Matagorda County Obituaries
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Rutha Mae Carpenter
June 27, 1922 - August 14, 2018

Rutha Mae Carpenter, 96, of Bay City passed away August 14, 2018. She was born June 27, 1922 in Ravenna, TX to the late Ester Hosea King and Donnie Lee Padgett King. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Ira Arthur Carpenter; grandson Trey Brown, and great-grandson Gowen Robles.

She is survived by her daughter Mary Brown and husband Willis of Port Lavaca; sons Ira Carpenter and wife Sheila of Hewitt, TX and Franky Carpenter and wife Patricia of Markham; grandchildren Trisha Glenn, Denise Carpenter, Shane Carpenter, Alicia Carpenter, Eric Carpenter, Lara Carpenter, Wesley Carpenter and Timothy Carpenter; numerous great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Graveside services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, August 18, 2018 at the Palacios Cemetery with Angela Cunningham officiating.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Faye Carter
(June 29, 1935 - March 22, 2018)

Nellie Faye Carter, 82, of Sargent, passed away March 23, 2018. She was born June 29, 1935 in Fisher, Louisiana to the late George Branch and Evelyn Adaline Howard Branch.

Nellie is survived by her husband Gerald A. Carter; children Vivian Elaine Dobbs (Mark) of Bastrop, TX, Troy & Anna Paschall of Sargent, Charles Eugene Land (Deanette) of Anuhuac, TX, step-children Sharon Alane Sutton (Steve) of Como, TX and James Andrew Carter (Cindy) of Schulenberg, TX; grandchildren Dwain, Jana, James Ray, Sarah, Breanna and Scott; great-grandchildren Gabriel, Blake and Kaiden, and numerous step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held 1:30pm Thursday, March 29, 2018 at the First Baptist Church of Sargent with Royal Jacobs officiating.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

David “Shagg” Casey

David Casey was unexpectedly taken home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at the age of 68. He was born October 19, 1949 in El Campo, TX to Luella and Edward Casey. David was better known to all his friends as “Shagg.” After graduating from El Campo High School he began working at Mustang Caterpillar. This led to him owning his own welding business. His career continued at Dow Chemical, at the time of his death he was a Captain at the TDCJ Darrington Unit Farm Shop. For the last 40 years David was known to so many as “Santa.” His greatest passion was riding his motorcycles “Liz and Beth.”           

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother.         

He will always be loved and remembered by his devoted wife and soul mate of 45 years Sandy Casey: his children: Shanelle (Buck) Henson, Jade (Amber) Casey and Destiny Casey; Grandchildren: David, Kally and Maggy Henson and Kyla Casey; Sister: Rita Gann and Kathy Orsak; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives.

Visitation will be held Sunday, November 19, 2017 at Palms Funeral Home, Angleton TX from 3-6:00 p.m.    

Funeral Service will be held on Monday, November 20, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in First United Methodist Church with burial to follow in Hawley Cemetery in Blessing, Tx.

Serving as pallbearers: David Henson “D-Bone”, Kenneth Henson “Brother”, Kally Henson “Calico Kitty”, Buck Henson “Big’un”, Shane West “Knucklehead”, Matt West “Nephew”, & Travis Gann  "Trapper.”   

The family requests casual attire because that’s the way “Daddy” would have wanted it.

Palms Funeral Home
 

James Clifton Cash
May 6, 1923 - January 9, 2018

 James Clifton "J.C." Cash, 94, of Bay City, Texas died peacefully Tuesday, January 9, 2018.

He was born on May 6, 1923 in Newark, Arkansas to the late Elijah Thaddeous and Emma Wyatt Cash.

He was raised in Newark, Arkansas and then moved to North Little Rock, Arkansas in 1942. He was an Army Air Force Veteran of WWII. He married Myrtle Hays in 1948 and moved to Midland, Texas where they raised their four children. In 1970 the family moved to Anchorage, Alaska where he lived until 1999 when he and his wife moved to Bay City, Texas.

JC was a self-employed contractor throughout his working career in Texas and Alaska. He retired at 55 years of age and they traveled extensively with their RV for over 10 years.

In Midland he was a member of the First Christian Church and served many years as a deacon. While living in Alaska he was a member of the Anchorage Baptist Temple where he served in numerous capacities. After relocating to Bay City he became a member of Calvary Baptist Church where he regularly attended well into his 94th year.

One of the highlights of JC's life was becoming a grandfather at an elderly age. His two grandchildren brought him immeasurable pleasure and he was privileged to enjoy them on a daily basis. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, gardening and woodworking. His hands kept busy from the day he was born up until the moment he died.

JC was known to be a natural helper. He was forever assisting his friends, neighbors and relatives with projects and repair jobs throughout his long life. He will be greatly missed  by his family, friends and extended relatives.

JC was preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle; and daughter, Glennda Sprouse.

Survivors include his son, James Cash of Bay City; daughter and son-in-law, Brennda Cash and James Smarz of Kiva, Michigan; son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Celeste Cash; grandchildren, Chloe and Clif Cash of Bay City; and many loving nieces and nephews. Additionally, he is survived by a huge church family who all fondly called him Grandpa.

His body was laid to rest in Okolona, Arkansas on Saturday, January 13, 2018.

Funeral arrangements were made with Brazzel-Cornish Funeral Home in Prescott, Arkansas.

Pastor Lane Pardue will be leading a memorial service celebrating his life at Calvary Baptist Church, 3321 6th St., Bay City on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Gideons International, 1817 Avenue F, Bay City, Texas 77414; Calvary Baptist Youth Bay City, Texas; or the charity of your choice.

Bay City Tribune, January 17, 2018

Allen Ceaser

Bay City—Services for Allen Ceaser, 49, who died at his home here Wednesday after a short illness, will be at 2 p. m. Saturday at Scruggs Chapel United Methodist Church in Edna.

The Rev. B. C. Young will officiate. Burial will be in Sayles Cemetery in Edna.

He was born Nov. 17, 1933, in Jackson County. He was a truck driver.

Surviving are his wife, Evylen Ceasar of Bay City; five sons, Joseph of Corpus Christi, Kenneth of Louise and Vernon, Allen and Alvin, all of Bay City; five daughters, Rosie Ceasar of Victoria and Veda, Evelyn, Connie and Alice Ceasar, all of Bay City; his stepfather, Kelly Ceasar of Edna; three sisters, Mrs. Willie Dilworth and Mrs. Ollie Boston, both of Ganado and Mrs. Alice Hardway of Corpus Christi; and two brothers, Kelly Ceasar Jr. of Edna and Irvin Ceasar of Ganado.

Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Victoria Advocate, Friday, March 18, 1983
 

Joe Angel Charles
September 18, 1954 - June 9, 2018

Joe Angel Charles, 63, lifelong resident of the Bay City, Texas area, born September 18, 1954 to Louis and Enedina Charles, died at home June 9, 2018 surrounded by family.

He was educated in Bay City, served 45 years as a carpenter and was non-denominational by faith. From a family of 15, Joe was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers; and three sisters.

Joe had three loves in his life, Rose Ann Flores 18 years, Veronica Gonzales 19 years, and Debbie Longoria 8 years. He leaves to cherish his memories five sons and three daughters, Joey Charles, Paul Perez (Krystal), Marcus Perez, Erik Perez, Joey Zuniga, Angela Charles Cisneros (Samuel), Angel Charles and Amanda Charles. He also leaves four grandchildren, Jose Castillo, Aedan Cisneros,  Gabino Jr. and Alyanna Lara; and four sisters, Irma Charles (Frankie Alameda), Anna Charles, Gloria Vasquez (Danny), and Virginia Jimenez (Oscar); and a host other relatives & friends.

Joe Charles wake service will be Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at Power Church in Bay City from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Power Church in Bay City.

He will be laid to rest at Eastview Cemetery, carried by pallbearers, Joey Charles, Louie Rodriguez, Richard Charles, Frankie Alameda, Rene Sedillo, Paul Perez, David Charles and Sam Cisneros, while honoring Arturo Charles, John Gonzales and Jose Castillo.

Most Precious Memories entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Wharton, Texas; 979-532-2715.

Bay City Tribune, June 17, 2018
 

George Austin “Sonny” Chiles
May 12, 1932 - November 8, 2017

George Austin Chiles, 85, of Sugar Land, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Wednesday, November 8th in Sugar Land, Texas. He was born to Emmett Ingram and Mary Elizabeth Chiles in Collegeport, Texas on May 12, 1932, the youngest of eight children. He married his high school sweetheart, Beaulah Sue Cavallin, on January 26, 1952 and had three children.

George attended Palacios High School and graduated in 1950. After graduation, he attended Bricklayers, Masons, and Plasterers International of America where he learned brick masonry skills. It is hard to put into words a description of a man who is so loved and respected. His family was first; friends a close second; and he could always be counted on in times of need. He was a master of building/”fix it” projects; fishing in Palacios; and BBQ cook-offs. He instilled in all of us a pride in our great country and those who have served. His contributions to the community were many, and the following are just a few.

• Played a major role building the southeast Little League Park in Houston. He also umpired Little League ball in Houston and Sugar Land as well as trained other as umpires.
• Active member of Dulles Varsity Booster Club initiating the making and placement of football helmet yard signs for varsity players.
• Volunteering in Kindergarten classes in College Station and Sugar Land where he helped with various activities such as cooking Green Eggs and Ham; helping kids make marker holders; planting a Kindergarten Garden; working with kids to learn word sounds and rhyming words.
• Donating his brick mason skills for various community projects.
• He and Sue were active members of the Belknap-Brookside Civic Association facilitating activities such as National Night Out; Christmas On the Creek; and Memorial Day Crosses at Thomas L. Jones Park in Sugar Land.
George is survived by his wife of 65 year, Sue Cavallin Chiles; his three children: Emmett Owen (Carolyn) of Lockhart, Texas, April Gilbert (Jan) of Sugar Land, TX, Georgia Sue Hicks (Lyn) of Sugar Land, TX; 7 grandchildren, 7 greatgrandchildren, and many much loved nieces and nephews.

The Collegeport News announced dad’s birth as “a precious bundle from heaven”. What we have come to realize in the 85 years he spent with us on Earth is that he truly is a precious gift from God … a precious bundle from heaven.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church Sugar Land, 502 Eldridge, Sugar Land, TX 77498. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM and service at 11:00. Interment will follow at 3:30 PM in Palacios Cemetery, Palacios, Texas.

“Travel well Sonny, you leave a legacy of love, respect and a lifetime of memories we can all share and tell over and over.” Drenner Tinsley, Nephew.

The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to his caregivers: Mr. Hugh Schlenk; the staff of Brookdale Community, and Resolutions Hospice Care.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests memorial gifts be made to the Palacios Area Historical Association, 401 Commerce Street, Palacios, TX 77465; Palacios Library, 326 Main Street, Palacios, TX; First Presbyterian Church Sugar Land, 502 Eldridge, Sugar Land, TX 77498 or a charity of choice.

Pallbearers: Ronnie Yeatts, Richard Lowery, Keith Behrens, Manuel Duran, Jimmy Ezzell, Bo Bartlett, Lloyd Wollam, Alejandro Puente, Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers: Joe C. Floyd, Will Bee, Brett Yeatts, Larry Yeatts, Davi…

Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Chapels , 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd., Rosenberg, TX, US, 77471

Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Chapels
 

Jewell Adaire Clapp

Jewell Adaire Clapp, 88, formerly of Port Lavaca living in Katy, passed away Sunday, July 8, 2018. She was born on June 21, 1930 in Wharton, Texas to Otto Vinton Hightower, Sr. and Mary Jewell Praytor Hightower. She grew up in Odem, Texas, where on July 3, 1953 she married Harvey Chesterfield Clapp.

Jewell obtained her Bachelor’s Degree at Texas A&I University. She dedicated her entire 40-year career to teaching children in both elementary school and high school. She taught in Louise, Edna, Odem and Port Lavaca. She completed her career in teaching what she loved to teach the most, Home Economics, at Calhoun High School.

Jewell was a member of the TSTA/NEA, the Texas Retired Teachers Association, and the Calhoun County Retired Teachers Association. She was most proud of being a member of the Epsilon Pi Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. She was also a member of the Javelina Alumni Association at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Chesterfield Clapp on December 17, 2009; by her parents, Otto Vinton Hightower, Sr. and Mary Jewell Praytor Hightower; and a brother, Harvey Newton Hightower.

She is survived by her children, David & Debra Clapp and Mary Sue & Bob Rowe; grandchildren, Lynnette & Eduardo Cen, Dennis Clapp, and Peter Rowe; great grandchildren, Emiliano and Armando Cen; a brother, Vinton Hightower, Jr.; as well as other loving family members and friends.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at the Schmidt Funeral Home East Avenue Chapel, in Katy. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at the Hawley Cemetery, in Blessing, Texas, with Chaplain Daniel Schramm officiating.

Those wishing to make memorial gifts may do so to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6055 South Loop East, Houston, TX 77087, https://www.alz.org/texas or to the American Heart Association, 10060 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77054, www.heart.org/Houston.

Schmidt Funeral Home, Katy, Texas
 

Jack Cole
January 26, 1926 - February 4, 2018

Jack Cole, 92, longtime Sweeny, Texas rancher, passed from this life surrounded by his loving children, on February 4, 2018 in Bay City, Texas.

Jack was born in Forest, Louisiana on January 26, 1926 to Polie E. and Annie (Finley) Cole.  He graduated from Sweeny High School in 1947.  After graduation, he worked in the oilfield industry as a welder.

He met and married Dorothy Lee Baxter on December 14, 1951 at the First Baptist Church parsonage with their longtime friends Bill and Ernelle Orr as witnesses. In the early 1960’s he was able to pursue his love for ranching and raising cattle.  Jack spent some of his happiest days cowboying on a horse or riding a tractor. He was a lifetime member of the Brazoria County Cattlemen’s Association and worked at the El Campo Livestock Commission for many, many years. He loved the Lord, his entire family and many friends with a great passion.  His hobbies included hunting and fishing with his cousins and close friends.

He is survived by his children, Dr. Ralph Cole (Teresa), Kay Cole (Glen Bell), Kim Sydow (Mark), and Jackie Hornback (George); grandchildren, Laura Cole, Jack Cole (Katie), Dana O’Brien (Nicc), Lane Cole, Liz Cole, Dr. Heather Viamonte (Carlo), Steven Chandler (Amy), Doug Chandler,  Josh McKnight (Amber), Rennie McKnight, Bronson Sydow, Riley Hornback and Ryan Hornback;  and 11 great grandchildren with number 12 coming in May.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dorothy;  brother, Louis; and sister, Dorothy Faye.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Sweeny with John Price officiating.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 from 6 pm until 8 p.m. at Baker Funeral Home in West Columbia, Texas.

Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons and special friend, Mike Sanders.

In  lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Jack’s memory to First Baptist Church-Sweeny, Brazoria County Cattlemen’s Association P.O. Box 818 Angleton, Texas 77516 or the charity of your choice.

The family would like to give a very special thank you to Jack’s caregivers, Rhonda Simpson, Frances Schmidt, Sandra Trevino, and  Helen McBee.

Arrangements by Baker Funeral Home, 634 S, Columbia Dr., West Columbia Texas.

Online condolences may be made by visiting our website at www.bakerfuneralhome.net

Bay City Tribune, February 7, 2018
 

Loudie Belle Hurst Conklin
February 13, 1923 - February 9, 2018

Loudie Belle Hurst Conklin was born February 13, 1923 at her family's ranch home in Bay City, Texas. She passed away February 9, 2018 at Matagorda Regional Medical Center in Bay City, Texas.

She was the only child of Ada Huebner Hurst and Bernard Hurst of Bay City. Loudie grew up here in Bay City with her best friend and Cousin Mary Louise Huebner Frazier. They spent their youth horseback riding and enjoying small town life. As a young woman, Loudie and her friends loved to entertain our service men who came to the USO dances from Camp Hulen of Palacios, during the war. Loudie loved telling about the endless dancing and all the handsome soldiers she met. She also later taught dancing for the Arthur Murray dance studios.

She graduated from Bay City High School and went to college at Southwestern in Georgetown. She returned to Bay City and soon started taking art  lessons from renowned artist Simon Michael. In these classes were a young soon to be famous artist, Dalhart Windberg, and a young man named Bill Conklin, who was to become her husband and love of her life.

Loudie and Billy Wayne married in 1952 and of this happy marriage two sons were born in Bay City. Mark was born in 1953 and local artist, Raleigh born in 1955.

Loudie lived her life in between Los Angeles and Bay City for many years. Bill was a talented artist and worked for J.C. Penny's for many years in the art department setting up their art displays. Their son Raleigh was to learn much from his father this way. Bill was an actor and was in many television shows and movies. Loudie also acted and did extra work. She loved talking about meeting and working in a movie with the handsome Sam Elliot. Loudie missed Bay City and all her relatives so the family returned home to her mom when Bill became terminally ill with Lou Gehrig disease. Loudie always enjoyed talking about her Bill whom she missed so much and about her extended Frazier family whom she so loved. Her Christian faith was her bedrock and she never lost her happy personality. Her love for the Lord was in every breath she took.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Mark; and husband, Bill Conklin.

Her son Raleigh wishes to thank Mrs. Rose Singletary, a very special woman who was Loudie's caretaker . Rose's love, hard work, compassion and endless patience made Loudie's life that much brighter. Rose also took care of Loudie's mom in her final days. The family also wishes to thank Brother Mike Zimmerman of First Baptist Church of Bay City who brought so much comfort to Loudie . His care and compassion for her over the years was greatly appreciated. Thank you also to Gary Kubeckza for all his kindness and generosity to Loudie. You, your wife and crew were always so patient with her.

Visitation was held Tuesday morning, February 13, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the Mortuary.

Services and burial were held at 1 p.m. at Roselawn Cemetery in Van Vleck with Brother Mike Zimmerman conducting the graveside service. John Hodges kindly conducted the music.

Pallbearers were Marcus Frazier, Hollis Frazier, Mark Frazier, Dudley Huebner, David Crockett and Raleigh Conklin.

Arrangements are with Green's Mortuary of Bay City.

Green's Mortuary                       Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Raleigh Taylor Conklin
April 11, 1955 - February 17, 2024

Raleigh Taylor Conklin was born to Billy Wayne “Bill” Conklin and Loudie Belle Hurst Conklin in Bay City, Texas April 11, 1955. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 17, 2024, at the age of 68.

He spent his youth in Hollywood, CA, and attended military school there. His father worked for J.C. Penney as their district art director. His father was a character actor as well as a designer of movie sets. Raleigh learned artwork from his father, he spoke about the joy of their working together. He returned to Bay City to care for his father who had contracted ALS. 

Raleigh was a devout Christian man, having devoted his life to serving the Lord. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bay City. It was at this church that he narrated many Christmas pageants. He donated his time and talent to area churches in the community asking no pay. He always gave the glory to God. He worked for, and with, so many groups during his life in Bay City. He loved acting in plays and was part of the “CAST” Theater group as well as the Wharton Plaza group. He was involved in running lights and boards for Bay City Arts Council. He loved Texas history, going to reenactments at the Alamo with his best buddy David Crockett (the GGGGG grandson of Davy Crockett). Out of all the characters Raleigh portrayed, he liked being Santa the most. Christmas for many in this community will never be the same.

Raleigh helped create permanent exhibits at the Matagorda County Museum, which included the creation of the Children’s Museum. Creating the Karankawa Indians display there was one of his favorites and really showcased his creativity. His true love though, was painting. He was a superb muralist, leaving Bay City with several murals he and Greg Chitwood painted. He created signs for many businesses, organizations, and schools in the county.  There was nothing too big, too small, or too difficult.

If you knew Raleigh, then you knew that there were three things he loved and was obsessed with. The Alamo, and anything to do with Star Wars and NASA. Some of Raleigh’s best work are paintings of Astronauts/NASA related.

Raleigh is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Loudie Conklin, and his brother Mark Conklin. He is survived by his wife Janet, and numerous relatives.

Memorial Services will be held 2:00 pm Saturday March 9, 2024, at First Baptist Church Bay City with Dr. Mike Zimmerman officiating.

Thank you to David and Gloria Crockett, Georgie Hadley, David Jansky, Debbie Gonzales and Esmerelda Hein, you helped us so much.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Willie Bell Copeland

Willie Bell Copeland, 91, July 1, 1926 to November 18, 2017 was born in Live Oak Community, just outside of Bay City, Texas to Ruth Wyche Bouldin and Charlie Cooper.

She was educated at Hilliard High and Franklin Barber School. Willie Bell was an entrepreneur all of her life. Her most worthwhile profession was that of Barber for 60 plus years. Cutting hair was one of her most favorite things to do, besides loving her family, shopping and driving fine cars.

To commemorate her life, a home going service was held Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Mother Zion MBC in Bay City.

Willie Bell was laid to rest at East View Cemetery in Bay City.

Most Precious Memories were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Wharton, Texas. 979-532-2715.

Bay City Tribune, November 26, 2017
 

Kenneth Clark Cox
October 28, 1952 - April 22, 2018

Kenneth Clark Cox passed away April 22, 2018. He was born October 28, 1952 in Beaumont, TX to Kenneth Clark Cox and Martha Elvira Rojas

Kenneth is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Clark Cox; mother, Martha Elvira Rojas; sister, Patricia Schuessler; and brother, Steven Cox.

He is survived by his wife, Franca Cox; daughters, Barbara Cox, Kendra Malek and her husband Eric; son, Kenny Bunte and his wife Misty; his sisters, Liz Goodson and husband Lee, Claudia Bilucki and husband Leon; brother Chris Cox and wife Tammy; and 10 grandkids.

Kenneth met his wife Franca in Channelview, TX in 1982 and married one month later on February 23, 1982. They moved to Sargent, TX just a few years later, where they enjoyed raising horses and kids.  Kenneth's favorite hobbies where hunting, fishing and camping with his family and friends.

Kenneth worked for the Robinson family in Houston, TX for 48 years. He started working for Robinson Iron and Metal under his father at just 17 years old. He really enjoyed working with the company and his family. Kenneth will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was the kind of person that could light up a room with his personality and smile.

The memorial will be held at 2 p.m. May 5, 2018 at the First Baptist Church, 53 County Rd. 283, Sargent, TX 77414.

Bay City Tribune, May 2, 2018
 

Refugia "Cuca" Cox
June 25, 1941 – January 9, 2018

Refugia "Cuca" Hernandez Cox, 76, of Van Vleck, Texas passed away on January 9, 2018 at The Legacy Nursing Home surrounded by her family.

Cuca was born on June 25, 1941 in Freeport, Texas to Carlos and Angelita Hernandez.

On September 9, 1977, Cuca married Kenneth Cox.

Cuca was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.

She is survived by her brothers, Gene Hernandez and his wife Delia of Bay City, and Guadalupe Valdez of Wharton; and her sisters, Corrina Cortez and her husband David of Bay City, Mary Rose Cox and her husband Roger, also of Bay City, and stepson, Steve Cox and his wife Deanna of Kentucky; also her nieces and nephew; along with the rest of her relatives and friends whom she loved dearly.

Memorial services will be held ‪at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2018, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, ‪917 N. Nichols, Bay City, Texas.

Bay City Tribune online
 

Eileen Hite Craft
November 3, 1925 - January 13, 2018

Eileen Hite Craft, 92, of Bay City, Texas passed away January 13, 2018.

She was born November 3, 1925 in Vaughan, Texas to the late Albert Winten Hite and Mildred Exa Felts Hite.

Eileen married her high school sweetheart, Frank, on her 19^th birthday in 1944. They were married 54 years before his passing in 1999. The two of them worked alongside one another establishing Craft Furniture, which continues to be a third generation family business.

She was a devoted wife, mother, and especially grandmother, lovingly known as Mimi. Whether it was T-ball, Little League, Soccer, Football, Basketball game or Dance Recital, Mimi was in attendance. She was even known to work a shift or two in the concession stand.

She was proud to be a member of the First Baptist Church for 81 years, where she was in the Gleaners Class and the Jet Set.  Eileen was also a member of the Junior Service League.

Eileen lived by example. She taught her family that if we put God first, family second, and self last, all else would fall into place.

Eileen was preceded in death by her husband. Frank Craft Sr.; son, David Albert Craft; and brother, Albert Hite.

Survivors include her daughter, Jean Ann Finlay (Mark) of Bay City; son, Frank Craft Jr. (Marcy) of Bay City; sister, Jeanette McMeans of Richwood, TX; grandchildren, David Cody Finlay (Dana) of Belton, Andrew Blayne Finlay (Amanda) of Bay City, Chad Sinclair Craft (Sayrah) of Bay City, and Courtney Elizabeth Craft of Bay City;  and great grandchildren, Baylee Finlay, Bryce Finlay, Paige Finlay, Mark Finlay and Maggy Craft.

A celebration of her life will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 18, 2018 at the First Baptist Church with Dr. Mike Zimmerman officiating and lifelong friend Kirk Shaffer delivering the eulogy.

Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck, Texas.

Pallbearers will be David Cody Finlay, Andrew Blayne Finlay, Chad Sinclair Craft, Courtney Elizabeth Craft, Johnnie LeTulle, Ed Hite, Bill Hite, Reagan Daniels and Steve Daniels.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Legacy Assisted Living and Matagorda House, and Sandra Ford, Ellie, and Josie at Country Assisted Living for their love and care.

Donations may be made to the First Baptist Church or the charity of choice.

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

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

Bay City Tribune, January 17, 2018              Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

A Sudden Death – Zora Cudd

Miss Zora Cudd died at the home of her parents in the southern part of town Monday morning at 7 o’clock, age 17 years and 9 days. The illness and death of the young lady were sudden and unexpected. Sunday she was given a choice between a visit to friends in the country and a trip to Matagorda, and chose the former. While there, she ate of some wild fruit, to which is attributed the fatal illness which first affected her upon her return home Sunday evening about 8 o’clock. At midnight she was unconscious and remained so up to the hour of death.

The burial took place at Cedarvale cemetery Tuesday afternoon.

Unknown newspaper, June 15, 1904           
 

Bay City Tribune, January 7, 2018
 

Claudia Howard Culver

We are sorry to announce the sad and sudden death of Mrs. W. W. Culver, who passed over the river at eleven p. m. last Saturday evening. These young people have been married only a short time over a year, and there are no words to express the sadness of the parting. She was known by every one to be of the very best and sweetest of young wives; always kind and gentle to those about her. Mr. Culver has the very deepest sympathy of all his friends. The body was taken to Bay City Sunday afternoon for burial.

Unknown paper, July 4, 1913
 

Marguerite Claudia Culver

Marguerite Claudia, the infant daughter of Willie Culver, died at the home of her father early this morning and was buried in Cedarvale Cemetery this afternoon.

Marguerite Claudia was born June 28^th, last year, shortly before her mother’s death, which is sadly remembered by the many friends of the family.

Our sincerest sympathies are with Mr. Culver in this, his second bereavement is so short a space of time.

Matagorda County Tribune, April 3, 1914
 

Calvin R. "Pete" Curtner
June 21, 1930 - July 02, 2018

Calvin Ray “Pete” Curtner, 88, of Blessing, passed away Monday, July 2, 2018. He was born June 21, 1930, in Booth, Texas to Carl and Annie Allen Curtner.

Pete proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. during the Korean War. For his bravery and courage, he was presented the Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal, United Nation’s Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. He was a member of the American Legion Cecil Lee Post #649 of Blessing.

Upon returning from military service, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Ann Windberg. They raised three children, and were beloved residents of Blessing since 1962.  Pete and Dorothy spent 54 years together, until her passing in 2009.

Pete’s work experience included all aspects of the oilfield. He worked as a truck driver, field supervisor, and gauger. He was employed by Scurlock Oil Company, Gold King Production, and as an independent gauger.

Pete was an avid golfer, sharing the love of the game with his family. Many family gatherings were celebrated on the golf course.  In the game of golf, many players never experience a hole-in-one, but Pete accomplished this amazing feat twice. Pete is survived by his daughter, Pamela Joines (Gary) of Blessing, sons Clifton Curtner (Linda) of Blessing, and Tiler Curtner (Lynsey) of Bay City.  He is also survived by his brother, Carlton “Sam” Curtner of Bay City. 

Pete was lovingly known as “TapPaw” by his grandchildren & great grandchildren. He adored them and enjoyed spending time with his family.  He is survived by grandsons; Cameron Joines (Brandi) and Chade Joines (fiancee’ Jordan Merendino) and granddaughters; Catelyn Rodriguez (Jose), Reagan Curtner and Ellie Curtner.  Pete is also survived by three great-grandchildren:  Jordan Drake Rodriguez, Hayden Joines and Morgan Joines.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, July 5, 2018, from 5pm to 7pm at Taylor Bros Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held Friday, July 6, 2018 at 3:30pm, also at Taylor Bros, with the Reverend Bob Hobbins officiating.  Graveside service will follow at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.  Pallbearers are Reagan  Curtner, Catelyn Rodriguez, Cameron Joines, Chade Joines, Jose Rodriguez, and Darrell Carrillo.  Honorary Pallbearer is longtime golfing buddy, Bill Garner.  Memorials may be made to Houston Hospice, 1102 N. Mechanic, El Campo, Texas  77437.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Rites For Curtner Baby Are Held Wednesday at 3:00 - Jessie Claude Curtner

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Aug. 22, at 3:00 p. m., from Matchett-Newman funeral home for Jessie Claude Curtner, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Curtner. The baby, who was one year, four months and 26 days of age, was preceded in death July 28, by a baby brother, William Lark.

He is survived by his parents, and one sister, Wilma Claudine.

Burial was in Cedarvale cemetery.

Daily Tribune, August 22, 1945
 

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