will lie in state at Mother Zion Church from noon to 1
p. m. Thursday.
Mr. Smith was born Dec. 17, 1922 in Bay
City to Zeraline and Woodworth Smith Jr. and he died Aug. 2,
1992 at his home.
He was a member of the Baptist church and
served in the U. S. Army.
Survivors include four daughters, Sandra
Kaye Smith and Lillian Doris Smith of Los Angeles, Calif.
and Sherrie Janette Knox and Cyvilla Maurie Thomas of
Oklahoma City, Okla. and Baker SMith , Jr. of Elfferingham,
Ill; two sisters, Delcenia Smith and Lillian Doris Smith of
Bay City; a brother, W. W. Smith Jr. of San Diego, Calif.
and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and other
relatives and friends.
The Daily Tribune, August 5, 1992
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SMITH, FRANK HOWARD
June 21, 1927 - Jan. 1, 2006
Frank Howard Smith, 78, of Bay City, passed from his earthly home to the
waiting arms of his loving Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday,
January 1, 2006.
He was born June 21, 1927, in Charco, Texas, to the late Henry Alonzo
and Emma Elizabeth Hall Smith.
Frank served in the Texas Defense Guard as a sergeant in E. Company,
47th Battalion and in the Texas State Guard as a corporal in the same
company and battalion.
On June 7, 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in both Berlin,
Germany, and Panama as a corporal in the Military Police Corps and as a
light-duty truck driver and was honorably discharged on May 24, 1949,
receiving both the good conduct medal and marksman rifle M-1 status.
On December 6, 1949, he enlisted in the Ready Reserve (active status) as
a corporal where he received an honorable discharge upon serving
faithfully until July 14, 1954.
On June 19, 1953, Frank married Margaruett Joy (Kyle) and they settled
in Sweeny, Texas, to start a home and family. In 1961, they moved to Bay
City to be closer to his parents and built a new home on Lindsey Avenue.
They raised four children together until her unexpected death in 1989.
Frank retired from Phillips Petroleum Company refinery in Old Ocean in
1985 as a gauger after 34 loyal and dedicated years of employment.
His retirement years were spent doing the things that he loved the most:
sharing time with his children and family and participating in their
many activities.
On October 10, 1998, Frank remarried, exchanging vows with Rose
Williamson, who became his constant companion, best friend and caregiver
for the rest of his days.
Survivors include his wife, Rose, of Bay City, and his four children:
son, Kyle and wife Laura of El Campo; daughters, Elizabeth Gay and
husband Glenn Ward Easterly of Thornton, Texas, Mary Ann Knowles and
husband John of Seabrook, Texas, and Jacqueline Lea Webber and husband
Kelly John of Bay City; and grandchildren, Erin and Megan Smith, Laura
Elizabeth Harrell, Glenn “Bubba” Ward Easterly, Jr., Kimberly Knowles,
Brandi Lee Hudson and Christopher Webber.
Also: great-grandchildren, Alayna Harrell and Katelyn Hudson; brother,
Henry Alonzo Smith and wife Kate Nederland, Texas, and their children,
Ronnie Smith and wife Donna, and Debbie Burton and husband Don; and
sister, Mary Beth Etie of Bay City.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Frank
Howard Smith, Jr., and granddaughter, Crystaline Dawn Webber.
Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2006, at Taylor
Bros. Funeral Home, with the Bro. Joe Wrape officiating.
Interment with military honors will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay
City.
Pallbearers will be Ronnie Smith, Kelly Webber, John Knowles, Glenn
Easterly, “Bubba” Easterly and Chris Webber.
Honorary pallbearers will be Arthur Wagner, Clark Bergstrom, Bill
Sifford and all employees of Matagorda Rehab and Nursing Center in Bay
City.
The family received friends at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home from 6 until
8 p.m. Tuesday.
Memorials may be made to El Campo Hospice, 1102 N. Mechanic, El Campo,
Texas 77437.
The assistance and tender loving care of the nursing staff during his
last few weeks is much appreciated and will never be forgotten. Also
special appreciation also is extended to the Hospice groups.
Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, (979)245-4613.
Bay City Tribune,
January 4, 2006
Photos courtesy of Faye Cunningham
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SMITH, GEORGE
Funeral services for George Smith, 68, of Bay City, Texas, will be held
at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Bay
City with the Rev. L. C. Cunningham Jr. officiating. Burial will follow
at East View Cemetery in Bay City.
Mr. Smith will lie in state Wednesday at Bethel Missionary Baptist
Church from noon until 1 p.m. Visitation will be Tuesday from noon until
9 p.m. at Green's Mortuary.
On October 4, 1931, a baby boy was born to Roy Smith and Laura Jones
Smith in Bay City. George passed away September 31, 2000 at his
residence. He graduated from Hilliard High School in Bay City and
attended Prairie View College. He was enlisted in the U.S. Navy for 20
years. He was a Korean Veteran with duties in six countries. He was a
member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was employed with the Bay
City Independent School District for 19 years.
He is survived by two sons, Pastor Hughley McClinton and wife Cassandra
of Milwaukee, Wis., and George S. Miller of Bay City; five daughters,
Shelia G. Thomas and Leonard of Texarkana, Texas, Gloria A. Smith, Joice
E. Smith, Robbin S. Bryant and Kimberly Bonner and James, all of
Houston; a sister, Joyce Adams of Jose, Calif.; three sisters-in-law,
Phyllis Royster of Houston, Thelma Reeves and Doris Royster of Bay City;
ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild; special friends, Mary E.
Smith, Vivian Mims, and Tommy L. Castilow, and a host of nieces,
nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Smith was preceded in death by his parents and brother.
Active pallbearers will be Jeffrey Royster, Clinton Barnes, Thomas
Englehardt, Romale Green, Frederick Woodard, James Bonner, Nathaniel
Moore, Ed Ash. Honorary pallbearers will be Pastor Hughley McClinton,
Brandon Bryant, Tommy L. Castilow, George S. Miller, and Tramale Green.
Green's Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. A00011A2000OT3
THE DAILY TRIBUNE,
October 3, 2000
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SMITH, GEORGE ALFRED
George Alfred Smith, 86, of Durango, CO died June 11, 2001 at his
residence in Durango. He was born February 3, 1915 in Texarkana, AR to
the late George Robert and Vola M. Carter Smith. Mr. Smith was a
resident of Durango the past 4 years and a former longtime resident of
Bay City. He was a member of the Pentecostal Church, and was in the
sheet metal business in Bay City for many years, and was a Veteran of
WWII serving in the US Army Air Force. Mr. Smith was a devoted father
and was faithful to his Lord and his church.
Survivors include: three daughters and two sons-in-law: Joan and James
Harper of Hattiesburg, MS, Nellie and Ronald Hassksma of Houston, and
Wanda Garner of Durango, CO; two sons and daughters-in-law; Russell and
Monica Smith of Texarkana, TX and Michael and Tonya Smith of Bay City;
brother, Gene Smith of Bay City; three sisters, Ernestine Fikes of AR,
Georgie Knight of Houston, and Shirley Barfield of Sweeny; 13
grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by
his wife of 57 years, Wanda Jo Smith, and by two sons, Royce R. Smith
and Terry G. Smith.
A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, June
20, 2001, at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck with Revs.
Marvin Moore and Samuel Starks officiating. Arrangements are by Taylor
Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2001JN19
THE DAILY TRIBUNE,
Tuesday, June 19, 2001
Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
![](roselawn/rl_smith_george_wanda.jpg)
Wanda
Jo Smith
Funeral services for Wanda Jo Smith, 72, of Durango, Colo. were held at
2 pm Monday, June 7, 1999 at First United Pentecostal Church in Bay
City, with Revs. Marvin Moore and Same Starks officiating. Interment
will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck.
Mrs. Smith died June 4 in Bay City. She was born July 29, 1926 in Ben
Franklin, Tex. to the late Larkin Jasper and Myrtle Dean Mullings
Brumley. She was a member of First United Pentecostal Church in
Durango, a resident of Durango for the past two years, and a former
resident of Bay City for 63 years.
Mrs. Smith is survived by her husband, George A. Smith of Durango;
daughters and son-in-laws, Wanda Garner of Durango, Joan and James
Harper of Hattiesburg, Miss., and Nellie Jean and Ronald Haakasma of
Houston; sons and daughters-in-law, Rusty and Monica Smith of Anchorage,
Ala., and Gordon Mike and Tonya Smith of Bay City; sisters, Frankie
Socha of Magnolia, Hazel Andrews and Thelma Gola both of Bay City, and
Faye Hadley of Chatom, Ala.; brother Jack Brumley of Bay City; 12
grandchildren; and 23 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two sons, Royce Ray Smith and Terry Glen
Smith; sister, Edna Stone; and two brothers, Austin and H. T. Brumley.
Pallbearers were George, Steve, and Destry Kirk, Kevin Kirk, Josh Smith,
Matthew Haakasma, Carl Ford, and Gordon Smith. Memorials may be made to
the United Pentecostal Church, 1990 Florida Rd, Durango, CO, 81301.
Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City.
The Daily Tribune,
June 9, 1999 Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
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SMITH, JACOB
Jacob Smith, another Texas Veteran, passed away at the ripe old age of
84 years, Sunday night, after a lingering illness at the home of his
daughter, Mrs. A. C. Bruce. He was taken to Kenner for interment in the
family burying ground. He leaves a large family to mourn him. They have
the sympathy of their friend.
Name of newspaper unknown
July 24, 1903
Matagorda County, Texas
JACOB SMITH
The remains of Uncle Jacob Smith were brought up from Matagorda last
Monday evening and intered in the Kenner cemetery. Another old land mark
has passed away. Uncle Jacob has spent more than three score years in
this immediate neighborhood and has many friends who mourn his death. He
will be greatly missed, not only by his family, but the entire community
who sympathise with the sorrowing ones in this sad bereavement.
Name of newspaper unknown
August 7, 1903
Matagorda County, Texas
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SMITH, LEON
Leon Smith
(April 12, 1926 - July 10, 2007)
Leon Smith, 81 of
Palacios, TX, passed away Tuesday, July 10, 2007. He was born April 12,
1926 in Ada, OK to Olin Ray Smith and Ruth May Conely Smith. He was a
longtime resident of Palacios and was a shrimper and a welder. He was
also a member of the First Baptist Church of Palacios and a veteran of
the US Army.
He is survived by
his daughters: Cathy Shearin & husband Bruce of Rocky Mount, NC,
Margaret Smith of Palacios, and Terry Brooks & husband David of
Victoria; by his son-in-law: Delbert Dannels of Bay City; and his
sister: Kathleen Caldwell of Bay City. He was preceded in death by his
wife: Kathalene Smith; his parents: Olin Ray and Ruth Smith; and his
daughter: Ann Dannels.
Funeral services
will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, July 13, 2007 at the First Baptist
Church of Palacios with Pastor David Gruhn officiating. Interment will
follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing. Pallbearers will be Garry Seaman,
Greg Seaman, Ricky Milam, Mark Bates, Vernon Bates, Jr., and James
Georgi. Honorary pallbearers will be the Employees of Gold Coast Seafood
and his fellow shrimpers.
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SMITH,
RAYMOND LEE
Cedarvale Cemetery, Bay City |
SPARKS,
GEORGE
Sept. 26, 1921 - Aug. 20, 2005
George Sparks, 83, of Palacios, passed away Saturday, August 20, 2005,
in Houston, Texas.
He was born September 26, 1921, in Waco, Texas, to Ernest C. and Jennie
West Sparks.
He attended high school in Blanco, Texas, and graduated from Texas A&M
University with a BA and master’s degrees in agriculture education.
He taught agriculture for 10 years before becoming a rice farmer and
rancher near Palacios in 1958.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army as a First Lt. in the
54th Armored Infantry, 18th Division.
On November 27, 1944, his squad was captured by the Germans during the
battle at the Siegfried Line.
After five months as a P.O.W., he was liberated by the American troops
in April 29, 1945.
He is survived by: his wife of 58 years, Beulah Mae (Gunter) Sparks of
Palacios; his sister, Mary M. Hickman of Midland; nephew, Jack Hickman
of Midland; nieces, Shirley (Gunter) Kelly of Ganado, and Joyce (Gunter)
Bannerot of Austin; great-niece, Rachel Hickman of Midland;
great-nephews, Travis Rogers of San Diego, California, and Gunter Kelly
of Ganado; and by his sister-in-law, Willie M. Simpson of Ganado.
Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 24, 2005 at the
First United Methodist Church of Palacios, with the Rev. Ray Wells
officiating.
Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing, Texas.
Pallbearers will be Gene Allen, Alton Nelsen, Dean Kubecka, Sonny Johs,
Joe Ray Beard and John Toellner.
Honorary pallbearers are the Palacios Lions Club and United Methodist
Men.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 209 Lucas,
Palacios, TX 77465.
Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, Texas
(361)972-2012.
Bay City Tribune
August 24, 2005
Matagorda County, Texas
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STARK,
DENNIS RUBE
STARK
Dennis Rube Stark, 53, of Bay City died February 25, 2001 at Matagorda
General Hospital. Dennis was born October 9, 1947 in Jasper, Texas to
the late Ruben Edward and Donita Brannon Stark. He was a resident of Bay
City since 1984 and was a mechanical engineer with STP. He served aboard
various submarines in the United States Navy's silent service from June
1967 to September 1979, which included the U.S.S. George C. Marshall (SSBN),
U.S.S. Ben Franklin (SSBN), and the U.S.S. John Adams (SSBN).
Survivors include: wife, Shirley Eileen Childers Stark of Bay City; son
and daughter-in-law, Richard Arthur and Heather Stark of Bay City;
daughter and son-in-law, Andrea De and Rick Savage, Jr. of Iago, Texas;
daughter, Tabitha Gean Stark of El Campo; sister and brother-in-law,
Susie and Don Chance of Alma, Ark,; brother, Mason Edward Stark of Alma;
five grandchildren, Jonathan Wakefield, Colton Stark, Ricky Johnson,
Cory Savage and Cheyenne Savage all of Iago, Texas.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 2, 2001, at the First
Baptist Church of Bay City with the Rev. Donald Reed officiating.
Interment will be at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tom Jordan,
Tim Hall, Steve Thomas, Louis West, Len Casella, Ken House, Carlos
Gonzales and Jerry Don Head. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Stark,
Rick Savage, Jr., Harvey, Jim, and Shaun Childers, and Joe Stuber.
The family will receive friends at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Thursday
evening from 6-8 p.m.
Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2001MR01
THE DAILY TRIBUNE,
March 1, 2001
Photos courtesy of Betty Crosby
![](cedarvale/cv_stark_dennis_rube.jpg)
![](cedarvale/cv_stark_dennis_rube_mil.jpg)
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![](vt_rl_staten_jesseb.jpg)
Jesse B. Staten
Roselawn Memorial Park , Van Vleck, Texas
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STEFFEK, EDWIN BEN
STEFFEK
Edwin Ben Steffek, 76, a
resident of Blessing passed away at the Matagorda General Hospital
September 12. He had been a resident of Blessing for 41 years, was a
World War I veteran, and was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in
Blessing.
Survivors include: wife,
Victoria Steffek of Blessing; son, Milton Steffek of El Campo; sisters,
Louise Horak, Tony Knitz and Lidia Knitz all of Needville; brother, Emil
Steffek of Needville; 3 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held
Friday, September 14, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church in
Blessing with Father Jerome Stryke officiating. Rosary was said Thursday
evening at 7 p.m. at Taylor Brothers Chapel. Interment will be at St.
Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Blessing.
Arrangements with Taylor
Brothers Funeral Home.
The Daily Tribune,
Thursday, September 13, 1973
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STELL, TRAVIS E.
Travis E. Stell, 85, of Bay City died Wednesday, June 13, 2001 in Bay
City. He was born January 18, 1916 in Navidad, Texas to J. C. and
Genievine Hess Stell. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the Army Air
Corp, He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bay City.
He is survived by daughter, Patricia Koening of Cuero; sons, John C.
Stell of Victoria, Davis Stell of Sugar Valley, sister, Nell Frazier;
nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Geraldine Stell, sons,
Travis W. Stell; sister, Jesse Stell; brothers, Charles and James Stell.
Pallbearers include; Charles Koenig, Curtis Dykes, Clinton Smith, David
B. Stell, Daniel W. Stell, and Donald Keil.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, June 15 at Taylor
Bros. Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2001JN15
THE DAILY TRIBUNE.
Friday, June 15, 2001
![](cv_stell_travis_geraldine.jpeg)
Geraldine Ward Stell
Funeral services for Geraldine Ward Stell, 75, of Bay City were
scheduled for 3 p. m. today at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home chapel with
the Rev. Mike Zimmerman officiating. Burial will be at Cedarvale
cemetery in Bay City.
Mrs. Stell was born Sept. 22, 1917 in Arcadia, La. to John Felix and
Mary Lucille Ford Ward and died March 28, 1993 at Matagorda General
Hospital.
She was a member of First Baptist Church, Bay City.
Survivors include her husband, Travis Stell of Bay City; a daughter,
Patricia Koening of Cuero; two sons, John Charles Stell of Victoria and
David Wayne Stell of Van Vleck; two sister, Nancy Louise Felda of Edna
and Mary Frances Hicks of El Campo; and eight grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be David Bryant Stell, David Wayne Stell, Troy Stell,
Charles T. Koening, Stephen Sanders and James Sanders.
Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay City.
The Daily Tribune, March 29, 1993
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STEPHENS, JOHN WESLEY
John Wesley Stephens, 80, of LaPorte, Texas died June 10, 2001 at Bay
Coast Hospital in LaPorte. He was born July 15, 1920 in St. Petersburg,
Fla., to the late Jesse Sydney and Georgia O'Neal Stephens. Mr. Stephens
was a member of the Methodist Church, a resident of LaPorte the past 6
years, a former longtime resident of Markham, and a veteran of WWII
serving in the US Army.
Survivors include: three daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and George
Burket, Shirley and Carl Dodson all of Lake Jackson, and Judy and Dennis
Bledsoe of Houston; son, Stephen Stephens; seven grandchildren and six
great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Freda Stephens
and his son Byron Kevin Stephens.
Graveside funeral service will be 11 a.m Wednesday, June 13, 2001 at
Cedarvale Cemetery with the Rev. Joe Ramsey officiating.
Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2001JN12
THE DAILY TRIBUNE
Tuesday, June 12, 2001
Matagorda County, Texas
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STONESTREET, DAVID
GAIL
David Gail Stonestreet, Sr.
Dec. 21, 1930 - Oct. 10, 2005
David Gail Stonestreet, Sr., 74, of Blessing, passed away Monday, Oct.
10, 2005, in Victoria, Texas.
He was born Dec. 21, 1930, in Abbyville, Kansas, to David Stonestreet
and Ellen Copenhaven Stonestreet.
He was a resident of Matagorda County for the past 21 years and was a
U.S. Marine veteran of the Korean Conflict, a member of the
International Brotherhood of Electricians Local No. 716 of Houston,
Texas, and a retired industrial electrician.
![](hawley/hw_stonestreet_david_martha.jpg)
He is survived by: his wife, Martha Waites Stonestreet of Blessing; his
son, David Gail Stonestreet, Jr. and wife Colby of Blessing; and his
grandson, Drake Lee Stonestreet of Blessing.
Graveside funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, 2005 at
Hawley Cemetery in Blessing, Texas.
Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, Texas (361)
972-2012.
Bay City Tribune,
October 12, 2005
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![](vt_rl_strubar_floyd.jpg)
Floyd Earl Strubar
Roselawn Memorial Park , Van Vleck, Texas
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Wiley Gene
Stuart
(January 17, 1943 - August 27, 2005)
Wiley Gene
Stuart, 63, of Kerrville, TX died August 27, 2005 at the Audie
Murphy Veterans Hospital in San Antonio, TX. He was born January 17,
1943 in Bay City to the late Wiley and Zelma Blanche Woodward
Stuart. He was a resident of Kerrville the past 5 years and a former
longtime resident of Van Vleck, TX. He was a veteran of the Viet Nam
war, and was a member of the Disable American Veterans Chapter #
230, and a life member of the P. H. Parker Post # 2438, Bay City.
Survivors include: son: Michael Wayne Stuart of Van Vleck, TX;
sister: Charlotte Burrough of Van Vleck, TX; and 3 grandchildren. He
was preceded in death by his brother Robert Marshall Stuart, Sr.
Funeral Service will be 10:00 AM Saturday, September 3, 2005 at
Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Russell Davis
officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn
Memorial Park
Cemetery in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be Charlie Black, Kenney
Hales, Jay Crochet, Rayan Marshall, David Burrough, Robert Marshall,
Jr. The family will receive friends at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Arrangements with Taylor Bros.
Funeral Home, Bay City (979)245-4613.
http://www.taylorbros.net/index.cfm
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A. N. Sullivan
Funeral services for A. N. (Audry) Sullivan, 76, of Bay City were
scheduled for 5 p.m. today at First Christian Church with the Rev. David
Kleinfeldt officiating. Burial to follow at Roselawn Memorial Park , Van
Vleck.
Mr.
Sullivan was born Jan. 27, 1914, in Louise to Thomas Horton and Ora
Mitchell Sullivan and died May 16, 1990, three miles north of Palacios
on Texas 35 as a result of an automobile accident.
He
was a member of the First Christian Church, a life-time member of VFW
Post 2438 and American Legion Blessing Post 649. He was a veteran of
World War II and the Korean War, serving in the U. S. Navy. He retired
from Phillips Petroleum April 1, 1977, after 25 years of service.
Survivors include his wife, Vi Sullivan of Bay City; two sons and a
daughter-in-law, Charles Ricky and Margaret Sullivan of Houston and
Randy D. Sullivan of Houston; a daughter and son-in-law, Susan K. and
James Warren of Ocean Springs, Miss.; four grandchildren, Lee Ashley
Sullivan of Bay City, Clay Sullivan of Houston, Trey H. Sullivan of Lake
Jackson, Chele Knapp of Lake Jackson and Elise Warren of Ocean Springs,
Miss.; and an uncle Weldon Sullivan of Galveston; dear friends, Terry and
Kay and a host of other friends and relatives.
Pallbearers include Happy Johnson, Sonny Johnson, Glenn Johnson, Bruce
Coffer, Bill Howze, Steve Hicks, Raymond Stridde and Dale Withrow.
Honorary pallbearers will be all EMS personnel at Taylor Brothers, Larry
Dulany and Bob Wilkins.
In
lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the First Christian Church
Fellowship Hall Building Fund.
Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City,
The Daily Tribune, May 18, 1990
Photo courtesy of Vi Sullivan
Marker photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
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SUTHERLAND, J. D.
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SWINFORD, FRANK
LEVI, JR.
Frank Levi Swinford
July 10, 2005 - Aug. 27, 2005
Frank Levi Swinford, Jr. 81, of Sun City, Arizona died August 27, 2005
at Sun Health Hospice in Peoria, Arizona.
He was born July 10, 1924 in Bay City, Texas to the late Frank Levi, Sr
and Slamonia Lewis Swinford.
Mr. Swinford was a resident of Sun City since 1998 and a former longtime
resident of Bay City where he grew up and spent most of his life. He was
member of St. Paul's Methodist Church, a veteran of WW II serving in the
US Navy, and he was a Phillips Petroleum retiree after 35 years of
service.
Frank was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather,
and will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.
Survivors include: wife, Carla J. Swinford of Sun City, Arizona;
daughter and son-in-law, Polly and David Guidry of Bay City; several
step children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He also is
survived by two sisters and many friends.
A Memorial Graveside Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, September
17, 2005 at Cedarvale Cemetery with the Rev. Tom Morgan officiating.
Local arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.
The Bay City Tribune
September 14, 2005
Matagorda County, Texas
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SWINKY, EDWARD EMIL
Edward Emil Swinky
Dec. 11, 1925 - Dec. 15, 2005
Edward Emil Swinky, Sr., 80, of Bay City, passed away Thursday, December
15, 2005, in Pasadena, Texas.
He was born December 11, 1925, in Sealy, Texas, to John Swinky and Emily
Esterak Swinky.
He was a resident of Bay City for 54 years and worked for Rugeley Motor
Company for 20 years.
He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, a U.S. Navy veteran of
World War II, a charter member of the American Legion in Blessing, and a
Life Member of the Philip H. Parker VFW Post No. 2438 of Bay City.
He is survived by: his wife, Helen Margaret Sims Swinky of Bay City;
daughters, Marilyn Murray and husband Robert of Dickinson, and Donna
Clardy of Bay City; sons, Edward “Eddie” Swinky, Jr. and wife Mary of
Mathis, and Darryl Swinky of Bacliff; son-in-law, Eric Libby of Texas
City; sisters, Wilma Vavra of El Maton, Frances Dusek of East Bernard,
Doris Johs of Blessing, Geraldine Strelec of Edna, Margaret Fehmel of
Bay City, and Patsy Scott of Seabrook; brother, Johnny Swinky of
Florida; four grandchildren, Robin Martinez, Wendy Murray, Joe Clardy
and Kelly Clardy; and by two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, John J. and Emily Swinky;
daughter, Darlene Frances Libby; three sisters, Annie Mae Hurta, Emily
Herring and Louise Bohing; and granddaughter, Tammy Murray.
The rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Sunday, December 18, 2005, at
Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel.
The funeral mass will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, December 19, 2005, at
Holy Cross Catholic Church, with the Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating.
Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing, Texas, with
military honors.
Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas
(979)245-4613.
Bay City Tribune
December 18, 2005
Matagorda County, Texas
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