Matagorda County Obituaries
B
 

Robert L. “Bob” Baird
January 9, 1944 – November 4, 2013

Robert L. “Bob” Baird, 69, of West Columbia, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2013, at home following a courageous 18 month battle with cancer.

Bob was born in Houston on January 9, 1944.

He is preceded in death by his parents, D.W. and June Mitchell Baird.

Bob is survived by: his loving wife of 25 years, Frances; son, Elliott and wife Shari of Angleton; daughters, Elizabeth Sassin of Pearland, Eileen Slaton and husband Wayne of Leander, and Claire Wleczyk and husband Billy of Katy.

Left to cherish the memory of their “Poptart” are grandchildren, Madison and Gavin Baird, Garrett Sassin, Ellie Kate and Elena Slaton and Caroline Wleczyk. He is also survived by sisters, Martha Els of Humble, Texas, and Mary Cruthers of Dearborn, Michigan.

Bob graduated from the University of Houston in 1966 with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. Following graduation, he went to work for Phillips 66 in Houston and shortly thereafter, transferred to the Sweeny refinery. During his tenure with Phillips, Bob spent many years in the lab and later the stock department. When he retired in the fall of 2004, he was the manager of Shared Services. Following retirement, Bob served as a consultant for the pipeline group with Chevron-Phillips and Conoco-Phillips.

Bob loved his family. One of his favorite roles was “Poptart” to his six grandchildren. He took great pleasure spending time with them and attending their activities such as ball games, school programs, and dance recitals. He loved to do projects for them and with them, including building birdhouses, swing sets, and letting them help him in the garden.

Bob was an avid University of Houston football fan and enjoyed tailgating with friends prior to home games. Each fall, he looked forward to annual motorcycle trips with the guys to various locations, but especially loved Colorado. He loved creating memories with his family and friends with annual ski trips and vacationing abroad. Bob took great pride in his craftsmanship. He built the house that his family still calls home. Through the years, Bob busied himself with kitchen and bathroom remodels and other projects, and he was never too busy to advise friends on their projects. An avid gardener, Bob took great pleasure in sharing the bounty of his garden with family and friends.

Memorial services will be held at Columbia United Methodist Church, Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 2 p.m., with the Reverend Patty Wehn-Glowski officiating.

A reception and visitation with the family will follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Columbia United Methodist Church in West Columbia or the charity of your choice.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Michelle and the staff at IPH Hospice Care.

Arrangements are by Baker Funeral Home-West Columbia.

Online condolences may be made by signing the guest book at www.bakerfuneralhome.net

Bay City Tribune, November 6, 2013
 

Bessie Louise Barefield
August 10, 1950 – February 17, 2014

Bessie Louise Barefield was  born August 10, 1950 . She went home to be with the Lord on February 17, 2014, at the age of 62  years.

She was preceded in death by her father, Crockett Barefield; mother, Maybelle B. Green; sister, Sadie Barefield; and brother, David Crockett Barefield.

She is survived by her sisters, Betty Barefield Gross (RC), Mary Barefield (Morgan), Mattie J. Davis (Paul) and Lillian Triplett (Charles); brothers, Ugene Barefield (Margaret), Joe Barefield (Rosemary) and Roy Barefield (Judy); nieces, Tunisia Thompson, Tasha Sanchez, Torrie Z. Anderson, Ruby Barefield, Pearly Landeros and Johnnie Miller; and nephews, Henry Fletcher, James Fletcher, Raymond Barefield, Willie Barefield, Clemens Barefield, and Ugene Barefield Jr.; and a host of great nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 11 a.m., at The Church of Christ, 516 Rorem Ave., Palacios, Texas.

Bay City Tribune, February 26, 2014
 

Abelino "Poncho" Barrera
26 October 1934 – 8 December 2013

BLESSING - Abelino "Poncho" Barrera, 79 of Blessing, passed away on December 8, 2013. He was born on October 26, 1934 in Yorktown to the late Francisco and Teresa Rodriguez Barrera. He was a retired truck driver and had served in the Army National Guard. He was well known in the area as a base guitar player with numerous bands for the past 50 years. He was an avid gardener and loved his family.

He is survived by his wife Ophelia Barrera, stepchildren Crystal Zepeda, Starr Cruz, Tonya Guerrero, Kayla Sanchez, Darla Galvan, Ryan R. Longoria, Kevin Kresta, David Long and Judy Foote, 17 step grandchildren, 4 step great grandchildren, sisters Lupita Serenil, Mary Helen Barrera, Adelina Cerda, Emma Perez, Selia Benavidez and Mary Helen Cordova.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Lucille Long, second wife Leona Barrera, sisters Nives Farias and Alicia Monsivias.

Visitation will begin 1 pm Wednesday with a Rosary recited at 6 pm at Triska Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Thursday, December 12, 2013, at St. Robert Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Midfield Community Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Kevin Kresta, Gary Bia, Justino Casarez, James Cruz, Filo Guerrero, Jr. and Edward Jalufka.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.triskafuneralhome.com

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

Published in the Victoria Advocate on December 10, 2013
 

Phillipe David Barron Sr.
1 May 1940 – 22 January 2014

LANE CITY - Phillipe David Barron Sr., 73, of Lane City, Texas, passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2014, at a Houston hospital. David was born May 1, 1940 in Lane City, Texas to parents Liandro and Josepha Luna Barron.

David was raised in the Lane City area and attended Wharton schools. He married Inez Lozano on July 2, 1966 in Lane City. David worked as a welder at Bay City Machine for many years. A highlight of his career was a chance to weld on a part of the space shuttle. David enjoyed BBQing and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. One of his passions was following the Dallas Cowboys. David Barron Sr. was a member of Mt Carmel Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus 3rd degree of Bay City. In addition to his parents, his brothers, Pete, Joe and Marcus Barron, preceded David in death.

His wife, Inez Barron of Lane City, daughter, Candi Flores and husband, Marcelino of Burr and son, Phillip D. Barron Jr. and wife, Esmeralda of Victoria, sisters, Ysabel Herrera of Lane City, and Amy Contraras of Georgia, grandchildren, Leslie Hicks and husband, Jeff, Phillip Barron III, Savannah Barron and Brianna Flores and great granddaughter, Sienna Hicks, survives him.

Visitation will be held on Friday January 24 from 5 till 9 pm at Wharton Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 25, 2014 at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Catholic Church in Wharton at 10 am with Father Gabriel Espinosa officiating. Cremation followed the mass.

Serving as pallbearers are Joe Herrera, Jr., Pete Barron, Jr., Rueben Barron, Rueben Lozano, Jr., Joe John Lozano, and Jessie Lozano, Jr. Honorary pallbearers are Rueben Lozano, Jr., Jessie Lozano, Sr., Pete Lozano, Gilbert Palacios, Ernesto Reyes, Juan Longoria and Anthony Jimenez.

Funeral services were under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home, 979-532-3410.

Published in the Victoria Advocate on January 24, 2014
 

Donald Gene Bates
February 7, 1942 – October 8, 2013

On October 8, 2013 Don Bates of Wharton, Texas entered into eternal rest.

He was born February 7, 1942 in Tenaha, Texas to Oliver and Mattie Lou Bates.

He passed away two hours before his beloved wife, Lynn Bates, who was by his side until the end. Theirs was a true love story.

Don is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, George Bates.

Don grew up in Tenaha in a loving family. Don was an outstanding high school athlete excelling in football, basketball, and track. Don received a football scholarship from Sam Houston State University and majored in physical education. Don played tight end and played on Sam Houston’s 1964 NAIA National Championship football team. Don received his undergraduate degree and followed with a Masters in Kinesiology.

Don married his college sweetheart, twirler / dancer, Lynn Rodgers, on August 20, 1966. His football coaching jobs took them to Hitchcock, Lumberton, Brownsville, and Wharton ISD’s, as well as to Sam Houston State University, Ranger Junior College, and Wharton County Junior College.

Don also worked in the construction industry, selling specialty building materials. He worked for Hungerford Brick Company for a few years and the last 26 years with R. M. Rodgers, Inc. (Houston).

Don set an example of physical fitness as he ran the Houston, San Francisco, and Boston Marathons. He ran, worked out and rode bicycles for decades. He also won a state doubles horseshoe-throwing tournament.

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and deer hunting. He loved his time and friends at the deer lease.

His legacy is that of teacher, coach, and friend. Whether in sports, business or life he enjoyed helping others. Being a mentor and role model was his gift. Don’s sense of humor made him endearing to all who were around him. He will be missed.

Don Bates is survived by his sister, Sara Stupic (Cleveland, Ohio); and niece, Judy Schnelle and husband Jerry (Springtown, Texas) and their son Justin his wife Patricia and children Ally, Hannah, and Ian and daughter Jana Lynn Whitsitt her husband Justin and children Tyler, Andrew, Stephanie, and Andi Lynn; and nephew, Michael Bates (Corpus Christi) and children Sean and Matthew.

A Memorial Service for both Don and Lynn will be held Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. at the Wharton High School Auditorium, 1 Tiger Avenue, Wharton, Texas 77488. Reception will follow at the Holy Family Life Center, 2009 Briar Lane, Wharton, Texas 77488.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lymphoma Research Foundation.

A memorial website has been established at ilasting.com, where testimonials may be entered and links to the charitable foundation may be found.

Bay City Tribune, October 13, 2013
 

Georgia “Lynn” Bates
July 5, 1944 –October 8, 2013

On October 8, 2013, Lynn Bates of Wharton, Texas entered into eternal rest after a lengthy illness, which she fought with grace and dignity.

She was born July 5, 1944 in Cherokee, Oklahoma to Robert Max and Barbara Adair Rodgers.

Her beloved husband, Don Bates, preceded Lynn in death, passing away the same day by a mere two hours.

Theirs was a true love story. Lynn cared for Don as he battled illnesses, even when she was suffering.

Lynn moved with family from Cherokee, Oklahoma to Houston, Texas in 1956. She was in the first graduating Class of Westbury High School in 1962. She attended Sam Houston State University and majored in education and was a twirler in the band. Lynn always loved to dance and performed in the schools theatrical performances. Lynn received her undergraduate education degree and followed with a Masters in Kinesiology.

Lynn married her college sweetheart and football team player, Don Bates, August 20,1966. His football coaching jobs took them to Hitchcock, Lumberton, Brownsville, and Wharton ISDs, as well as to Sam Houston State University, Ranger Junior College, and Wharton County Junior College.

In Lumberton, Lynn formed her first of many school dance teams. In 1976, she started The Lynn Bates School of Dance in Wharton. For the past 37 years, Lynn has taught dance (3 years to adult) in Wharton and Bay City. For approximately 30 years, she instructed the Junior Jazz Dance Company, a competitive dance team, composed of young teenage women, winning many national honors. Her Dancing Divas, the adult dancers, were always a crowd favorite at her annual dance recitals.

Through the years she was invited to be a guest instructor and or judge at numerous national dance festivals and drill team camps. She was a member of several national dance educator organizations. She also competed in ballroom dance competitions.

Her legacy is the success of her dance students. Lynn has helped many young women reach their potential not only in dance, but also in life. Today her former students credit Lynn for helping them learn poise, grace, self-esteem, etiquette, a dedication to hard work, and the importance of caring for others. To many she was a second mom.

Lynn Bates is survived by her sister, Lana Gean (Rodgers) Wynne (Houston, TX) and nephew, George Parker Wynne, Jr., his wife Abigail, and sons Andrew and Matthew; niece, Barbara Nicole Wynne; brother, Robert Max Rodgers, Jr. wife Donna Marie (Houston, TX), niece, Katy Marie Rodgers and nephew Robert Max Rodgers III and his daughter Vanessa Marie.

A Memorial Service for both Lynn and Don will be held Saturday October 26, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. at the Wharton High School Auditorium, 1 Tiger Avenue, Wharton, Texas 77488.

A reception will follow at the Holy Family Life Center, 2009 Briar Lane, Wharton, Texas 77488.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

A memorial website has been established at ilasting.com where testimonials may be entered and links to the charitable foundation may be found.

Bay City Tribune, October 13, 2013
 

Frank William Bender
December 15, 1929 – November 14, 2013

Frank William Bender, 83, of Brenham, husband of Audrey Louise Bender, passed away November 14, 2013 at St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m., Monday, November 18, 2013 at Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham, TX, with Pastor Ross Shelton officiating.

Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park in Wharton, Texas.

Visitation will be held from 2 until 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon at Memorial Oaks Chapel.

Frank Bender was born December 15, 1929 in Sealy to Albert and Vera Bernette Garling Bender. He attended Sealy area schools, and was employed by Pennzoil for many years. On October 7, 1950, he was married to Audrey James in First Baptist Church of Boling. Frank and Audrey made their home in Kingman, Arizona for a number of years, where he donated countless hours to physically and mentally challenged kids. He was president of the Kingman Lions Club, and chartered a Lions Club in Golden Valley, Arizona while serving as president of the Kingman Lions Club.

Frank had a special place in his heart for children. He delighted young and old alike portraying Santa Claus for 50 years, and was the main attraction for children in many local Christmas celebrations in Washington County. Local memberships included 40 years with the Brenham Evening Lions Club and 20 years in the Brenham Optimist Club, as well as many years of service to the Washington Co. Youth Soccer League, the Brenham Little League Association, and the Little Dribblers League. He was well known and admired by many young people in Washington County, and enjoyed countless hours enthusiastically cheering them on in baseball, soccer, and basketball games. He selflessly committed much of his spare time and energy to many young people in this area.

Survivors include his wife, Audrey Bender of Brenham; son, Ricky Franklin Bender of Temple; daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Donald Campbell of Brenham; grandchildren, Jason and Sally Bender, Joey Bender, Patrick and Angie Wallace, Clayton and Melissa Wallace, Rod and Joane Campbell, Jeff and Debbie Campbell, Shelly and Ted DeYoung, Steve and Jenny Campbell, Renee and Rocco Pepe, and Steven Bender.

In addition, he is survived by 20 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Earl and Mary Bender of Kingman, Arizona, and Albert Bender of Madisonville; sister, Ruby Dierks and Vera Yates and husband Arnold, all of Kingman, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Vera Bender; brothers, Vernon, Wilburn, Lester and Harry Bender; and sisters, Bernice Bender, Dorothy Fojtek, Luella Ludwig, Anamay Coker, and Betty Jean Harvey.

Serving as pallbearers are Bill Dodson, Albert Bender, Lewis Fortenberry, Terry Sumner, James Sumner, Tommy Muessy, and Terrol Womack.

His grandchildren and great-grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorials may be directed to Brenham Lions Club.

Funeral arrangements for Frank William Bender are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham.

To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.

Bay City Tribune, November 17, 2013
 

Merle Teat passed away on Wednesday March 5, 2014 at the age of 90. She was a resident of Bay City for 60 plus years. She was born August 26, 1923 in Danevang, Texas to Theodore and Myrtle Denton Longwood. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Conrad Bishop, brother Willard F. Longwood and Granddaughter Lauren Teat. She worked her way from clerk, at what was originally Elliott & Waldron in 1950, to owner of Southwest Land & Title until 1990. She continued to work there until 2001. Merle is survived by her son, Clayton Teat and wife, Linda, and their daughter Ashley, her daughter Patsy and husband, Kirby Waldrop and their children Clay and Kate, her sister Virginia & husband William Milton Valigura of Albuquerque, NM and a number of nieces and nephews The family will receive friends and relatives from 10AM until 11AM Saturday, March 15, 2014 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A memorial service will begin at 11:00 AM. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Valigura, Clay Waldrop, Kate Waldrop, Ashley Teat, Jordan Valigura and Fred Law. Merle loved life and was loved by her family and friends. She lived life to the fullest and was very direct in her dealings with people. She will be sorely missed. In Lieu of flowers, please make memorials in her name to your favorite charity.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Alford Clark “A.C.” Bonner
June 12, 1924 – December 7, 2013

Alford Clark Bonner, 89, of Sargent, Texas passed away Saturday, December 7, 2013, at Woodlake Nursing Home in Clute. Texas.

He was born June 12, 1924, in Sargent, Texas to Hillard and Pennie Bonner.

He enjoyed carpentry and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his granddaughter, Danielle Nicole Bonner Maddox; his sisters, Nellie Hall, Lucille Roberson and Bessie Bonner; brothers, Hillard Bonner Jr., Martin Bonner, Henry “Scrap” Bonner, Green Bonner, Jeremiah Bonner and Willie Bonner; sisters, Frances Thomas and Melinda Bernard; daughter-in-law, Debra Bonner; five nephews; and two nieces.

Alford is survived by his children, Lucille Mickens (Isaac) of Bryan, Wilbert Bonner (Dora) of Clute, Earl Bonner and Alford Lee Bonner of Lake Jackson, Emolia Bonner of Freeport, Hilliard Ellis Bonner of Louisiana, Sharon Wright (Eric) of Pearland, Yvonne “Clara” Bates (Darryl), Deborah Conley (Gary) and Willie Bates (Lila), all of Houston; sister, Josephine Bonner Hayes of Los Angeles, CA; 21 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Memorial services were held Saturday, December 14, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., at Dixon Funeral Home, 2025 E. Mulberry in Angleton, TX with Elder Eugene Griggs, officiating.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Dixon Funeral Home of Angleton at (979)849-8800.

Bay City Tribune, December 15, 2013
 

Donald Bratcher

Donald Bratcher of Bay City, Texas, passed away January 21, 2014. Services are pending with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas, 979-245-5197.

Bay City Tribune, January 22, 2014
 

Kathryn Alberta Shipman Brooker

Kathryn Alberta Shipman Brooker, 91, of Cedar Lane passed away from this life early Sunday November 17, 2013 in Bay City.

She was born in Kingston, New York to the late Robert Lee and Emma Lucinda (Davis) Shipman. Kathryn was the first of two children with her younger brother Robert Lee Shipman. She attended the Kingston Benedictine School through the 9th grade until she had to leave due to health reasons. During World War II she joined other American women in the munitions industry in New York.

Kathryn moved to Florida with her father and on December 31, 1944 she met a young marine, Edgar Carl Brooker, in Dayton Beach while she was working as a waitress at a hotel restaurant. She married him on April 6, 1945. After the war, they moved to West Palm Beach, FL., where she was an excellent wife, homemaker, gardener, and mother to her two sons, Edgar Lee and Raymond Lee Brooker. Kathryn’s home was always open to her friends, neighbors, and family. She worked a few odd jobs such as elevator operator at the Como Building and babysitter for area children. In 1990, they moved to Cedar Lane, TX to live near nature and their grandchildren.

She is survived by son, Raymond Brooker and wife Nancy of Bay City; four grandchildren, Jenna Brooker, Justin Brooker and wife Lauren, Amanda Brooker and Mycah Brooker; great-grandson, Liam Brooker; and by many nieces and nephews.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 61 years, Edgar Carl Brooker; son, Edgar Lee Brooker; brother, Robert Lee Shipman; and sister-in-law, Delores Shipman.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at Cedar Lane Baptist Church in Cedar Lane with Pastor Mike Patterson officiating.

Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Pallbearers will be Justin Brooker, Cory McKnight, Gary Matthews, Johnny Jones, Don Ross, and Ronnie Woolsey.

Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy and Terry Brooker.

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

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home (979) 245-4613.

Bay City Tribune, November 20, 2013                  Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

William Maurice Broughton
August 18, 1944 – February 18, 2014

Bill was born in Bay City, Texas on August 18, 1944 to Maurice and Nan Broughton and passed away February 18, 2014.

He is survived by his two sisters, Linda Kay Atkinson (Wayne) of Marble Falls, Texas and Janey Beth Chambers of Katy, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill worked and retired from Celanese Chemical Company. His favorite hobbies were dirt bikes, motorcycles, drag racing and old cars. He was an animal lover and rescued many dogs from Celanese Road.

Many thanks to Rosie Sanchez for her companionship and compassion.

Private services will be held.

Bay City Tribune, March 2, 2013
 

Kenneth Ray Brown passed away, Monday, Nov. 25, 2013 peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family. Kenneth was born on April 27, 1949 in Edna, Texas to the late Oscar Homer and Katherine Lenz Brown. Kenneth is survived by the mother of his children Kathy Brown; two daughters, Kristy Kelley and husband Wes, Kala Brown and Rafael Garcia; grandchildren, Ryan, Raylea and Katherine Kelley, Kynleigh and Ian Llanes, Izabella Garcia and a grandson expected in February ; sisters, Dorothy Brown, Diana Michalik and husband Charlie, Doris Malaer and husband Albert, Gloria Benner and husband Ronnie; brothers, Homer Brown and wife Cheryl, Ralph Brown and wife Mary Ann, Leslie Brown and wife Kay; caregiver Raquel Bran; numerous nieces and nephews and other loving relatives. Preceded in death by parents, and daughter Kimberly Brown. Funeral services 2:00 P.M. Friday, Nov. 29, 2013 at the Palacios Funeral Home. Burial to follow at Hawley Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00P.M. Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Serving as pallbearers, Matt Benner, Keith Brown, Charlie Michalik, Jr., Manny Alvarez, Mike Lagasse and Jesse Royall; serving as honorary pallbearers, Jackie Ray Smith and Jerry Kocurek.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Lorraine Bryan
(May 19, 1929 - January 30, 2014)

Lorraine Bryan, 84, of Bay City passed away Thursday, January 30, 2014 in Houston. She was born May 19, 1929. Lorraine was a longtime resident of Bay City, and a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

She is survived by her 3 daughters: Becky Denn, Emelie Allen, & Cynthia Berger; son: Richard Curtis Bryan; 9 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband: Curtis E. Bryan in 2009

Visitation will be 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday, February 2, 2014 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. The funeral service will be 2:00 PM Monday, February 3, 2014 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Lane Pardue officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home (979) 245-4613.

A full obituary will be posted at a later date.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home                     Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Lillian Sue Bundick, 64, of Bay City passed away January 1, 2014. She was born January 10, 1948 in Bay City, Texas to late Earle Lewis Long and Jessie Murl Moses. She worked as a Teacher’s Aid for Bay City ISD for 28 years.

Survivors include her mother; Jessie Murl Long, husband; Hairl E. Bundick; sons; William Earle Bundick and David Eugene Bundick & wife Allison, sisters; Kay Campbell & husband Jerry and Georgan Smith and brother Robert Long & wife Susie and granddaughter Vivian Claire Bundick.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, January 3 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the funeral home. The funeral will be at 2:00pm, Saturday, January 4 at Taylor Bros. Funeral home with Sam Bundick officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing, Texas. Pallbearers will be William Owens, Jerry Davis, Michael Wilks, Bryan Long, J.L. Campbell and Preston Williams.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for Breast Cancer Research; Cancer Research Institute, One Exchange Plaza, 55 Broadway, Suite 1802, New York, NY or at www.cancerresearch.com.

Taylor Brothers Funeral Home

Photo courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise
 

Callie S. Burke - Matagorda Cemetery     Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

 

John Burkett
(May 27, 1936 - November 16, 2013)

BAY CITY - On Saturday the 16th of November 2013 at 3:00 PM John Henry Burkett stepped over the veil to be with our Lord Jesus Christ. He was surrounded by family including his grandchildren, great grandchildren and many beloved friends. He was an exemplary son, husband, son-in-law, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to many in the community. He was an active member of the Cedar Lane Baptist Church. John was known as "PawPaw at Church" for many, many years to so many young Christians.

John was a man known for his integrity. A leader strongly grounded in the Word of God. He was born May 27, 1936 in Bay City, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents Sidney Norman Burkett and Annie Mae Ogden Burkett; three brothers Jack Burkett, Sidney Carlton Burkett & Hurl Damon Burkett and one sister Lora Vernece Williams.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara Burkett; brother Melvin Burkett & Rosie; mother-in-law Lucille Bell; son John Randall Burkett & Frances; daughter Sandra Orr & David; six granddaughters Jennifer Hill & Paul, Jessica Pascal & Gary, Bobbie Behlon & Dave, Hailie Geracci & Joseph, Kristie Lewis & Lonnie and Annie Orr & Ricky and by ten great grandchildren.

John loved to fish, hunt and gather oysters but mainly loved to cook and share his blessings. We will miss him dearly until Jesus comes.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at Cedar Lane Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Patterson officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Pallbearers will be: Tom Barrington, Jimmy Hubbard, Jimmy Crawford, Phil Dubois, J. C. Flowers, Ronnie Woolsey, and Don Ross. Honorary pallbearers will be: Max LeMaster and Jerry Burwell.

Please make memorial donations in his name to the Cedar Lane Baptist Church Children's Ministry.

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

Published in Victoria Advocate on November 19, 2013           Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Wayne Carlton Buss
February 26, 1941 – February 22, 2014

Wayne Carlton Buss, 72, of Bay City, Texas, passed away on February 22, 2014. He was born on February 26, 1941, at Randolph Air Force Base, in San Antonio, Texas, to Rueben Walter Buss and Irene Sklar Buss.

Wayne was a graduate of Wharton High School and Wharton County Junior College. He received a Bachelor’s of Business and Accounting from Sam Houston State University in 1964. Wayne has been a resident of Bay City since 1967, when he was employed as the Executive Director of the Department of Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Services of Matagorda County. In 1978, he spent two months in Washington DC, after he was selected by the United States Agricultural Department to revise the federal regulations for the rice production program. After 19 years with the ASCS, he resigned and began his banking career at The First National Bank. After 28 years in the banking industry, he retired in 2010 as the Senior Vice President and Compliance Officer for Prosperity Bank Corporation.

Throughout the years, Wayne was very active in numerous community organizations including, The State Bar of Texas Grievance Committee, Industrial Foundation Park, Bay City Main Street Program and Bay City Country Club Men’s Golf Association. He was a Past President of the Bay City Rotary Club, a Past Director of the Bay City Public Library Board, Past Officer of the Bay City Chamber of Commerce, the Treasurer of the Bay City Country Club Board of Directors, and the first Chairman of the Bay City Independent School District Community Education Program. Wayne was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, serving on the Administrative Board, Finance and Stewardship Committees and the Student Scholarship and Loan Programs.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Linda Beck Buss; daughter, Lynsey Elizabeth Curtner and husband Tiler; granddaughters, Elizabeth Ann Curtner and Reagan Regay Curtner; sisters, Phyllis Jean Reavis and husband Marvin, and Sharon Ann Richardson; nephew, Brandon Reavis; nieces, Kate Reavis, Rebecca Richardson and Rachel Richardson.

Wayne loved taking care of his family. He enjoyed golfing with his buddies and working in his garden.

Visitation was held Tuesday, February 25, 2014, at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home from 5 p.m to 7 p.m.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at 11 a.m., at First United Methodist Church in Bay City with the Rev. Dr. Russ Munch and the Rev. Don Storey officiating.

A private interment will take place at Evergreen Memorial Park in Wharton, TX .

Pallbearers will be Mark Finlay, Mark Ludwig, Mike Muecke, Jesse Olivo, Sr., Dr. Palivela Raju, Phil Reynolds, Lee Vaughan, and Dick Walton.

Honorary Pallbearers are Bill Wiginton and the Bay City Country Club Men’s Golf Association.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Angels Care Home Health, Bay City, for their wonderful, compassionate care.

Those wishing to make memorial gifts may do so to First United Methodist Church Family Ministries, 2300 Avenue H, Bay City, TX, 77414 or the charity of your choice.

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

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

Bay City Tribune, February 26, 2014