Matagorda County Obituaries
D
 

LOLITA - Peggy C. Dacke, 70, of Lolita, passed away Sunday, July 17, 2011, in Houston. She was born March 13, 1941, in Bay City, to the late Nathan Oren Huff and Lillian Louise Williams Huff. She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church of Lolita.

She survived by her husband, Charles Dacke of Lolita; sons, David Gary (Samantha) Dacke of Newark, Kent Mitchell Dacke of Toano, Va., and Steven (Becky) Dwayne Dacke of Leander; brother, David Russell Huff of Ganado; grandchildren, Rachel, Kira, Landry, Lillian and Sophia Dacke; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and infant son, Casey Charles Dacke.

Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, at Slavik Funeral Home in Edna.

The funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at First Baptist Church in Lolita, with burial at Red Bluff Cemetery, the Rev. Gary Thedford officiating.

Slavik Funeral Home, Edna, 361-782-2152.

Published in Victoria Advocate on July 20, 2011
 

James “Jim” Preston Dale, 81, of Palacios, TX passed away to be with his Lord on Sept. 22, 2012.

A Memorial Service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, located at 300 3rd Street in Palacios, led by Reverend Cynthia Tobola.

Mr. Dale was born on Aug. 12, 1931 to the late James Harry Dale and Lorene Brashear Dale in Fort Worth, TX. He proudly served in the United States Navy, and during his time in service, he served in the Korean War where he earned several exemplary and notable awards and medals; one of them being the Purple Heart.

After his years of military service, he met the love of his life, Veda Jane Chenault, whom he married in 1957. He graduated with honors from the University of Texas in 1958, earning a degree in Chemical Engineering. He began his career with Standard Oil of California in El Paso, TX and worked in various other refineries in Pascagoula, Mississippi and Houston, TX.

Jim and Veda ultimately settled in Palacios, Texas, where together, they opened up their own local business, Palacios Sporting Goods, awarded The Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.

Jim was a proud member of the Former Texas Rangers Association, an involvement that he deeply cherished. He was an extremely active and proud member of the Episcopal Church, where he was very well known and loved by the many for whom he served as a Eucharistic Lay Reader. During retirement, he stayed active in teaching concealed handgun license courses, and had a great love for animals, especially his beloved dog, Sparky.

He is survived by his daughter, Laurie Ford and husband James of Houston, Texas, his son James Earl Dale of Dallas, Texas, his daughter-in-law Tami Petersen of Palacios, and his grandchildren Amber Steffek, Katie Ford, Jessica Dale, Kerrie Ford, and James Mackensey Dale, and one great-granddaughter, Kynleigh Steffek.

He is reunited with and preceded in death by his wife, Veda Chenault Dale, and his youngest son, 1st Lieutenant Marine Kerry Duane Dale.

He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, community, all of those whom he impacted, and many more.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the charity of your choice.

Palacios Beacon,

[burial at Hawley Cemetery, Wednesday, December 12, 2012]
 

Kervin Russell Dale

Funeral service for Mr. Kervin Russell Dale, age 30, will be held Saturday, April 29th at 11:00 A. M. at the Enterprise Baptist Church in Bay City, with Rev. Kevin O. Johnson, officiating. Military graveside service and burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery in Bay City.

Visitation will be Friday until 9 P. M. in the Chapel of Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, and on Saturday from 10 til 11 A. M. at the church.

Mr. Dale was born in Bay City on July 10, 1964, to Lavada Robertson and Russell Dale, and died April 24, 1995 in Freeport, Texas.

He was a Baptist by faith, a 1982 graduate of Bay City High and was enlisted with the U. S. Army Reserve. Survivors include his wife, Pamela and four children, LaToya, Kizzie, Jamica and Kervin, Jr.; his mother, Mrs. Lavada Robertson Sneed and his father, Russell Dale. Also 11 sisters, Jacqueline, Angela, LaJuan, Cheryl, Rusheda, Veronica, Jody, Lavada Devoria, Kenika and Tayle, and 6 brothers, Anthony, Bernard, Carlton, Jason, Joshua and Brandon.

Also his maternal grandmother Mrs. Estella Davis, his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Emma Dale; 5 aunts, Mrs. Bettie Robertson Smith, Mrs. Eula Robertson Fisher, Mrs. Irma Robertson Stone, Mrs. Nona Dale Flye and Mrs. Jean Dale Williams, and five uncles, Wilbert Dale, William Dale, Lewis Dale, Cunnie Dale and Emerson Dale, as well as a host of great and great-great aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, other relatives and a family of friends.

Active pallbearers will be the U. S. Military.

Arrangements with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, Bay City.

Daily Tribune, April, 1995                                                        Photo courtesy of Tresmond Scott
 

Ora Lee Dale



St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery
Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

James Wesley Dancer
March 7, 1944 – July 22, 2012

James Wesley Dancer, 68, of Bay City passed away July 22, 2012.

He was born March 7, 1944, in Bay City, Texas to the late Ernest Ray Dancer and Sylvia Norwood Dancer.

He owned and operated Coastal Automotive since 1971 and owned Coastal Trailer Sales from 1982 until 2008.

He enjoyed traveling to Colorado, collecting antique cars, woodworking automotive and electronic mechanics.

Survivors include: his wife, Marguerite Youngblood -Dancer of Bay City; daughters and their husbands, Susan Dancer and Ron Ruthrauff of Blessing, Kimberly and Glenn Clegg of Bay City and Jana and Daniel Rodriguez of San Marcos; step-daughters, Marsalla and Jorge Bejar and Angela and Toby Grubbs all of Sugar Land; sister, Stella Corliss and husband Harry of Garwood, Texas; grandchildren, Kelli Jay, Dustin McDaniel, Courtney Short, Michael Newton, Logan Dancer, Colton Clegg, and Isabel and Olivia Rodriguez and step-grandchildren, Kelsey Youngblood. Brianna Bejar and Danielle Bejar.

The family received visitors Tuesday at the funeral home.

Funeral Service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Dr. Mike Zimmerman officiating.

Interment will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Davis-Greenlawn Memorial Park in Rosenberg.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Rodriguez, Glenn Clegg, Ron Ruthrauff, Jorge Bejar, Toby Grubbs and Keith Wayne Hatton.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

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

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

Bay City Tribune, July 25, 2012
 

James "Jim" Edward Dannelley Sr., 52, of Van Vleck went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 17, 2011. He was Born August 13, 1959 in Turlock, California to Ed & Rosie Blair Dannelley.

Jim loved to hunt and race. He spent most of his time in his garage working on mud trucks and anything else he could find. If he was awake he was working on something, or looking for something to work on. He was influential in the starting of East Matagorda County Youth Boosters, and was very involved with many other county 4-H projects. Jim loved doing for others more than himself. He lived to bring smiles to others faces.

Jim is survived by his parents: Ed and Rosie Dannelley; loving wife of 33 years: Nancy Dannelley; 2 sons: James Dannelley Jr and wife Lauren of Bay City and Micheal Dannelley of Van Vleck; daughter: Siena Dannelley Bradford and husband Lane of Sweeny; grandson: James Edward Dannelley III; sister: Tammy Quinn of Pearland; and brother: Rodney Dannelley of Van Vleck. He is also survived by his In-laws: Vera and the late Curtis Sanders of Van Vleck.

Visitation will be Saturday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with the family receiving visitors from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. A funeral service will be 2:00 PM Sunday, August 21, 2011 at the First Baptist Church of Van Vleck with Rev. Bob Hobbins officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be: Lane Bradford, Michael Dannelley, James Dannelley, Chase Kasier, Donnie Casey and Charles Budaus; Honorary pallbearers will be: Randy Roberts and George Lapp.

www.taylorbros.net
 

VICTORIA - Bob Allen DaPron, 86, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2011. He was born March 6, 1925 in Palacios to Walter and Esther DaPron.

He served in the U.S. Army with the 705th Tank Destroyer Battalion and served under Gen. Patton in the Battle of the Buldge.

He married Ola Mae Hirschauser on June 2, 1947 in Edna. He worked as a welder for 30 years and later as a welding supervisor.
Bob loved camping, hunting, and piddling in his shop - and he could fix just about anything.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ola Mae, who together with Bob showed all of us the successful marriage of a Frenchman and a red-haired woman for 64 wonderful years.

He is also survived by a son, Bob DaPron Jr. and his wife Sheryl of Deer Park; and a daughter, Brenda Porter and her husband Ronnie of Seguin. They have fond memories of sitting on the workbench and "helping" their Daddy in his shop and the many rides in the Model A and Model T cars and four wheelers he bought and "fixed up".

Bob's eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren were blessed to have a "Daddy Bob" who always had time for them. Their memories are of train sets, slot cars, boxes of toys, shooting pool, sitting in the deer blind "being quiet" and eating homemade jerky, and being allowed to open any drawer, cabinet, or box in the playroom and hearing an interesting story about what they found inside.

Bob loved to laugh and he laughed a lot. He always had a joke to tell and plenty of willing listeners.

The family deeply appreciates the loving care of Dr. Jesse DeLeon and his staff and the outstanding kindness and care of the staff at Triumph Hospital.

A graveside service will be scheduled at a later date for immediate family. We will mourn the loss of our Daddy Bob for a long while - but we will celebrate his life forever.

Published in Victoria Advocate on March 15, 2011
 

Louis Davenport



St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery
Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

Nicole Tremain Davidson

Funeral services for Nicole Tremain Davidson, 24, of Bay City, are scheduled for 1 p. m. Saturday at Enterprise Baptist Church in Bay City with the Rev. A. H. Pointer officiating. Burial will follow in Eastview Cemetery in Bay City.

Visitation will be until 9 p. m. Friday at the Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home chapel with the family receiving friends from 7 to 8 p. m.

Ms. Davidson was born July 14, 1969 in Bay City to James E. and Wilma Flye Davidson and died March 19, 1994, in Hermann Hospital in Houston.

She was a resident of Bay City and a 1989 graduate of Bay City High School.

Survivors include her daughter, Taylor Cimone Henry of Bay City; her parents, Wilma and Jesse Stredic of Bay City and James E. Davidson of Houston; two sisters, Armentha and her husband Pat Kendick of Stanton, Calif., and Angela Davidson of Bay City; a brother, Cory Stredic of Bay City; grandparents, Steve and Armentha  Flye of Bay City and Mable Davidson of Bay City; six aunts, Mary Stephens and her husband, Marcus of Houston, Genola Hill of San Antonio, Rosetta Flye of New York, Lyndell Sanford of New York, Maudester Moore of Tyler and Carol Byrd of Bay City; four uncles, Steve Flye Jr. of Houston, Reginald Flye of Houston, Tim Flye of San Antonio, Booker T. Davidson of Bay City and a number of great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by a grandfather, Booker T. Davidson and an uncle, J. P. Davidson.

Pallbearers are Derrick Austin, Wilson Hart, Jr., Mauice Hines, Cedric Howard, Rance Johnson Jr. and Morris Woods.

Honorary pallbearers are Booker T. Davidson, A. C. Flye III, Reginald Flye, Steve Flye, Tim Flye, Jerry Hill, Marcus Stephens, Cedric Henry and Jessie Stredic.

Arrangements are with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home of Bay City.

Daily Tribune, March, 1994                                          Photo courtesy of Tresmond Scott     
 

Wesley Davidson

Funeral services for Wesley Davidson, 23, of West Columbia will be held 2 p. m. Friday at New Hope Baptist Church in Bay City with the Rev. M. L. Gipson officiating. Burial will be at Eastview Cemetery.

Visitation will be until 9 p. m. today at Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home in Bay City.

Mr. Davidson was born Aug. 7, 1969 in Houston to Hugh and Marjorie Tanner Davidson and died Feb. 18, 1993 at Sweeny Community Hospital in Sweeny.

He was a member of the Baptist church.

Survivors include his parents, Marjorie and Hugh Davidson Sr. of West Columbia; a sister, Coutrina Davidson of West Columbia; three brothers, Bryan and Hugh Davidson of West Columbia and Christopher Davidson of Houston; his godmother, Lillie J. King of West Columbia; and a number of aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Arrangements are with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home in Bay City.

Daily Tribune, February, 1993
 

A. D. Davis, Sr

Funeral service for A. D. Davis, Sr. 92, of Bay City, Texas will be held Thursday July 3, 2003 at 1 p.m. at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Bay City, Texas with the Rev. Willie B. Price, Jr. officiating and the Rev. L. C. Cunningham Pastor.

Burial will follow at East View Cemetery. A. D. will be in State at the Church Thursday from 12 noon until 1 p.m.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 1 until 8 p.m.

Family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. at Green’s Mortuary.

A. D. Davis was born to the union of Mathern Davis and Lou Ida Davis in Matagorda County March 24, 1911.

He passed away Saturday June 28, 2003 at his residence. Davis was a long time resident of the North End Community. He was active in and held various offices in the NAACR, the Frank Henderson Park Association and the Eastview Cemetery Association. As a local businessman, he owned a trucking business, barber shop and the Davis Conoco Station.

He leaves to mourn and cherish special memories, his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Lottie Mae Davis; two devoted sons, A.D. Davis, Jr. and wife Mary of Dallas, Robert Davis and wife Cora of Houston, Texas; one daughter, Joe Chambers and husband Alton of Galveston; one niece, Edna Davis Christopher of San Antonio, Texas; two nephews, George M. Johnson of Gary, Indiana and Preston Wyche of Houston, Texas; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; four special sisters-in-law, Susie Price, Charlotte Tingle, Rosa Lee Taylor of Bay City, Texas, devoted brother-in-law: Robert Green and Margaret of Bay City, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Active pallbearers: Christopher Davis, Louis Davis, Patrick Davis, Robert F. Davis, George M. Johnson, James Price.

Honorary pallbearers: A. D. Davis, Jr, Judge Aaron Green, Robert Lee Green Sr., Samuel Green Sr., Samuel Green Jr. Deacons and Trustees of Bethel Baptist Church.

Arrangements are with Greens Mortuary and Staff. A00014D2003JL02

The Bay City Tribune, Wednesday, July 2, 2003                          Photos courtesy of Tresmond Scott
 

Alberta Davis
1881 - 1863



St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery
Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

Curtis Davis, was a long time resident of Bay City, Texas, he passed away August 11, 2011. He was 80 years old having been born January 13, 1931 to Sallie and Orval Davis. Curtis was a wonderful man who was devoted to God. He had a pure loving, giving heart. He worked hard all of his life and found joy in this. Curtis built his home, he was so proud of his home. He loved to get together with his family and friends and play dominoes. Curtis was a businessman. He drilled water wells and had his own oil lease on the Boiling Dome, and owned a cattle ranch in Ashwood, Texas. He was married to Roxie Marlene Johnson. They had two children, Carolyn Jean Davis Daley and Daniel Curtis Davis. Curtis was loved dearly by his family and will be greatly missed. We find solace in knowing he is at peace and in a better place.

He was preceded in death by: his wife, Marlene; dear son, Daniel Curtis Davis; his parents, Orval and Sallie Davis; brothers, Tommy Lynn Davis and Jimmie Ray Davis and sister in laws, Patsy Davis and Bobbie Davis. He is survived by: his daughter, Carolyn Jean Davis and her husband Glen Daley of Pasadena, Texas; his grandchildren, Dana Carol Daley Pelata of Pasadena, Angela Marlene Daley Banks of LaPorte and Grandson Bryan Daniel Daley and great grandchildren, Logan Pelata, Gavin Banks, Miranda Banks and Quintan Daley; brothers, Billy Davis, Walter Davis, Leon Davis and Alfred Davis; sisters, Betty Jane Davis Teeler and MaryAnn Davis Wells and various nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be from 6 until 8 PM Monday at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Tuesday, August 16, 2011at the Bay City United Pentecostal Church in Bay City with the Dr. Marvin Moore officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck, Texas. Pallbearers will be: grandsons, Bryan Daley, David Banks; nephews, Glenn Wells and Steve Wells, Michael Burchard II, Sherman D. Teeler. Honorary pallbearerers will be Ron Alme and Arthur McCowan.

www.taylorbros.net
 

NICEVILLE, Fla. - Eleanora Davis, a fifty three year resident of Niceville, passed away on Thursday March 17, 2011 at her home.

Nora was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bobby Davis; and sister, Joyce.

She was born in El Maton, Texas on Nov. 4, 1936 and came to vacation in Niceville in August 1957. She met and married Bobby in November 1957.

Nora leaves behind her daughter, Karen Cadenhead and husband Donnie of Crestview; son, Robbie Davis of Niceville; three grandsons, Jared Early and wife Jessica, Will Davis, Jensen Cadenhead; granddaughter, Mary (Annie) Davis; two brothers; and five sisters.

A time of visitation will be held Sunday, March 20, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home in Niceville. Her funeral service will take place Monday March 21, 2011 at 10 a.m. at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home.

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview, Fla.

Guest book and condolences are available online at whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com.

Published in Victoria Advocate on March 20, 2011
 

Funeral services for Jim. W. Deadrick, 55, of Palacios, Texas will be held Saturday, March 11, 2000 at 11 a.m. at Green's Mortuary in Bay City with Elder Eric Young officiating. Burial will follow at Palacios Cemetery in Palacios. Visitation will be Friday afternoon until 9 p.m. in the Chapel at Green's.

On March 9, 1944, Jim W. Deadrick was born to the union of Marie and Amos Deadrick in Wilson Creek, Matagorda County.

He passed away March 6, 2000 at his residence in Palacios.

He is survived by: sister, Josie Haynes and her husband Walter of Amarillo; brother William (Billy) Deadrick and wife Emily of Galveston; two step-sisters, Kathy Blaine of Houston and Tracy Hebert of Bay City; three aunts, Martha Matthews of Palacios, Claudia White of San Antonio, and Mable Deadrick of Palacios; three uncles, James Deadrick of Galveston, A.J. Curry of Palacios and Tommie Curry of El Campo; a special friend, Kathy of Palacios; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Active pallbearers will be members of the family.

Honorary pallbearers will include William Deadrick and Walter Haynes.

Arrangements are with Green's Mortuary.

Daily Tribune, Friday, 10 Mar 2000
 

Funeral services for Alfred “Freddy” Wayne De Leon, Jr., 59, of Palacios, Tx., were held June 29, 2011 at Faith Family Church in Victoria, Tx.

Burial with full military honors under the auspices of the Victoria County Veterans Council, AL, CWV, VFW, DAV, MCL, MOWW, EX-POW, MOPH, VVA, and KWV was at Resurrection Cemetery.

Mr. De Leon was born on May 17, 1952 in Victoria to the late Alfredo Delgado and Josephine De Leon. He passed away June 25, 2011.

He was a warehouseman for S.T.P. for 31 years. He touched the lives of everyone that he knew. Freddy will be greatly missed. He was a member of Faith Family Church. He was a Corporal in the United States Marine Corp and a member of the Palacios V.F.W.

He is survived by his wife, Tamara De Leon; sons, Alfred Wayne De Leon, III and wife Crystal, Michael J. Roberts and wife Ashley, and Cody Segovia; daughters Michelle Flores and husband Joe and Simone Roberts and husband Mike Rojas; sisters Sandra De Leon Keller and Rachel De Leon; brothers Jimmy De La Garza and wife Tweety, Robert De Leon, Sr. and wife Annie, Richard De Leon and Anthony De Leon; 11 grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and his dog, Roxie.

Pallbearers will be Michael J. Roberts, Cody Segovia, Eric De Leon, Adolph Gutierrez, James Garza and Joey Balderas.

Memorial donations can be made in Freddy’s memory to the American Liver Foundation or the National Kidney Foundation.

Grace Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements

Palacios Beacon, June, 2011
 

Jennie B. Deadrick

Funeral services for Jennie B. Deadrick, 74, will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at Nichols Street Church of Christ, Bay City.

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

Bay City Tribune, December 18, 2012
 

BAY CITY - Funeral services for Dorothy DeLoach, 82, of Bay City, will be Saturday, April 9, 2011, 11 a.m., at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. T. L. Richardson, pastor, and Dr. Charles Roberson, Sr. eulogizing.

Burial will follow immediately after service at Eastview Cemetery.

Viewing will be Friday, April 8, 2011 at 4 p.m. 8 p.m. in the chapel of Green's Mortuary.

Final arrangements are entrusted with Green's Mortuary 979-245-3489.

Published in Victoria Advocate on April 7, 2011
 

Mary Audrey De Muth
Sept. 30, 1919 –  Aug. 23, 2011

Mary Audrey De Muth, born September 30, 1919, passed away quietly at her home on Selkirk where she lived for 22 years on August 23, 2011.

She was predeceased by her husband, Frederick W. De Muth.

She is survived by: her son, Fred B. De Muth and brother, Larry Hutchinson.

Audrey was a “Rosie the Riveter” in WWII and that strength and spirit was with her all her life. She had a career as a nurse, mother and accomplished artist. She will be greatly missed.

Donations may be given to Houston Hospice.

Bay City Tribune - Posted: Sunday, August 28, 2011
 

Petra DeLeon
(November 22, 1947 - February 1, 2013)

Petra B. DeLeon, 65, of Bay City passed away February 1, 2013. She was born November 22, 1947 to the late Juan and Gregoria Benavides. She worked as a carrier to the Bay City Tribune for several years.

Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Guadalupe DeLeon of Bay City; daughters Vivian Flores (Ruben A.) of Bay City, Monica DeLeon of Bay city and Leticia Deleon (Jose T. Jimenez) of Bay City; son John Anthony DeLeon (Melissa) of Lake Jackson; sister Mary Reyes (Julio) of Sargent; grandchildren Anthony DeLeon, Angelica DeLeon, Amber Flores, Chasidy Flores, and Jose Jayasi, Eric & Erica Jayasi and 5 great grandchildren.

A rosary will be recited at 6:30 PM Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Mass will be 10:00 AM Wednesday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Msgr. Gerry Cernoch officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be Johnny Reyes, Danny Perez, Arthur Benavides, John Henry Benavides, Juan Manuel Benavides and Pablo Torres.

Bay City Tribune, February 6, 2013          Photo courtesy of Dan Vacek

Wanda Eloise Davis Denbow left this earth Wednesday, May 25, 2011 to join her loved ones in Heaven. Born in Sioux Falls, Iowa on May 20, 1918, she was a twelfth generation descendant of a Mayflower Pilgrim family. Her parents, Myrtle Almeda Richardson Davis and George Elroy Davis, moved their family to Edinburg, Texas in 1919.

She was married April 17, 1938 to Elmer William Denbow of McAllen, Texas. They moved to Matagorda County in 1938 and lived in Markham until moving to Bay City in 2004.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years in 2006 and by nine sisters and brothers and by twin daughters, Sharon and Karen in 1942. She is survived by daughters Lynda Eloise Bible, Susan Elaine & husband Edward Vavra, Jr. and Rhonda Edythe & husband Jim Porter; ten grandchildren Forrest Bible & wife Irene, Lara Masson & husband Dennis, John Evan Bible & wife Stacei, Matthew Bible & wife Shawn, Amy Vavra Orsak & husband Russell, Alyson Vavra-Roe & husband Stephen, Bryan Vavra, Jamie Porter Willis & husband Josh, Jimmy Porter & wife Shelley and William Porter & wife Jenny; ten great-grandchildren Meagan Bible, Fletcher Masson, Kodie & Laney Bible, Molly Eloise Bible, Kolby, Kade & Kara Orsak, Jaxon Porter and Lindsey Walston. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law Olamae Davis of Bryan, TX and Bertha Denbow of Ganado, TX.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 6pm – 8pm Thursday at the funeral home. Graveside service will be 2:00 PM Friday, May 27, 2011 at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City with Chaplain Don Storey officiating. Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Funeral services for Maria Magdalena Espinoza de Saenz, 58, of Palacios, Tx., were held Jan. 5, 2011 at St. Anthony De Padua Catholic Church in Palacios.

Interment was at Pantion de la Paz, Rio Bravo, Tamps., Mexico.

She was born May 12, 1952 in Rio Bravo, Tamps., Mexico to the late Antonio and Maria Gonzalez de Espinoza. She passed away Jan. 2, 2011.

She is survived by daughters Enedelia Rodriguez of Palacios, Martha Magdalena Rodriguez and Yadira Saenz, both of Rio Bravo; brothers Julian Espinoza of Merced, CA., Francisco Espinoza of Monterrey, N.L., Mexico and Jesus Espinoza of Weslaco, Tx.; and 10 grandchildren.

Arrangements were with Artero Memorial Chapels of Port Lavaca, (361) 552-2300.

Palacios Beacon, January, 2011
 

Funeral services for Elias S. Diaz, 58, of Palacios, were held March 13, 2004 at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Samuel Puccio officiating. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.

Mr. Diaz was born Aug. 17, 1945 in Palacios to the late Manuel Diaz and Estefana Sanchez. He died March 9, 2004 at St. Luke's Hospital in Houston. A lifelong resident of Palacios, he was a Presbyterian and retired from Alcoa Aluminum in 2001 after 28 years of service.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Diaz, of Palacios; son and daughter-in-law Elias Carlos and Bridgette Diaz of Palacios; daughters and sons-in-law Sandra and Joseph Garcia of Palacios, Virginia and Michael Benavides of Victoria, and Myra and Marcus Sanchez of Port Lavaca; a brother, Guadalupe Diaz of Chicago, IL; and 16 grandchildren: Carlos, Eric, A. J., Christen, David, Natalie, Stacy, Alysia, Gabrille, Joseph, Mariah, Justin, Felipe, Alexis, Adriana and Ariel.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Sarah Hernandez and Anita Hernandez; and a brother, Daniel Hernandez, Sr.

Pallbearers were Roy Villarreal, Valentin Perez, Michael Rodriguez, Andrew Sanchez Jr., Sam Luna and Sam Rodriguez. Honorary pallbearers were Gilbert Sanchez Sr., Andrew Sanchez Sr. and Alec Garrison.

Arrangements were with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. (Submitted March 25)

Palacios Beacon, March 31, 2004
 

Funeral services for Mario Diaz Sr., 43, of Palacios, were held Nov. 12, 2004 at The Living Word Church with the Rev. Tony Flores officating. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.

Mr. Diaz was born Oct. 5, 1961, in Palacios, to Fred Jr. and Sadie Ann Cortez Diaz. He died Nov. 8, 2004.

He was a carpenter, fisherman, welder, and iron worker. He was a member of a non-denominational church.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Rankin Diaz; daughters, Stacy Nicole Diaz of Anahuac and Justice Nicole Diaz of Orange; sons, Mark Gonzalez of San Antonio and Mario Diaz Jr. of Baytown; sister, Rosalinda Vargas of Bay City; brother, Joe Diaz of Palacios; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Fred Diaz III and Larry Diaz.

Pallbearers were Mark Vargas, Daniel Ray Rivas, Jesse Rojas, David De Leon, Rodney Solis and Victor Chavez. Honorary pallbearers were Fred Diaz IV, Michael Vargas, J.D. Diaz, Danny Rankin and Kenny Maynard.

Arrangements are with Artero Memorial Chapels, Port Lavaca, 361-552-2300.

Palacios Beacon, November 17, 2004
 

PALACIOS - Thomas S. Diaz, 47, of Palacios, passed away Saturday, May 28, 2011. He was born April 3, 1964, in Palacios. He was a Baptist.

He is survived by his mother and step-father, Mary Lou Sandoval Seiser and Werner Seiser of Sargent; wife, Michele Riala Diaz of Bay City; sons, Joshua Baggett and Ryan Thomas Baggett, both of Palacios; brothers, Leo Diaz, Ernest Diaz Jr., and Refugio Pimentel, all of Houston; and one grandchild, Kendall Ellis of Palacios.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Diaz Sr.

Visitation will be after at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2011 , with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Trinity Baptist Church, 1207 Second St., Palacios, TX 77465. Visitation will resume from 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2011, followed by the funeral service at 5 p.m., at Trinity Baptist Church, the Rev. Joel Ramirez officiating.

Pallbearers will be David Sandoval, James Munoz, Mark Vargas, Daniel Rivas, David DeLeon, Tommy Mapp, and Ernest Diaz Jr.

Under the direction of Artero Memorial Chapels, Port Lavaca, 361-552-2300.

Published in Victoria Advocate on May 31, 2011

Vicente Diaz, 55, of Bay City died Thursday October 4, 2001. He was born December 7, 1945 in San Diego, Texas to Luis and Maria Moya Diaz. He is survived by wife, Lucy Diaz of Bay City; daughter and son-in-law, Katherine and Scott Vestal of Bay City; son and daughter-in-law, Vicente and Jennifer Diaz of Bay City; four grandchildren, Scott, Alyson, Rebecca, and Matthew Vestal all of Bay City. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. October 8, 2001 at Cedarvale Cemetery with the Rev. Dan Villereal officiating.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2001OT09

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Tuesday, October 9, 2001                  Photo courtesy of Betty Crosby

Joe Thomas Dillard of Bay City, Texas, passed away March 16, 2011 after a battle with cancer.

He was born August 6, 1948, in Okarche, Oklahoma, to Lloyd and Irene Dillard.

The family moved to Brazoria in 1951. Tom graduated from Columbia High School in West Columbia, Texas, in 1966.

He moved to New Mexico in 1972, and lived in New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona for about 20 years before returning to Texas.

He was employed at Bay City Plumbing.

Tom is survived by: a sister, Diane Miller of Surfside, Texas; a brother, Michael Dillard of Houston; four nephews, Jody, Larry and Ray Tucker and Shawn Miller; and 2 nieces, Amber and Melissa Miller; as well as seven grandnieces and nephews and several cousins.

He will be missed by all.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Houston Hospice of El Campo.

Our family wishes to thank all of the hospice employees, they were wonderful to Tom and to the family.

Bay City Tribune, Sunday, March 27, 2011
 

Beatrice Dobbie

Funeral services for Beatrice Dobbie, 81, a former 50-year resident of Bay City, are scheduled for 1 p. m. Saturday at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Charles Roberson Sr. officiating. Burial will follow in East View Cemetery in Bay City.

Visitation will be this afternoon at Green’s Mortuary of Bay City and from noon until 1 p. m. Saturday at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. There will be a wake from 7 to 9 p. m. today at Green’s Mortuary chapel.

Mrs. Debbie was born April 6, 1912, in Derrider, La., to George and Louise Dobbie and died Feb. 20, 1994, in Lancaster, Calif.

She was a member of the Baptist church.

Survivors include cousins, John and Helen Harris, Penny and Peter Stone, Craig Harris, Traci Harris, Symone Harris, Oliver Harris, all of California, Lee and Linda Wilson of Galveston, Frances Nettles, Hortense Deaux and Melvin Goldsmith, all of Long Beach, Miss., and a host of other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers are Lee Wilson, Oliver Harris, Leon Johnson, John Harris and Robert Lee Green.

Arrangements are with Green’s Mortuary of Bay City.

Daily Tribune, February 25, 1994
 

Cleo Blake Garner Dodd

Cleo Blake Garner Dodd, faithful Christian, beloved mother, and devoted grandmother, died on September 11, 2003, in Houston, Texas. She was a retired employee of Dow Jones who was known for her outstanding sales ability and her energetic, outgoing personality.

Cleo was born in Bay City, Texas on October 1, 1921 to David and Blake McSparran Garner.

She is survived by: daughter, Jean Barrow and her husband, Mac; grandson, Hunter Barrow and his wife, Kara; son, Dr. Curt Dodd and his wife, Ginger; grandsons, Jonathan and Zachary Dodd and granddaughter, Britni Dodd; daughter, Blake Kennedy and her husband, Charles; granddaughters, Laura Reeves, and her husband Ralph, Carrie Kennedy, and Jennifer Estes, her husband Daniel and great-grandson, Shawn Lewis; and her very special life-long friend, Mary Jo Walker.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, David and Blake Garner, and her daughter, Peggy Ann Lewis.

Funeral services were held 2 p. m. Saturday, September 13, 2003 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, with Dr. Curt Dodd officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing. The family would like to thank the kind and devoted staff at Trinity Oaks in Pearland who gave Cleo loving care and comfort during the last fifteen months of her life.

Arrangements were with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

Bay City Tribune, September 10, 2003
 

Lorene Mobley Dokes
(November 13, 1914 - October 30, 2011)

Lorene Mobley Dokes, 96, of Nixon, Texas passed away October 30, 2011. She was born November 13, 1914 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gordon Wayne Dokes in 1993 and her son David Wayne Dokes in 2006. Survivors include daughter Barbara Fitzpatrick & husband Jack of Nixon; grandchildren Leanne Arnold, Susanne Umberger & husband Stan, & Michael Lee Dokes & wife Amanda, and great grandchildren Matthew Umberger, Megan Umberger, Kylie Dokes & Kassidy Dokes.

Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 1:00 PM Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Chester Sassman officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home                 Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Infant Aurelio Dominguez, Jr., 27 days old, died August 26, 2000 at Hermann Hospital in Houston. He was born July 29, 2000 in Bay City, to Aurelio Dominguez and Clara Moreno.

Survivors include parents Aurelio Dominguez and Clara Moreno; maternal grandparents Pedro and Amparo Moreno; paternal grandparents Abel and Juana Dominguez, all of Bay City.

Funeral Services will be 3 p.m. Tuesday, August 29, 2000 at Living Waters Church with the Rev. Ed Webbon officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2000AG29

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Tuesday, August 29, 2000                       Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Frank Domorad, Jr.

Frank Domorad, Jr., 74, of Palacios, died Wednesday at Citizens Memorial Hospital in Victoria. He was preceded in death by his brother, Anton, in 1975. He is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Mary Vafadies of New York and Mrs. Vera Boisen of Gonzales; four brothers, Joe Domorad of Sealy, John Domorad of Markham, Gus Domorad of Florida and Charlie Domorad of Pasadena. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday at 3 p. m. at Palacios Funeral Chapel with Rev. Brian Crookes officiating. Interment will be at Hawley Cemetery. Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Daily Tribune, February 9, 1978
 

Mrs. Mary Domorad of Palacios died at the Matagorda General Hospital Friday morning. Funeral services are pending awaiting the arrival of relatives.

Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Mary Vallades, New York; Mrs. Vera Boysen of Hearn; six sons, Frank Domorod, N. Y., Joe of Pasadena, John and Antone of Palacios; Charlie of Galveston; and August, in the U. S. Air Force.
 

Edward F. Dornak
December 11, 1918 – November 21, 2012

BLESSING - Edward F. Dornak, of Blessing, Texas, passed away November 21, 2012 at the age of 93. He was born in Gonzales, Texas, on December 11, 1918 to Method and Mary Lizner Dornak. Edward moved to the Blessing area in 1930 and was a farmer, rancher and carpenter.

 On February 8, 1944 he married his wife of 68 years, Tillie Vaculin Dornak. He was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Blessing and served as a Eucharistic Minister and was on the church council. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus #4307, Catholic Workmen and SPJST.

Edward is survived by his wife Tillie, daughter Mildred Dornak, sisters-in-law Evelyn and Dorothy Dornak and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and their wives Method and Albina Dornak, Emil and Steffie Dornak, Johnnie and Georgie Dornak, August and Mary Lou Dornak, Steve Dornak and James Dornak; sister and her husband Annie and Rudy Miculka; and brother-in-law and his wife Joe and Albina Hickl.

Visitation will be 5 pm Sunday at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Blessing, Texas followed by a Rosary at 6 pm. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 am on Monday November 26, 2012 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Blessing, Texas, with the Reverend Albert Yankey officiating. Burial will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.

Pallbearers are his nephews. Honorary pallbearers are Brother Knights of Columbus #4307.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter's Catholic Church Building Fund or for Masses in his honor.

Condolences may be left for the family online at www.triskafuneralhome.com
Triska Funeral Home 979-543-3681.

Published in the Victoria Advocate on November 22, 2012
 

Jerome James Dornak, 81, of El Campo, passed away on March 5, 2011.

He was born in Hillje on September 24, 1929, to the late John P. and Rosie Shimek Dornak.

He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the American Legion Post 251, and Knights of Columbus Council 2490. He was co-owner of Walzel Office Supply and specialized in office equipment repair.

He is survived by: his daughter, Susan Frankson and husband Sam of Bay City; son, Kenneth Dornak and wife Traci of Spring; grandchildren, Matthew, Megan and Mary Katherine Frankson, Brandon, Austin, Camryn and Madison Dornak; sisters, Bernice Buss of El Campo, Florence Paladino of Lumberton and Norma Lee Treybig of Victoria; brothers, Victor Dornak of El Campo and Johnny Dornak of Wharton.

He was preceded in death by: his wife of 56 years Dorothy Buss Dornak; infant son, Jerome James Dornak, Jr. and brother, Robert Dornak.

Visitation will begin 2 p.m. Sunday with a Rosary being recited at 5 p.m. at Triska Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. on Monday, March 7, 2011, at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church with the Rev. Gary Janak officiating.

Entombment will follow at the Holy Cross Memorial Park with Military Honors under the auspices of American Legion Post 251.

Pallbearers are Matthew Frankson, Brandon Dornak, Austin Dornak, Joe Ray Dornak, Kevin Dornak and Darrell Hoffer.

Memorials in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

Bay City Tribune, Posted: Wednesday, March 9, 2011
 

BAY CITY -- Gladys Douget, 84, of Bay City, died Thursday, March 14, 2002 at Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City. She was born October 18, 1917, in Ville Platte, La., to the late Jules and Laura Mannual Soileau. Mrs. Douget was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and Altar Society, and was a resident of Bay City since 1949.

Survivors include: three daughters and two sons-in-law, Mary Hatchett, Carrol and Kenneth May all of Bay City, Margaret and Kent Eckhardt of Webster; son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Leslie Douget of Navasota, Texas; sister, Lozy Soileau of Ville Platte, La; 10 grandchildren, Troy Hatchett and wife Mary Frances, Kacey Hebel and husband Jamie, Sean Douget, Gina Wilson and husband Steven, Bryan Douget and wife Stacy, Dallas May, Bill May, Laura Hebel and husband Gary, Kristina Eckhardt, Vickie Eckhardt and Haley Douget; five great grandchildren, Anna Hatchett, Jessica, Branson and Sara Hebel, Lauren Douget, and Alise Wilson. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Louis Douget; three sisters, one brother, and son-in-law, Paul Hatchett.

Rosary was 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2002, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, and the Funeral Mass was 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2002, at Holy Cross Catholic Church with the Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating. Interment followed at Cedarvale Cemetery.

Pallbearers were her grandsons, Troy Hatchett, Sean Douget, Bryan Douget, Bill May, Dallas May, Jamie Hebel, Gary Hebel and Branson Hebel and Steven Wilson.

Honorary pallbearers were great grandchildren, Anna Hatchett, Jessica Hebel, Sara Hebel, Haley Douget, Dylan Douget and Alyse Wilson.

Arrangements were with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00014B2002MR17

THE BAY CITY TRIBUNE, Sunday, March 17, 2002                                          Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

BAY CITY - Margaret Ann Douglas, 76, of Bay City, passed away Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Eddie Douglas; her son and daughter-in-law, Glenn and Janet Douglas; two grandsons, Robert and Davidson Douglas; and her sister, Joan Branyon.

Margaret Ann was born to P.B. and Mintora Glenn on Feb. 1, 1934, in Breckenridge. Her youth was spent surrounded by friends and family in Palestine. After high school, she enrolled at Baylor University where she graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts degree certified in elementary education. Once Eddie graduated from Texas A&M in 1956, the newlyweds moved to Bay City to begin their life together.

This community had so much to offer and Margaret Ann felt at home here. She taught the 3rd grade in Van Vleck for 32 years. Her many students through the years and their accomplishments were a source of pride for her to her last day. Socially she was very active in a number of service organizations serving as president of Beta Sigma Phi; vice-president Delta Kappa Gamma; and member of the National Pan Hellenic through her sorority Chi Omega. She served as a member of the Grievance Committee for the State Bar of Texas; president of the Bay City Study Club; Rice Festival committee chairman of the Bay City Book Review Club; member of the Board of Trustees for the Altar Guild; secretary of the Susanna Wesley Class at First United Methodist Church, as well as serving on the Heritage Committee of the First United Methodist Church.

Aside from her devotion to the Methodist Church, Margaret Ann was a passionate bridge player and loved to read. Her life however revolved around her many friends and the love and pride she had for her family, especially her two grandsons and beloved husband. Margaret Ann and Eddie had a mutual devotion to each other that saw them through good times and bad. Margaret Ann touched so many people in a positive way and was always willing to help. She will be missed by all.

The family will receive friends at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church in Bay City.

In lieu of the usual remembrances, contributions may be made in Margaret Ann's honor to the First United Methodist Church's Building Fund.

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

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

Victoria Advocate on January 5, 2011

Photos courtesy of Betty Crosby

Edgar "Eddie" Douglas
December 10, 1933 - April 3, 2023

Eddie Douglas, age 89, of Bay City, Texas passed away on Monday morning, April 3, 2023.

Eddie was born in Palestine, Texas in December 1933 to Murphy and Imo Dell Douglas. As a child, he was fascinated by the waters and forests of East Texas. He said, “I grew up in the best of times. My whole life was planned around the times that I could hunt and fish.” Eddie’s generational knowledge of the outdoors was passed down to him by his father and uncles. By the time he was a teenager, Eddie was an accomplished hunter, fisherman, and dog trainer. Later in life, he was a civic leader and successful businessman. Eddie lived a happy life guided by the moral principles instilled by his mother, father, and extended family. 

Eddie attended Texas A&M University in College Station as a proud member of the Corps of Cadets (C/O 1956). He said, “I learned more about people at Texas A&M than anywhere else I have ever been.” Upon the end of his junior year in 1955, Eddie married Margaret Ann Glenn, who was attending Baylor University then. Their long, loving, and supportive relationship lasted until 2011 when Margaret Ann passed away.

After graduating in 1956 with a degree in Animal Husbandry, Eddie went to Fort Benning near Columbus, Georgia where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and was a shooting instructor. Following active duty, Eddie served in the Texas National Guard in El Campo, Texas for nine years. He reached the rank of captain and was the company commander for five years.

Eddie did not know a soul in Bay City, Texas when he arrived in 1957 but after taking the position of Assistant County Agent and serving in that capacity for seven years, he knew everyone in government and many others in the community. Eddie learned how to wade fish in Matagorda Bay, and he discovered great quail hunting in Matagorda County. He believed in living his life to the fullest and in 1962 he told Margaret Ann, “I am going to quit this job. I’m never going to be able to work for anybody. My evaluations are not going to be good because when the hunting is good, I am going to hunt, and when the fishing is good, I’m going to fish, because I only have one life to live and I’m going to enjoy it.”

In 1964, Eddie purchased Ranchman’s Supply in Bay City and thanks to his gregarious personality and strong work ethic, he discovered that he was a good businessman. He enjoyed serving the Matagorda County farming and ranching communities because it put him in contact with people, and Eddie loved talking with the locals. He was a master storyteller. After 18 years of running Ranchman’s Supply, he transitioned into the real estate business as the owner and Broker of Douglas Realty in Bay City. He was also the President of Matthews Street Management Company and an owner of Bay City Public Storage. Eddie actively contributed to the community. He was president of the Bay City Lion’s Club, President of the Bay City Little League & Teenage Baseball League, served on the Executive Committee of the Matagorda County Fair Association, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Matagorda County Board of Realtors, an officer of the Bay City Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Board of Directors of Western Gulf Savings and Loan Association, and a Member of the Wesley Class of Bay City First United Methodist Church.

Eddie knew who he was and what he wanted out of life from childhood. He exuded confidence in his lifelong attempts to achieve these goals. People would bring him their questions about life. He said, “Unless someone puts their hand on your shoulder and helps you, you will never be as good as you should be.” He was grateful for the people who helped him understand the principles of life, the great outdoors, and the challenges of business. Eddie was always available and willing to help others.

Eddie’s greatest pleasure in life was sharing his love for hunting and fishing with his son Glenn, and his grandsons, Robert, and Davidson. In the book he authored, A Hand on Your Shoulder, Eddie described catching trout in the surf with his grandson, Davidson. The lure of choice for this excursion was none other than the Eddie Douglas Special. Catching big trout with the EDS on the beach in a bathtub surf was one of Eddie’s favorite ways to fish.

In the forward of his book, which contains many hunting, fishing, and dog stories, Eddie has a photo of Glenn and Margaret Ann. The description below the photos says, “I recorded these stories for the benefit of my grandsons, Davidson, and Robert, and in memory of my son Glenn and my wife Margaret Ann. At the end of his book, Eddie reflected on his life: “It’s been a good trip.”

Eddie was predeceased by his wife, Margaret Ann Douglas, father, Murphy Douglas; mother, Imo Dell Douglas; brother, Donald Douglas; and son, Glenn Douglas. He is survived by his daughter in-law, Janet Douglas of Bay City; grandchildren, Robert Douglas of Seattle, Washington, Davidson and his wife Macey Douglas, and great-granddaughter, Emerson Glenn Douglas of Houston.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 24th, 2023, at 1:00pm at First Methodist Church located at 2300 Avenue H, Bay City, Texas 77414.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Texas Trio Classic Fishing for a Cure Charity Tournament. Please contact travis.elliott@texastrioclassic.com for additional information.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

PORT LAVACA - Melba A. Dowell, 83, of Port Lavaca, passed away on Jan. 28, 2011. She was born March 23, 1927, in Palacios, to the late Milton and Florence Ellis. Melba was a retired dispatcher with the Calhoun County Sheriff Department. She was an avid fisherman who lived for her children and grandchildren.

Melba is survived by her daughters, Pam Janke (Art) of El Campo and Lori Strong (Ron) of Port Lavaca; sons, Walter Dowell Jr., Charles "Chip" (Joy) Dowell of Port Lavaca, and Tommy Dowell (Dougie) of Victoria; sister, Marie Cochran (Ken) of Mooringsport, La.; and brother, Doug Ellis (Jessie) of Houston.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Dowell in 2005, and a sister, Kathleen Warren, and her daughter-in-law, Betty Dowell.

The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011, at Grace Funeral Chapel in Port Lavaca. Funeral services will be at Alamo Heights Baptist Church on Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at 10 a.m. with Dr. Tim Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Palacios Cemetery in Palacios.

Grace Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

Published in Victoria Advocate from January 29 to January 30, 2011
 

Clarence Drake Sr.

Funeral services for Clarence Drake Sr., 68, of Houston, are scheduled for noon Saturday, Feb. 18, 1995, at Jesus Free Will Holy Temple Church of Bay City with the Rev. R. L. Richardson officiating. Burial will be in Eastview Cemetery.

Visitation will be until 9 p. m. Friday, at the Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel.

Mr. Drake was born Jan. 8, 1927, in Thompson, to Robert Drake and Janie Mae Johnson-Drake and died Feb. 11, 1995, at his residence.

He was a member of the Baptist church.

Survivors include his wife, Mittie Drake of Houston; his mother, Janie Mae Drake-Allen of Houston; four daughters, Martha Session of Bay City, Rosie Archulus of Houston, Chantel Wooten of Houston and Lawanda Times of Richmond; six sons, Clarence Robert Drake Jr. of Houston, Eugene Drake of Bay City, Lonnie Austin of Bay City, Anthony D. Drake of Houston, Gentra Drake Sr. of Houston and Richard S. Drake of Houston; a step-daughter, LaKesha Austin of Houston, step-son, Jerome Austin of Houston; a god-daughter, Rita Franklin of Bay City; 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers are Thomas Austin, Floyd Williams, Roger Shields, Bruce Elleby, Aaron Green and Sam L. Williams.

Honorary pallbearers are Clarence Drake Jr., Eugene Drake, Richard S. Drake, Anthony Drake, Gentra Drake and Lonnie Drake.

Arrangements are with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel.

Daily Tribune, February, 1995
 

Photo courtesy of Tresmond Scott

Eugene Drake

BAY CITY - Funeral services for Eugene Drake will be Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church 3300 Avenue A, Rev. T. L. Richardson, officiating.

Burial will follow immediately after the service at Eastview Cemetery in Bay City.

Viewing will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 12, 2012 at Green's Mortuary.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Green's Mortuary 979-245-3489.

Published in Victoria Advocate on October 12, 2012

Photo courtesy of Tresmond Scott

EL CAMPO - Fern Lorraine Droddy, 84, of El Campo and formerly of Houston, passed away on Feb. 18, 2011. She was born on March 5, 1926 in Danevang to the late Aksel and Julia Lykke Hermansen.

She is survived by her sister, Nada Carter of El Campo, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Droddy, and six brothers.

Visitation will be on Saturday from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Triska Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011 at the Lutheran Cemetery in Danevang with Rev. Chuck Kimball officiating.

Memorial donations in her memory may be made to the donor's favorite charity.

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

Published in Victoria Advocate on February 19, 2011
 

YORKTOWN - Don Wayne Duderstadt of Yorktown passed away at his home on Jan. 31, 2011 after a long illness. He was born in Bay City on Feb. 24, 1964 to W.R. "Pete" and Doris Duderstadt.

He is survived by his parents; wife, Lisa Duderstadt; son, Dalton Duderstadt; step-children, Jennifer Machost, Kelly Stone, J.R. Stone, Cindy Stone, Scarlett Redd, and Rusty Redd; brothers, Allen Duderstadt and wife, Linda, of Cuero, and Darell Duderstadt of Dallas; sister, Cheryl Ludwick and husband, Robert, of Yorktown; eight step-grandchildren; four nieces; and one nephew.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011 at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Weesatche.

You are invited to sign the online register book at www.finchfuneralchapels.com.
Finch Funeral Chapel, Yorktown, 361-564-2277.

Published in Victoria Advocate on February 3, 2011
 

Rites Tuesday For Mrs. J. E. Duffy, Blessing Matron
[Emily B. Roberts Duffy]

Funeral services for Mrs. J. E. Duffy, 47, of Blessing will be held Tuesday at 3:00 p. m. from Taylor Bros. Funeral home, Rev. R. E Black of Markham Baptist church officiating. Burial will be in Hawley cemetery.

Mrs. Duffy died Sunday at 9:40 p. m.

She is survived by one daughter, Inez Duffy of Blessing; three sons, John H., William Bradford and Dan, all of Blessing; two sisters, Mrs. L. C. Cornelius of Blessing and Mrs. Ben Curd of Highbank, Texas; two brothers, Koy Roberts of Blessing and T. W. Roberts of the U. S. Navy.

Daily Tribune, June 18, 1945
 

Ruby Lee Dugan

SWEENY - Ruby Lee Dugan, 75, of Sweeny passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Natchez, Mississippi to Jim & Edna Nettles on July 26, 1936.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 23, 2012 at 10:00 am at Baker Funeral Home in West Columbia with Pastor Tom Behrend officiating. Burial will follow at Sweeny Cemetery. Pallbearers are Wesley Parrett, Michael Dugan, Mike McLeod, Jordan Dugan, Bryan Dugan and Kevin Dugan. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 22, 2012 from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Baker Funeral Home in West Columbia.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Buzzie Dugan & wife, Saprine of Sweeny, David Dugan & wife, Lillian of Sweeny, Jackie Dugan McLeod & husband, Michael of Edna; brother, Herman Nettles & wife, Lois of Natchez, Mississippi; grandchildren, Wesley Parrett of Victoria, Mike McLeod of Victoria, Makayla McLeod of Edna, David Dugan JR of Vanderbilt, April Dugan of Vanderbilt, Michael Dugan of Sweeny, Chelsea Dugan of Sweeny, Jordan Dugan of Sweeny, Kevin Dugan of Sweeny and Bryan Dugan of Sweeny; great grandchildren, Faith Dugan of Sweeny, Demetrius & Dominic Trevino , Alyssa Sandoval, V-andra Dugan, Casandra Dugan and Jaron Dugan , all of Vanderbilt. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Clarence Dugan, brothers, Clyde "Rainy" Nettles, and Clarence "Sunny" Nettles and sister, Gueneva Nettles Bilbo.

Arrangements are by Baker Funeral Home 634 S Columbia DR West Columbia Texas 979 345 3232.

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

Published in Victoria Advocate on July 22, 2012
 

Anna Victoria Dunbar

DUNBAR, Anna Victoria, 65, of Georgewest, passed away in Beeville June 26. She is survived by her husband Mr. L. V. Dunbar of Georgewest, mother Mrs. Kristene Anderson of Luling, one son A. J. Thompson, one brother S. A. Anderson of Luling, three grandsons. Services were held at Taylor Brother Chapel Sunday at 3 p. m. with the Rev. R. E. Black of Markham officiating. Interment was held in Hawley Cemetery. Pallbearers were Frank Valigura, Frank Ray, George Gelber, Fred Brown, Gayle and Billy McKissick.

Daily Tribune, June 29, 1970
 

Dora Rollins Duncan
April 29, 1947 – Oct. 31, 2011

Dora was born on April 29, 1947, in Pickens, Mississippi to James W. Rollins and Doris Burrell Rollins and departed on October 31, 2011 at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas.

Dora grew up in Bay City. She is the eldest of five children and a 1965 graduate of Hilliard High School and Texas Woman’s University with a degree in nursing.

Dora was a tireless worker, a dedicated, “go to” person; she would never leave a job unfinished (regularly in her office at home until 2 and 3 a.m.). In constant motion, darting from meeting to meeting in her blue Jaguar, which was known to everyone in the city and county, friends often likened Dora to the “Ever Ready Bunny.”

Dora was an advocate, ambassador, and political activist with a unique and unrelenting drive to help bring about positive change and make Bay City and Matagorda County better places to live, work, and play. She was a “no nonsense” person with a heart of gold, committed to always trying to help others.

Professionally, Dora received numerous accolades as a Registered Nurse and pharmaceutical company executive for many years. She enjoyed traveling across the country and around the world with her husband Wil during his career as a labor union and civil rights official. Journeys included trips to Japan as well as Brazil.

A dedicated wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister and homemaker, Wil readily (and laughingly) acknowledges that Dora also happily “ran the show” at home.

She returned to her childhood church, Moore Avenue Church of Christ, where she enjoyed serving as the church secretary. Dora was active in many civic and community organizations, including Pilot Club, Chamber of Commerce of Bay City, Rotary Club, Historical Commission, Bay City Convention & Visitors Bureau, American Red Cross Board, Hilliard High Alumni Association, Lone Star Art Guild: 1st Vice President of Planning Committee for the Convention, Certified Local Government Coordinator for Matagorda County, Matagorda County African American Historical Society, Matagorda County Museum, Matagorda County CASA, Bay City Chamber of Commerce& Agriculture, Bay City and Matagorda County Boys & Girls Club, The President’s Regional Advisory Board – University of Houston, and the Victoria Landmark Commission.

Dora was preceded in death by her father James Rollins in 1989.

She is survived by: her mother, Doris Williams of Bay City; her husband, Wilburn Duncan, Sr. of Bay City; her son, Steve Flye of Los Angeles, California; three stepchildren, Wilburn Duncan Jr. (Denise) of Houston, Texas; Dana O’Kelly Stewart (Commodore) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Karla Duncan of Atlanta, Georgia; one grandson, Nicholas Flye of Sugar Land, Texas; two step-granddaughters, Symone and Sydney Duncan of Houston, Texas; six siblings, Earl Rollins, deceased (Joyce) of Memphis, Tennessee, Daniel Rawlins (Delores) of Mississippi, Willie Rollins (Audrey) of Van Vleck, Robert Rowlins of Bay City, Shirley Brown of Sugar Land, Texas, and Vivian Allen of Bay City; five uncles, Herman Burrell (Eva), Allen Burrell, Alfred Burrell (Gladys), Hayward Burrell (Lois) and Milton Burrell (Genevieve); two aunts, Jean Cockrell, Elizabeth Hudson (Glenn); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation was held Saturday, November 5, 2011 at Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, 2500 Avenue C, Bay City, Texas.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 7, 2011 at Nichols Street Church of Christ, 1200 Nichols Avenue, Bay City, Texas with a viewing at 10 a.m. and services starting at 11 a.m.

Bay City Tribune, Sunday, November 6, 2011
 

Funeral services for Gilbert Duran, Sr., 72, of Palacios, were held Dec. 13, 2004 at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church with the Rev. Charles Dwomoh officiating. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.

Mr. Duran was born Feb. 29, 1932 in Boling, Tx. to the late Pete and Maria Bocanegra Duran. He died Dec. 9, 2004.

He was a retired potman for Aloca with 27 years of service. He was a member of St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council No. 6889. He was also a volunteer for Robert Duran Food Pantry.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Alvarez Duran; daughter Sonia Ayala of Palacios; sons Richard Duran, Gilbert Duran Jr., Andrew Duran and Robby Duran, all of Palacios, and Carlos Duran of Nederland, Tx.; sisters Lupe Duran and Olga Duran, both of Houston, and Andrea Duran of Wharton; brothers Pete Duran and Ricky Duran, both of Wharton; 18 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Carol Ann Duran; sisters Irene Vargas and Corrine Vargas; and brothers Olegario “Ollie” Vargas, Sr. and Robert Duran.

Arrangements were with Artero Memorial Chapels, Port Lavaca.

Palacios Beacon, Wednesday, September 15, 2004
 

Juanita Sneed Durgan

Funeral service for Mrs. Juanita Sneed Durgan, 85, of Palacios, will be held Saturday, April 8, at 11:00 a. m., at the Jesus Free Will Holy Temple Church in Bay City, with Bishop J. Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Eastview Cemetery in Bay City.

Visitation will be Friday until 9 p. m. in the Chapel of Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, and Saturday from 10 til 11 a. m. at the church.

Mrs. Durgan, a former resident of Bay City, was born July 24, 1909, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Oscar Sneed Sr. and Mattie Hemphill Sneed, and died April 1, 1995, in Westbury Hospital in Houston.

Survivors include her husband, A. J. Durgan of Palacios, one daughter, Mrs. Juanita Townsend of Chicago, Ill., three sons and daughters-in-law, Leroy (& Georgia) Durgan of North Highland, California, Melvin (& Viola) Johnson, Sr. and Charlie B. (& Christene) Johnson, Jr., all of Bay City. Also two step-daughters, Mrs. Clarita Mills of Houston, and Mrs. Katherine Bright of Calif., and two step-sons, Wilbert Dugan of Lake Jackson and Carlton Durgan of Palacios. Also one sister, Mrs. Beatrice Sneed of Columbus; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Oscar (& Mamie) Sneed, Jr. and William Henry (& Lavada) Sneed, all of Bay City. A number of grandchildren, great and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Beside her parents, she was preceded in death by one step-daughter, Dorothy Durgan, and a host of sisters and brothers.

Active pallbearers include Charlie B. Johnson, Jr., Melvin P. Johnson, Sr., Leroy John son, Wilbert Durgan, Carlton Durgan and the Rev. Gary W. Johnson.

Arrangements with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home in Bay City.

Daily Tribune, April, 1995
 

Dorothy Rene Dykes was born April 7, 1946, to Geraldin and Wesly Johnson.

She leaves to cherish her memories: husband, James A. Dykes; three daughters, Teresa Dykes, Paulett Collins (Phillips), and Pauline Dykes; two grandchildren, Paige Dobbins and Phillip Collins II; and two sisters, Carol Taylor and Katie Griffin and a host of nieces and nephews.

Bay City Tribune, Sunday, June 5, 2011
 

Bobbie Duffy Dykes
(April 19, 1930 - November 4, 2011)

Bobbie Duffy Dykes of Bay City passed away peacefully at her home on November 4, 2011 with family and friends by her side after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Bobbie was born in El Campo, Texas to Leo Duffy and Myrtle Fulcher Duffy on April 19, 1930. She was a life-long member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bay City, Texas. She was a member of United Daughters of the Confederacy, Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Daughters of the American Colonists, and the Matagorda County Genealogical Society.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her husband, I. Z. Dykes. She is survived by her four children, four grandchildren, and two great-grand children who knew and loved her a “Nener”; Julia Dykes Winicki and her husband Walt of Humble, Vicki Dykes of Kingwood, Timothy Dykes of Corpus Christi, Cindy Dykes Williams and her husband Allen of Huntsville; grandchildren, Megan Ramsey Glass and her husband Michael of Sugar Land, Airman First Class Darren Andrew Hussey of Keesler AFB, Mississippi, Taylor Dykes of Corpus Christi, Shelby Dykes Picha of Victoria; great grandchildren Addison Morgan Glass and Isabella Picha. Bobbie is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She will always be remembered by her pioneering spirit and her unique sense of humor.

Pallbearers will be Curtis Dykes, Billy Dykes, Allen Williams, Michael Glass, Walt Winicki, and Robert Allison.

The precious love of her friends in her final years of life made each day a blessing. Flossy Dreher and all of you who took the “80th Birthday Bash” limo ride 1½ years ago, Bobbie is looking down on you with a look of gratitude and true friendship.

The family wishes to thank the Angels, Pat Matthes and the Houston Hospice. A special loving thanks to her caregivers, Theresa and Prisma Ortiz, who provided tremendous comfort in her final days. Visitation will be held from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. on November 7, 2011 at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 10:00a.m. on November 8, 2011 at the First Presbyterian Church followed by internment at Hawley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her honor to a charity of your choice or to the Quilt Fund of the First Presbyterian Church of Bay City, Texas.

Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX (361) 972-2012.

www.taylorbros.net
 

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