Matagorda County Obituaries
B
 

Thomas Russell Beekman
April 25, 1961 - October 08, 2019

Thomas Russell Beekman, 58, of Bay City, TX passed away October 8, 2019. He was born April 25, 1961 in Bishop, CA to Russ Beekman and Kathy Elizabeth Adams Beekman.

Tommy is survived by his wife of 36 years, La Paula Cooke Beekman; son Joshua Morse; father Russell Beekman; sister Betsy Beekman Smith; nieces Jennifer Keith, Tawney Smith and Ashley Smith; nephews Patrick Cooke, Cohen Cooke, Mathew Smith and Conner Smith; grandchildren Sparrow and Piper Morse and several great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Kathy Beekman; brother Jason Beekman; and daughter Sarah Beekman.

He started his career with Schlumberger in 1985 as a Warehouseman/Service Specialist. He was a beloved colleague at multiple Houston area facilities, including Houston, Rosharon, Katy and most recently Sugar Land Campus where he was a Senior HSE Specialist. During his career he supported multiple product lines-Completions, Testing, Subsea, Drilling and Wireline Tom wanted to keep everyone safe. He was respected as a safety leader, trainer, mechanical lifting champion and safety auditor. He will be missed greatly by his Schlumberger Family.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 5PM until 7PM Friday, October 11, 2019 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Bishop Derek Cook officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home               Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Robert Bell

Robert Bell of Pledger, Texas passed away August 19, 2019 in Bay City, Texas. 

Services are pending with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home in Bay City, Texas.

Bay City Tribune, August 21, 2019

Robert Lee Bell
April 11, 1944 - August 19, 2019

Robert Lee Bell, age 75, of Pledger, Texas passed away on August 19, 2019 in Bay City, Texas.

He was born April 11, 1944, in Brazoria County, to Leo Bell and Nancy Nichols Bell.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Union Baptist Church in Pledger, with burial following at Old Bethlehem Cemetery in New Gulf, Texas.

Survivors include a devoted companion, Vertis Williams of Pledger; four daughters, Gwendolyn Grigsby (Grayson) of Port Lavaca, Texas, Peterina Stredic (Alvin) of Bay City, Texas, Ester Bonner of Freeport, Texas, and Jada Ausberry of Galveston, Texas; one son, Vernon Jackson of College Station, Texas; also four step-daughters, Lisa Williams, Regina Williams, Ebony Jackson and Terri Knight (Perry); nine grandchildren which include, Zawari Bonner, Zavier Bonner, Zahara Bonner, Alvin Stredic Jr., Delorian Stredic, Chelsey Pratt and Jasmine Grigsby; and two great-grands, Mia and Cameron Pratt. He is also survived by three sisters, Ester Grant, Jerry Bell and Eudora Cameron; three brothers, Jessie Bell, Johnny Bell and Jimmy Bell; and a host of other relatives.

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

Bay City Tribune, August 28, 2019
 

Tommie Mae Bell 

Funeral services for Tommie Mae Bell, 77, of Cedar Lane, Texas will be Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Cedar 

Lane with Pastor Michael Reddick officiating.

Burial will follow at Shiloh Cemetery in Cedar Lane, Texas.

She passed away on Friday, May 10, 2019 at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas.

She was a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where she was an active member of the church choir and kitchen missionary. Her greatest joy was catering, cooking, shopping and spending quality time with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Mack Henry Lewis Sr.; mother, Sophie Dicey Mae Lewis; daughter, Ada Mae Lewis; sisters, Juanita Parks and Johnnie Mae Helms; brothers, Israel Lewis and Henry Boone.

She leaves to cherish her loving and precious memories, children, Curtis Donnell Lewis (Barbara) of Cedar Lane, Sheena Johnson (Dr. Melvin ) of Brazoria, Raymond Bell Jr. (Tamela) of Cedar Lane, Lynelle Bell of Angleton, TyMesha Marion (H ) of Missouri City and MacEphern Lewis of Brazoria; sisters, Julia Lewis of Freeport and Sophie Ferguson of Fort Myers, FL; brothers, Sam Lewis (Judy) of Houston and Mack Lewis Jr. of Cedar Lane; good friends, Rose Green of Live Oak and Tessie Schwebel of West Columbia; 13 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and a host of other relatives and friends.

 Active pallbearers will be Lawrence Burnett. Leslie Johnson, H. Marion, Milton Sidney, Sherman Gee and Curtis Lewis Jr.

 Honorary pallbearers will be Curtis Lewis, Raymond Bell Jr., Raymond Bell Sr., Mack  Lewis Jr., Sam Lewis and  MacEphern Lewis. 

 Visitation will be Friday, May 17, 2019 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Dixon Funeral Home in Brazoria, Texas.

Please visit our website to leave online condolences, light a candle and send floral arrangements or gifts to her family at www.dixonfuneralhome.com

 Final arrangements entrusted to Dixon Funeral Home, Brazoria, Texas; (979) 798-9113.

Bay City Tribune, May 15, 2019
 

Guillermo “Willie” Benavidez
February 10, 1936 - January 21, 2020

Guillermo “Willie” Benavidez, 83 of Markham, passed away on January 21, 2020. He was born on February 10, 1936 in San Benito to the late Ignacio and Anita Rodriguez Benavidez.

He is survived by his daughters, Cynthia Davis and husband Coby of Tennessee, Mary Helen Benavidez of Markham, and Yolanda Johnson and husband Larry of Markham; son, Guillermo W. Benavidez, Jr. of Markham; grandchildren, Tabatha Benavidez, Daniel Ray Garcia and wife Kim, Nick Johnson, Nadia Johnson, and Savannah Benavidez; 5 great grandchildren; sisters, Ernestina Martinez and Maria Benavidez; brothers, Jose Benavidez and Rumaldo Benavidez and wife Pat; and sister-in-law, Maria Benavidez.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Angela Montez Benavidez; brothers, Robert and Edwardo Benavidez; and sister-in-law Lupe Benavidez, brother-in-law Lolo Martinez.

Visitation will begin on Friday, January 24, 2020 from 2-7PM at Triska Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 9AM at Triska Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Ray Garcia, Nick V. Johnson, Eleno Martinez, Rumaldo Benavidez, Jr., Jordan Garcia and LeBron Garcia.

Condolences for the family may be left online at www.triskafuneralhome.com

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

Teresa Anne Blackwell
June 4, 1947 - December 20, 2019

Teresa Blackwell went to be with the Lord, December 20, 2019. She was born June 4, 1947 in El Campo, TX to the late Billy Merle and Deliah Wiley Morton.

She retired from Palacios ISD after many years of service. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Palacios where she taught in the kindergarten class for many years.  Teresa truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures of chatting with and visiting friends and family members.

Teresa leaves behind her husband of 54 years, Eddie; sons David and wife Bella of Plainview and Darrell and Fiancé Kim of Palacios; honorary daughter DeeDee Stork; brothers Charles Braxton Morton and wife Pam and James “Bubba” Morton; honorary sister Betty Stork, 6 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren, and numerous other family members.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 5PM until 7PM Sunday, December 22, 2019 at the Palacios Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Monday, December 23, 2019 at the Palacios Funeral Home with Rev. Louis Rush officiating.  Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Jesse Alvarez, Jr., Justice Hart, Erwin Janszen, John Koch, Kevin Harvey and Chris Harvey.  Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Murray, Past and Present members of the Friendship Club and the residents and employees of Port Lavaca Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

William A. “Bill” Bledsoe

Funeral services for William A. “Bill” Bledsoe, 57, of Van Vleck will be held 11 am Saturday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park, Van Vleck.

Mr. Bledsoe was born Aug.29, 1932, in Arp, Smith County, Texas, to Tonnie R. and Lucille Johnson Bledsoe and died Aug. 31, 1989, at his residence.

A former resident of Markham, he was a member of the Odd Fellows and the Baptist Church. He served with the U. S. Air Force in Korea.

Survivors include his mother, Lucille Johnson Bledsoe of Van Vleck; two brothers, James Bledsoe of Van Vleck and Maurice Bledsoe of Lafayette, La.; and a grandson, Thomas Woodrow Seales of Humble.

Pallbearers will be members of the Odd Fellows and Disabled American Veterans.

Honorary pallbearers include Maurice Bledsoe Jr., Gary Wayne Bledsoe, Clint Burchfield, Johnny Wright, Floyd Wright, Walter Burrows and Kelly Matchett.

Arrangements are with Taylor Funeral Home, Bay City.

Daily Tribune, August 1989            Courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

Ruby Mae Boettcher
October 08, 1937 - December 23, 2019

Christine Fojtik Bortner
December 5, 1950 - May 8, 2019

Christine Fojtik Bortner was born on December 5, 1950 in Bay City, TX. Ms. Bortner passed away May 8, 2019 in Longview, TX

She is preceded in death by her father, Louis Fojtik Sr.; and mother, Winifred Rouse Fojtik.

She is survived by her sons, Louis Senkyrik III and wife Renee of Lufkin, TX, and Eric Senkyrik and wife Susie of Lufkin, TX; grandsons, Diesel Stanaland and wife Natalie of Diboll, TX, and Eric Senkyrik Jr. of Lufkin, TX; granddaughter, Hailey Senkyrik of Lufkin, TX; brothers, Louis Fojtik of Van Vleck, TX, Albert Fojtik and wife Debra of Bay City, TX, Frank Fojtik of Houston, TX, Jim Fojtik and wife Jesse Fojtik of Tomball, TX, and Richard Fojtik of Houston, TX; sisters, Delores Heinrich and husband Daniel of Mena, AR, Sharon Williams and husband Earnest of Midfield, TX, and Cathy Green and husband Pete of Bay City, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ms. Bortner loved her children, grandchildren and family immensely. She loved spending time at the beach, she loved reading her novels and was very devoted to the Lord.

Cremation service has been entrusted to East Texas Funeral Home, Longview, TX.

She will have a private memorial service in Bay City, TX on June 1, 2019.

Bay City Tribune Online
 

Deborah "Debbie" (Curlee) Boudar
July 25, 1955 - August 19, 2019

Deborah Curlee Boudar, 64, of Rosenberg, Texas passed away on Monday, August 19, 2019. She was born on July 25, 1955 in Ganado, Texas, she was the daughter of the late James Paden Curlee and Marguerite Dorcas Phillips. She is survived by her husband of 22 years, Leslie Frank Boudar, two daughters, Amy Malissa Benson and her husband James Bryan Benson of Fort Worth, Texas and Lori Lynne Leftwich of Richmond, Texas; three step-sons, Leslie Scott Boudar of Austin, Texas, Brian Christopher Boudar and his wife Brooke Elizabeth Munson of Brookshire, Texas, and Michael Eric Boudar of Lufkin, Texas; two grandchildren, Logan Matthew Benson and Kaylee Madison Boudar; siblings, Jewel Marie Green of Irvine, California, Jimmy Curlee and his wife Susie of Edna, Texas, Cindy Greer and her husband Mike of Edna, Texas, Sherrie Shutt and her husband Matt of Cameron, Texas, brother in law Barron Muegge of Franklin, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Linda Muegge.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 2:00 pm Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Slavik Funeral Home at 209 N. Allen St. Edna, TX 77957, followed by interment at Enon Cemetery in Edna, Texas

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, August 23, 2019 at Garmany and Carden Funeral Home, 1201 4th St. Rosenberg, Texas 77471.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ronald McDonald House Foundation; hhtps://www.rmhc.org/ or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: hhtps://www.stjude.org/

Pallbearers will be: nephews; Michael Green, Jason Curlee, Brian Bradley, Brandon Curlee, and Cody Bradley and son in law James Benson.

Services under the guidance of Russell Todish of Slavik Funeral Home, 209 N. Allen St. Edna, TX 77957 361-782-2152.

Slavik Funeral Home
 

Alfred Clifton Bradshaw

Alfred Clifton Bradshaw (Al), born July 15, 1922 in Live Oak County, Texas, died December 8, 2014 in Nashville, TN. Preceded in death by his parents, Pinckney Bradshaw and Hattie Brown Bradshaw; sister, Lela Brummett and brother, Cecil Bradshaw. Survived by his wife, Velma, his siblings (Kenneth Bradshaw, Alpha Covington) his two daughters (Gloria Bradshaw and Joy Dillman), their children (Alan Bradshaw, Laurie Randel, Amber Leach, Becky Elam, Mary Dillman, David Dillman) and his great grandchildren (Zachary Bradshaw, Katherine Bradshaw, Lindsay Bradshaw, Morgan Randel, Marlee Randel, Sara Elam, Jack Elam). He was the dedicated husband of Velma Miller Bradshaw for almost 72 years, father of Gloria Jean Bradshaw (husband, Larry) of Abilene, TX and Joy Lynn Dillman (husband, Ken) of Hutto, TX. Al is survived by his wife, two children, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He graduated from high school in Palacios, TX, studied radio operations, communications and navigation in the US Coast Guard during WW2 at Gallups Island, Boston Harbor, MA. He served over 3 years in the Coast Guard patrolling North Atlantic convoy lanes on the USS Sea Cloud. He trained as electronics technician, installed and repaired radios, radar and LORAN equipment while serving. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 25, 1945 with the rank of Petty Officer First Class. He had a 35-year career with American Airlines as a communication specialist, aircraft electronic component mechanic, electronic technician, shop foreman and planner/scheduler. He led a dedicated Christian life as a song leader, Bible teacher, deacon, elder, preacher and counselor at several Church of Christ congregations in Nashville and Tulsa, OK. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Monday Morning Quarterbacks, The Tuesday Morning Readers Group and the Elders at Brentwood Hills Church of Christ. Celebration of Life service will be on Friday, December 12, 2014 at ten o’clock in the morning in Woodlawn’s Dignity Hall. Gathering of family and friends on Thursday evening from five o’clock until eight o’clock and one hour prior to the service on Friday at Woodlawn Roesch Patton Funeral Home.

Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, Nashville, Tennessee
 

Joe Alden Brent
July 01, 1928 - January 30, 2020

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home                     Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

John H. Brewer, Sr.
July 19, 1943 – December 12, 2019

John H. Brewer, Sr., 76 most recently of Victoria, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Thursday, December 12th, 2019. Family and friends will gather for a service to celebrate John’s life and his faith Tuesday, December 17th at 1:00PM at First Baptist Church Palacios, 202 E. Main Street in Palacios with Pastor Darrell Tomasek and Pastor Chris Webb officiating. Burial will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing, TX. Honoring John serving as pallbearers will be Bill Yeager, Charlie Michalik, Rodney Girndt, Dan Tucker, Bobby Kunefke, and Pat Janecek. Honorary pallbearers will be Charlotte Tucker, James Collins, Kenneth Smith, Don Weaver, Emmett Greene, Rick Calhoun, Newt Newton, and Runnoe Connally.      

John was born July 19, 1943 in Deeson, Mississippi to the late Grady C. and Kate Marie Bryant Brewer. John served his country honorably in the United States Army. John worked hard all his life to provide for his family. He owned and operated a true service station Brewer’s Service Station, in Palacios. John’s station served the community with true service of pumping gas, wrecker service, and mechanic service, and helping others, for over 30 years, until his retirement in 2003. John was extremely active in his church and the community. John was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing dominos with his church buddies. John enjoyed spending time reading and studying his bible, and talking to others about the love of Jesus Christ. John was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department in Palacios for 33+ years which he also served as Fire Chief. John was very instrumental in getting retirement in place for the Volunteer Fire Department. John and his family lived in the Palacios area for over 50 years, he moved to the Victoria area about a year ago. He was a long time member of First Baptist Church Palacios and most recently Northside Baptist in Victoria. John was preceded in death by his parents, G. C. and Marie Brewer; five siblings; daughter-in-law, Marty Wootan, and his wife, Dorothy Brewer.       

John leaves to cherish him and his memory his six children, Leonard Wootan, David Wootan and wife, Elsa, Martha McEntire and husband, Bobby, Jeffrey Wootan and wife, Rebecca, Tina Matura and husband, Brent and John H. Brewer, II. and wife Liza; 22 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren; along with numerous other loving family members, friends and golf buddies.       

Memorial donations may be sent in John's memory to the South Texas Childrens Home.

Thoughts and memories may be shared online at www.gracefuneralhome.net.

Grace Funeral Home, Port Lavaca, Texas
 

Robert Duane Brewer
January 20, 1952 - May 09, 2019

Robert Duane Brewer, 67, went to be with the Lord on May 9, 2019. He was born January 20, 1952 in Dumas, TX to Robert Sidney Brewer and Mary Edna Fikes Brewer.

Robert married the love of his life, Marie Rivers-Brewer in 1970. They were married 43 years before her death in 2013. Robert and Marie moved their family to Bay City in 1990.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Edna and his grandson Robert Romero.

Survivors include his son Tracy Brewer of Sweeny; daughters Diana Garcia and Jacqueline Budaus of Bay City; 9 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and 4 siblings.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 5PM until 7PM Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Pastor Sonny Salas officiating. Interments will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City. Pallbearers will be Tracy Brewer, Jesse Romero, Christian Sardelich, Ricky Garcia, Jr., Nathan Garcia and Robert S. Brewer.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home                Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Johnnie Marie Brewer
(February 20, 1952 - May 4, 2013)

Johnnie Marie Brewer was born February 20, 1952 in Alabama and left to be with her Lord Saturday, May 4, 2013 at St. Lukes Hospital in Houston. She was preceded in death by her sister Judith Ann Rivers and grandson Robert Duane Romero.

Marie was a very loving and devoted wife of 43 years to Robert Brewer of Bay City; loving mother to son Tracy Brewer and wife Taniesha of Sweeny; daughters Diana Garcia and husband Ricky of Bay City and Christine Budaus and husband Don of Bay City and grandmother to 10 grandchildren Phillip, Robert S., Ricky, Jr, Lauren, Faith, Nathan, Skye, Jesse, Christian and Gabriella.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 6pm to 8pm Thursday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Friday, May 10, 2013 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Luther Carrol officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City. Pallbearers will be Tracy Brewer, Don Budaus, Ricky Garcia, Ricky Garcia, Jr., Robert S. Brewer and Scott Mead. Marie will be “Loved and Missed, but Never Forgotten.”

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Billy Joe Brown
May 28, 1951 - May 15, 2019

Billy Joe Brown, 67 of Bay City, Texas passed away May 15, 2019.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Leo Brown and Leona Inez Brown Boyd; and one, Jesse Leo Brown.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry Brown of Bay City; sons, Richard Brown (Erica), Steven Brown (Katie), and Matt Brown, all of Bay City; sisters, Betty Black (Billy) of Bay City, Linda Stains of Wharton, and Julie Prince of Houston; brother, Mike Boyd of Bay City; grandchildren, Makaya Brown, Piper Brown, Liam Brooker, and Sawyer Brown; a host of nieces and nephews; and his fur baby, Pete.

Billy served in the Army and Reserves, and was a reserve police officer. He was a welder, owned an oil field maintenance company and was a consultant and manager of a disaster company. He was a jokester, with funny comments. His joy was to build and repair hot rods, cars, motorcycles; and he loved to work in his yard.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2019 at First Pentecostal Church in Bay City with Dr. Marvin Moore.

Donations may be made to First Pentecostal Church.

Arrangements by Green's Mortuary, Bay City.

Bay City Tribune online

Gertie C. Brown

Funeral services for Gertie C. Brown, 70, of Cedar Lake, Texas, who passed away December 10, 2018 will be held Saturday, December 15, 2018 a 2 p. m. at Bethlehem Christian Church in Cedar Lake, with pastor K. W. Bree, eulogist.

Burial will follow at [New] Bethlehem Cemetery.

Guest book and register will be Friday, December 14, 2018 from 2 p. m. until 8 p. m. at Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Bay City.

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

Bay City Tribune, December 12, 2018
 

Jack Edward Brown
December 13, 1925 - August 23, 2019

Lee Etta Brown

Funeral services for Lee Etta Brown will be Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Greater Mount Zion Church in Brazoria, Texas with Elder R. K. Hendricks, officiating.

Burial will follow immediately after services at Eastview Cemetery.

Visitation will be one hour before services there will be no viewing afterwards.

Final arrangements are entrusted with Green's Mortuary at 979-245-3489; online condolences may be sent to greensmortuary.com

Green’s Mortuary
 

Flossie Lorene Burns

Flossie Lorene Burns, 57, of Edna died Friday in the Citizens Memorial Hospital in Victoria.  She was born May 19, 1922, in White City and had been a resident in Van Vleck and Bay City for 10 years, before moving to Edna five years ago.  She was a member of the Edna Pentecostal Church. Survivors include two daughters, Letha Ferguson, Victoria and Paula Burns, both of Edna; two sisters, Tiny Dool, Hubbard and Mae Burke, Houston; five brothers, Sherman Redd, Odessa, Jay Redd, Beaumont, Edward Redd, Edna, and Nick Redd of New York City, N. Y.; two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  Funeral services will be at 10 am Monday in the Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Chapel with the C. J. Shields officiating.  Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck under the direction of the Taylor Brothers Funeral Home. 

Daily Tribune, October 7, 1979         Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham