Matagorda County Obituaries
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Annie K. Bell & William C. Bell - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
William Charles Bell
Funeral services for William Charles Bell, 80, of Bay City will be held at 2 pm Thursday at Bay City Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Mike Mercer of Golden Avenue Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park, Van Vleck.
Mr. Bell was born April 9, 1906, in Galveston to William James and Molly Broussard Bell and died March 23, 1987, at Matagorda General Hospital.
He was a member of the Baptist church.
Survivors include four daughters and sons-in-law, Marie and Charles Schutz and May and Ray Hamilton, all of Bay City, Linda and Raymond Mason of Swansbrough, N.C., and Dorothy and Eugene Ryman of Chauvin, La.; a sister, Marie Clarac of Galveston; 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Services are under the direction of Dick R. Elkins, Bay City Funeral Home.
Daily Tribune,
March 1987 Obituary
courtesy of Faye Cunningham
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Manuel Guadalupe Benavides
(September 14, 1946 - February 11, 2011)
Manuel Guadalupe Benavides, 64, of
Bay City, passed away Friday, February 11, 2011. He was born
September 14, 1946 at Santo Nino Ranch, Zapata County, TX to the
late Manuel Deatocha Benavides and to Ella Dora Salinas
Benavides. He was a lifelong resident of Matagorda County, a
member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, and was a
retired Water Boss for Irrigation Control from the L.C.R.A., Bay
City division.
He proudly served in the US Army during the Vietnam Conflict and was in the 1968 Tet Offensive at Cholon Province, Vietnam and received awards that included the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 device.
He is survived by his mother: Ella Dora Salinas of Robstown; his son: Manuel G. Benavides, Jr. and his wife Monica of Bay City; by his sisters: Margaret Cortinas of Bay City, Dora Esquivel of Corpus Christi, Clara Hurtado of Bay City, and Rosemary Montalbo of Bay City; and by his granddaughters: Anastacia Benavides and Victoria Benavides, both of Bay City. He was preceded in death by his father; by his wife: Isabel G. Benavides; by a sister: Petra B. Rebello; and by a nephew: Dean martin Morales.
The Rosary will be held at 7:30 PM Monday, February 14, 2011 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. The Mass will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Bay City, with Rev. Gerry Cernoch officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow, at Roselawn Memorial Park, in Van Vleck under the auspices of the Philip H. Parker, VFW Post # 2438 of Bay City.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX (979) 245-4613.
www.taylorbros.net
Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
Jesus Benavides - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
Manuel D. Benavides - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
Vernon R. Bender - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
Martha Bender Sherrill
July 26, 1931 - July 20, 2019
Martha Bender Sherrill, 87, of Van Vleck, TX passed away July 20, 2019. She was born in July 26, 1931 in Indiana to Floyd and Mary Gardener.
Martha was known for her ability to cook and bake the best cakes, especially her Italian crème cake. She loved everyone and enjoyed singing in the church choir. Martha was an active member of the Van Vleck First Baptist Church until she was no longer able to attend. Her passion was helping others. She received the Honorary Chapter FFA degree from both the Tidehaven FFA and Bay City FFA, along with being Mother of the Year for Van Vleck FFA. She loved working in her yard and flowerbeds along with cooking. Her grandson Vernon and great grandson Harrison were the gleam in her eyes.
Martha is preceded in death by her parents; first husband Vernon Bender; second husband Willis Sherrill; daughter-in-law Beverly Bender; 2 sisters and 3 brothers. She is survived by son Wayne Bender of Van Vleck, TX and his fiancé Diana Field; grandson Dr. Vernon Bender of Rockdale; great grandson Harrison Wayne Bender of Rockdale; her coffee drinking partner Roy Clegg of Van Vleck; the angel that took care of her, niece Linda Patterson of Markham; two sisters; 3 brothers and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends and relatives 6:00-8:00pm Wednesday July 24 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Services are 11:00am Thursday July 25, 2019 at the funeral home with Rev. Jack Hutson officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers are Blake Bolton, Colby Bolton, Fred Damuth, Gary Damuth, “Pat” Patterson and Joe Ledwig, Jr. Honorary pallbearers are Harrison Wayne Bender and Roy Clegg.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Coastal Plains Cowboy Church, P.O. Box 399, Boling, TX 77420 or the charity of your choice.
Bay City Tribune, July 24, 2019
Zona M. Bender - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
Betty Jo Benitz - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
R. C. Berglund & M. J. Berglund - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
Bryan L. Bickham & Anne M. Bickham - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
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Clifford Walton Bickham, 80, of Clute went to be with his Savior on June 19, 2008. Clifford was born May 25, 1928, in Bay City, Texas, to Bryan and Anne Megginson Bickham. Clifford deeply cared about his family and loved a good game of dominoes. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bryan and Anne Bickham; daughter, Connie Jean Pickens; son, Clifford Wayne Bickham; grandchild, Ross Daniel Pickens and sister, Jean Kemp.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 20, 2008, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Palms Funeral Home chapel in Angleton. Funeral services will be Saturday, June 21, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. at Palms Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Van Vleck at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.palmsfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Palms.
Brazosport Facts,
June 20, 2008 |
Clifford
leaves behind many loved ones including his son,
Randy Bickham and wife, Dayna, of Angleton; twin
brother, Robert Bickham of Clute; brother, Lane
Bickham of New Braunfels; sisters, Lois Heslep and
husband, Jim, of Canyon Lake and Doris Cowart of
Tow; friend, Jo Ann Sebring of Brazoria, eight
grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and
countless nieces and nephews. Dolores J. Bickham - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
Dolores Juanita Bickham
1934 - 2003
Dolores Juanita Bickham passed away
peacefully during the morning of August 6, 2003, at the age of
68. Dolores was born in Blountstown, Florida, September 16,
1934, to Sam and Edna White. She met and married Robert Bryan
Bickham on August 30, 1954.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 9,
2003, at Wesley First United Methodist Church in Clute, Texas.
Interment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck,
[Matagorda County],Texas, following the services.
Beloved wife and mother, she is survived by her husband, Robert;
their three children, Robert Bickham & wife Patricia of
Brazoria, Robin Stringer of Clute and Anne Howell & husband,
Jason, of Lake Jackson; six grandchildren; ten
great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She is
also survived by her sister, Donna Richards & husband, John, of
Florida; two brothers, Gene White and Jack White of Alaska; and
many other loving relatives and friends.
Arrangements entrusted to Stroud Funeral Home in Clute, Texas.
979-265-1188.
THE FACTS, August 8, 2003
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Lewis Lampton Bickham, 81 of Van Vleck died May 7, at the Matagorda General Hospital. He was a resident of Van Vleck for 55 years, was a retired postmaster, and a member of the first United Methodist Church in Van Vleck. Survivors include: wife, Ora Lee Bickham of Van Vleck; son, R. Eugene Bickham of Denver, Colorado; three sisters, Nancy B. Elliott of Glen Flora, Ethel O’Connell of Van Vleck and Millie O’Connell of Van Vleck; three brothers, Houston L. Bickham of Palacios, Herbert R. Bickham and Otis D. Bickham of Van Vleck; three grandchildren, David, Laura Lee and Stephen Bickham of Denver, Colo. Funeral services will be held May 9 at 2pm at Taylor Bros. Chapel with Rev. Chad Murray officiating. Interment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park with pallbearers being: Burt O’Connell, Clyde Bickham, Herbert E. O’Connell, Clifford Bickham, and Thomas Rugeley. Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home. Daily Tribune, May 8? 1979 Obituary courtesy of Faye Cunningham
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ORA LEE BICKHAM, 96, of Van Vleck died Saturday, December 20 at The Legacy in Bay City after a short illness. She was born February 22, 1907 in Houston to Charlie Shiver and Hassie Bell Shiver. Mrs. Bickham was a charter member of the First Baptist Church of Van Vleck. She had been a resident of Van Vleck for more than seventy-five years. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lampton Bickham of Van Vleck; and her brother, Douglas Shiver of Richmond, Texas. Survivors include her son, R. E. Bickham and his wife, Zanna, of Alpine; grandson, David Bickham and his wife, Michelle; granddaughter, Laura Wilson and her husband, Ronny; grandson, Steven Bickham and his wife, Jennifer; five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation with the family will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23 at the Taylor Brothers funeral chapel. Funeral services are to held at the First Baptist Church in Van Vleck on Tuesday, December 23, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Aaron Young officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Herbert O'Connell, Frank O'Connell, Thomas Rugeley, Johnny Bickham, Billy Bickham, and Paul Bickham, all nephews of Mrs. Bickham. The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the building fund of the First Baptist Church of Van Vleck, P.O. Box 541, Van Vleck, Texas 77482. Arrangements are under the direction of Taylor Brothers Funeral Home. (979) 245-4613. Victoria Advocate, December 22, 2003 |
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She was born Oct. 13, 1925, in Bay City, to the late Fred and Ellen Sherrer Gest. She was a bookkeeper for the family business, Birkner Lumber Co., Otis Drilling Co., and was Vice President of Western Gulf Savings and Loan. She was a member of First United Methodist Church. Survivors: husband, Otis Birkner; daughters, Cindy Duncan and Linda Burgess, both of Bay City, Donna Sutherland of Wadsworth; sons, Otis Birkner Jr. of Oklahoma City and Charles Birkner of Tomball; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Preceded in death by: sister, Edna Stephenson; and brother, Fred Gest Jr. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home chapel. Services will be 4 p.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church, the Revs. Kevin Young and Pauline Harvey officiating. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, 979-245-4613. Memorials: First United Methodist Church Bell Choir or donor's choice.
Victoria Advocate, March 3, 2005 |
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Otis
"Butch" Birkner Otis Henry “Butch” Birkner, 80, of Bay City passed away Saturday, October 8, 2005 in Bay City, TX. He was born November 19, 1924 in Manchaca, TX to Joe Birkner, Sr. and Mabel Green Birkner. Butch was a life long resident of Bay City and member of the First United Methodist Church. He was a quiet, sensitive man who was a devoted caregiver to many family members and friends in their time of need. Otis first worked on Birkner’s Dairy, later as a brick mason/building contractor, and then as a partner in Birkner Lumber Co. In 1976 he and his wife Doris purchased the business, and it became known as Birkner Paint and Fireplaces. Butch was happiest when “wetting a line” in the river, or deer hunting with family and friends. He truly loved being outdoors. Those who knew him well enjoyed gifts of harvest from his prized vegetable garden or receiving a rose grown with special love. He is survived by his children: Cindy Duncan & husband Terry, Linda Burgess & husband Larry all of Bay City, Otis Birkner, Jr of Oklahoma City, OK, Donna Sutherland & husband Gregg of Wadsworth, and Charles Birkner & wife Jill of Magnolia; grand-children: Shelly Duncan Graves, Sharon Duncan Jensen, Lauren Duncan, Robert Baish, Christopher Sutherland, Zachry Birkner, Taylor Birkner, Kaili Birkner, and Rylee Birkner; and great grandchildren: Maycee Baish and Anna Jensen; brothers: Joe Birkner, Jr of Bay City, Otha “Skeet” Birkner of Vanderpool, TX, Jack Birkner of El Campo, TX; sisters: Mary Kiesling of Kenedy, TX, Anna Ruth Klein of Tomball, TX, and Kathleen Stevens of Fort Worth, TX; and cousin: Kenneth Birkner of San Antonio, TX; He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Doris Gest Birkner; parents: Joe and Mabel Birkner, Sr.; and sister: Mabel Birkner Wakefield. Funeral Service will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at the First Methodist Church with Rev. Pauline Harvey and Rev. Kevin Young officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be Wyatt, Tim, Donald, & Jack, Jr Birkner, Jeffrey Klein, and Richard P. Stevens. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. James E. Cowart, Rex Quinn, Larry Kiesling, Robert Klein, Richard Stevens, Kenneth Birkner, Charles Stephenson, Kevin Jensen, and Stan Graves. The family will receive friends at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, % Martha Johnson, 3008 Ave L, Bay City, TX 77414. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City.
www.taylorbros.net
Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham |
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Tracy Lynn Black & Stacy Sue Black - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
James Walter Blackmon - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
Neal A. Blanchard & Kittie J. Blanchard - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
Kelly Blaylock - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
BOBBITT, B. L.
R.L. Bobbitt, 79, of Markham, died Jan. 19, 2003 at Methodist Hospital
in Houston.
He was born April 16, 1923 in Winfield, Kan. to the late Ora and Gladys
Kitterman Bobbitt.
Mr. Bobbitt was a member of the First Baptist Church in Markham, a
resident of Markham since 1991, and a former Bay City resident.
He was owner and operator of B&B Muffler and Garage in Bay City.
Mr. Bobbitt was a veteran of WWII, serving in the US Navy.
Survivors include: wife, Mabel Tucker Bobbitt of Markham; son, Richard
Kubena of Markham; grandchildren, Gary Brune and wife Karen of Fort
Worth, Terry Brune and wife Valenda, and Richard “Ricky” Brune, all
of Blessing; eight great-grandchildren; and three
great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his daughters, Margie Dols Seiferman and
Elena Ann Kubena; and brothers, Joe, B.J. and Bobby Jack Bobbitt.
Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2003, at the
First Baptist Church in Markham, with the Reverends Howard Harper and
Joe Ramsey officiating. Interment will be at Hawley Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Percy Carroll, John Carroll, James Pawlonsky, Cliff
Elliott, Walter Bowers and John Sardelich.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Markham or The
Edith Armstrong Center in Bay City.
Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00014B2003JA22
The Bay City Tribune,
Wednesday, January 22, 2003
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 Photo courtesy of Chuck Taylor |
 Photo of Mrs. Bobbitt and marker courtesy of Heather Serrill |
Mabel Naomi Bobbitt
(January 22, 1926 - May 2, 2014)
Mabel Naomi Bobbitt , went to her heavenly home on Friday, May 2, 2014. Mabel was born on January 22, 1926 in Francitas, Texas to the late Cyrus Perry and Ica Lena Purvis Tucker. She received her education in Blessing, Texas after moving to Blessing. The family moved to Palacios right before the out-break of WWll where she met her first husband, Staff Sergeant Gilbert Mathais Dols. He was stationed at Camp Hulen and was from Shakopee, Minnesota. While Gilbert shipped out for overseas, Mabel moved to Minnesota where she lived with Gilbert’s parents. She worked two jobs during this time, one building crates for bombs, the other job was building Quantrum Huts for the soldiers. Gilbert went in on the Normandy Invasion, surviving to fight in the Battle of the Hedgerows, and surviving the Battle of the Bulge. He was in the Netherlands, preparing to go into Germany when he was killed. He was three days from coming home, and Germany surrendered 8 days after Gilberts death. His daughter Margaret Louise Dols “Sieferman” was born January 25, 1945, 4 months before Gilbert’s death. He never got to see her. Mabel met Richard Henry Kubena, Sr. in 1947. They married and had a son Richard Henry Kubena, Jr.born December 15, 1949 and a daughter Ellena Ann Kubena born July 13, 1952. Ellena passed away May 31, 1953. Mabel and Richard divorced in 1957. IN 1960 Mabel met Richard Lee Bobbitt in Palacios and they married September 3, 1961. Richard passed away January 19, 2003. With their marriage they had several businesses , one was the B & B Muffler Shop which began in Palacios and they moved to Bay City in 1974. They ran this business till July of 2006. Mabel was affectionately known as Mrs. “B”. They worked hard to make the business a success, and they had a loving and caring relationship. Survivors include son Richard Henry Kubena Jr.; grandchildren, Terry Brune, Ricky Brune; several great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Rodney Allen Tucker and William Clyde Tucker; sister Lena Mae Tucker. She is preceded in death by her parents, husbands, 8 brothers and sisters and grandson Gary Brune. Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the First Baptist Church in Markham with Rev. Howard Harper officiating. Burial to follow at Hawley Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Bay City Tribune, May 6, 2014
Dorothy Viola Boring - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
Francis Vernon Borup- Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
Ruth Barnhart Borup - Roselawn Memorial Park - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
