ST. FRANCIS CATHOLIC CHURCH CEMETERY

Wadsworth, Texas

St. Francis Catholic Church Cemetery Home

Obituaries & Markers A - C

Birthdates of those still living have been removed from the marker pictures.
 

Betty Ann Folse Armatta, 77, of Wadsworth passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 in Katy, Texas. Betty was born on November 5, 1936 in New Orleans, La. to the late Peter and Ada St. Martin Folse. She was a devoted wife of 56 years, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Her life revolved around her family, especially her grandchildren. She will be remembered for her generous heart and passion for her community! Betty was the owner of the Children's Store, a breast cancer survivor and supported many organizations including Bay City FFA, Matagorda County 4-H, Matagorda County Fair Association, Matagorda County Relay for Life, Matagorda County Aggie Moms, and the Holy Cross Catholic Church

She is survived by her husband, Sidney H. Armatta. Her daughter, Susan Popek; sons, Steven Armatta and wife, Stefanie, and John Armatta and wife, Lori; Grandchildren Renee Popek, Michelle Popek, Sydney Armatta, John Thomas Armatta, Marlie Armatta, and Steelie Armatta. Brothers, Jimmy Folse & wife Stella, David Folse & wife Patty. Two sisters, Janet Thibadeaux and Gerline Landry. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Peter Folse, Brother-in-law Matthew K. Armatta, and her grandson, John David Popek.

The family will receive friends at 5:00 PM at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Thursday, November 14, 2013, with a rosary at 6:00 PM. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM, Friday, November 15 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bay City with Msgr. Casey Jarzombek & Deacon Walley Rodriguez officiating. Interment will follow at St. Francisville Cemetery in Wadsworth. Pallbearers will be James Ray Folse, Peter Folse, Carroll A. Folse, David Folse, Jr., Gary Janise, and Jay Tatum and honorary pallbearer, grandson John Thomas Armatta. Donations may be made to Relay For Life.

Bay City Tribune, November 17, 2013
 

John M. Armatta     Ida C. Armatta

John M. Armatta

Funeral services for John M. Armatta, 86, of Wadsworth, will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the Rev. Charles Sonnier officiating. Burial will be at the Saint Francisville Cemetery in Wadsworth.

Mr. Armatta was born Nov. 11, 1899, in Mintz, Texas, and died March 29, 1985. He was a member of the Catholic Church.

Survivors include his sons, Sidney and Matthew Armatta of Wadsworth; brothers William Armatta of El Campo and Leo Armatta of Bay City; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Pallbearers include Gene Armatta, Lawrence Armatta, Wilber Armatta, Delna Martinek, Tony Brandl and Paul Brandl.

Honorary pallbearers are Bill Fehmel, Elton Leggett, Ira Ryman, Tom Petrucha and Anton Dziuk.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Daily Tribune, March ___ 1985

Ida C. Armatta

ARMATTA, Mrs. Ida C., of Wadsworth, passed away at age 66 in her residence on November 15. She is survived by her husband, J. M. Armatta and two sons, Sidney H. Armatta and Matt K. Armatta, all of Wadsworth. Also, sisters, Mrs. Josephine Dziuk of Marble Falls; Mrs. Regina May of San Antonio, Mrs. Tassie Culver of Wadsworth; Mrs. Mary Blair, El Campo; Agnes Zunker of San Antonio; and one brother, Tom Petrucha of Wadsworth. Rosary will be said at 7:00 p.m. Monday, November 16 in Taylor Brothers Chapel. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 17 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the Reverend C. J. Martin officiating. Interment will be in St. Francisville Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Gene Armatta, Charles Blair, Anton and Rudy Dziuk, Jack Ryman and Duke Armatta. Taylor Brothers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Daily Tribune, November 16, 1970
 

Matthew Kelly Armatta

Matthew Kelly Armatta

WADSWORTH, -- Matthew Kelly Armatta, 59 of Wadsworth, Texas died Friday, February 8, 2002 at his residence.

He was born January 9, 1943 in Bay City to John Martin Armatta and Ida Catherine Petrucha. He was a lifelong resident of Wadsworth, a member of Holy Cross Catholic, and he had attended The Edith Armstrong Learning Center.

He is survived by a brother and sister-in-law; Sidney and Betty Armatta of Wadsworth, a niece; Susan Popek, and two nephews; Steven Armatta and his wife Stefanic and John Armatta and his wife Lori.

A rosary will be said at 6:30 p.m. Sunday Feb. 10, 2002 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. The mass will be said at 10:00 a.m. Monday Feb. 11, 2002 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wadsworth with Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating.

Interment will follow at St. Francisville Cemetery. Pallbearers include; John Armatta, Steven Armatta, Jim Tatum, Jay Tatum, David Folse, and Paul Brandl. Memorials may be made to the Matagorda County Association for Retarded Citizens, P.O. Box 1305, Bay City, Texas 77404-1305.

Arrangements by Taylor Bros. Funeral Home 979-245-4613. A00014B2002FB10

VICTORIA ADVOCATE, February 10, 2002
 

WADSWORTH - Sidney H. Armatta, 83, of Wadsworth passed away March 8, 2016. He was born October 21, 1932 in Bay City, TX to the late John Martin Armatta and Ida Catherine Petrucha Armatta. He served in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict and spent his remaining years farming and ranching.

He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Ann Folse Armatta, his brother Matthew Kelly Armatta and grandson John David Popek.

Survivors include his daughter Susan Novak & husband Joe; sons Steven Armatta & his wife Stefanie and John Armatta and his wife Lori; grandchildren Renee Popek Laslie, Michelle Popek Frankum, Sydney Armata, John Thomas Armatta, Marlie Armatta and Steelie Armatta and great grandchildren Jentry Laslie and Landrie Laslie; family friend and care giver Esmeralda Candelaria (Dolly).

The family will receive friends and relatives from 5PM until 7PM Thursday at the funeral home. A rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 AM Friday, March 11, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wadsworth with Rev. Greg Korenek officiating. Interment will follow at St. Francisville Cemetery in Wadsworth.

Pallbearers will be Christopher Dziuk, Steven Dziuk, Dave Folse, Jr., Gary Janise, Jay Tatum and Richard Beyer.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in his name to St. Francisville Cemetery; PO Box 192; Wadsworth, TX 77483.

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.

Victoria Advocate, 10 March 2016
 

Marguerite Bruce

Marguerite Bruce

Funeral services for Marguerite Bruce, 81, of Bay City are scheduled for 2 p.m. today at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Zimmerman officiating. Burial will follow at St. Francisville Cemetery near Wadsworth.

Marguerite Bruce passed away Dec. 27 at Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City. She was born July 23, 1916 in Dimmitt, Texas to the late Claude James and Addie Doss Henigan. She was a member of the First Baptist Church; a member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club and had been a resident of Bay City since 1952.

She is survived by a son, James Crabb of Bay City; one grandson, Gregory Wayne Crabb and his wife, Belinda, of Zavala, Texas and one great grandchild, Calli Crabb.

Pallbearers include Block, W. D. Kilsby, Dave Rotramel, Gary Steele, Paul Pennington and Gregory Crabb. Honorary pallbearer is Lynn Quillin.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City.

Daily Tribune, December 30, 1997
 

Francis Butter      Lothell Butter

Francis Ray Butter
(June 6, 1932 - September 25, 2005)

Francis Ray Butter, 73, of Wadsworth died September 25, 2005. He was born June 6, 1932 in Francisville, Texas to Frank Lawrence Butter and Katie Ryman Butter. He was a lifelong resident of Wadsworth, a farmer and the former owner of Butter’s Cut Rate Liquor Store.

He is survived by his wife, Lothell Marie Culver Butter of Wadsworth and by one sister, Evelyn Baas of Houston, Texas.

A rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be at 10:30 am Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wadsworth with Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating. Interment will follow at St. Francisville Cemetery in Wadsworth. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City.

www.taylorbros.net

Lothell Marie Butter
(October 7, 1933 - August 2, 2009)

Lothell Marie Butter, 75, of Wadsworth passed away August 2, 2009. She was born October 7, 1933 in Bay City, TX to the late David Seerden & Tasie Caroline Petrucha Culver. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wadsworth. She married Francis Ray Butter on June 24, 1972 and he preceded her in death in 2005.

A rosary will be recited at 6PM Thursday, August 13, 2009 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Mass will be 2:00 PM Friday, August 15, 2009 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating. Interment will follow at St. Francisville Cemetery in Wadsworth. Pallbearers will be George Deshotels, David Popek, John Voss McCrosky, John Armatta, Jim Tatum and David Allen.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Frank Butter     Flora Butter

Frank Butter, Sr.

One of Matagorda County’s oldest and most prosperous farmers and ranchman, Mr. Frank Butter, Sr., passed away peacefully, at his home near Wadsworth Saturday night, December 2 at 8:15 o’clock, at the age of 79 years, two months and one day. His death was due to pneumonia, which he contracted about ten days ago.

Frank Butter was born in Poland and landed at Galveston when but 14 years of age. Later on he moved to Wadsworth and settled on a ranch-farm to take up the life of a real pioneer, for at the time there was no town and only a few scattered houses between Matagorda and Wharton. He worked hard and prospered, led a happy and contented life and reared ten children, five boys and five girls, all of whom are living. His own death is the only one to have occurred in his immediate family, as the wife survives, even though in feeble health.

The sons, all living in Wadsworth, are Frank, Wiley, Willie, Johnnie and George; the daughters are Mrs. B. H. Wheeler, Mrs. W. D. Lee, Mrs. Sam Ryman, Mrs. G. D. Culver, all of Wadsworth and Mrs. Carl Biernbaum of Ocean Gate, N. J. They were all at the deathbed. Mr. and Mrs. Butter celebrated their golden wedding last April.

Mr. Butter made a great success of ranching and farming and amassed quite a competence in money, property and land. He often made the boast that he could and had made money growing cotton and selling it at three, four and five cents a pound. At any rate, he was a good provider, a devoted father and husband and was a great success in life.

The funeral will be Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock from the Catholic Church, of which he was a devout member, with burial in St. Francisville Cemetery near Wadsworth.

Taylor Bros. funeral directors are in charge of the arrangements.

This good man had many close and substantial friends and commandered the esteem and confidence of all who knew him.

Matagorda County Tribune, December 7, 1933

Mrs. Flora Butter

Mrs. Flora Butter, age 72 years, 7 months and 12 days, wife of the late Frank Butter Sr., died at the family residence near Wadsworth Saturday at 4:30 p.m. after an illness of some duration. Mrs. Butter is survived by five sons and five daughters, all of whom are living.

The sons, all living at Wadsworth, are Frank, Wiley, Willie, Johnnie and George; the daughters are Mrs. B. H. Wheeler, Mrs. W. D. Lee, Mrs. Sam Ryman, Mrs. G. D. Culver, all of Wadsworth and Mrs. Carl Biernbaum of Ocean Gate, N. J.; and two sisters, Mrs. Fannie Gillie of Victoria, Texas, and Mrs. Mary Urban of Junction, Texas, and one brother, Peter Adamsky of South America. Funeral services will be held at St. Francisville Catholic Church Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock, Father Joseph Coffey officiating. Burial will be in St. Francisville Cemetery under direction of Taylor Bros.

Mr. and Mrs. Butter celebrated their golden wedding last April. Mr. Butter died December 2, just two weeks before the wife passed on.

Matagorda County Tribune, December 31, 1933

Mrs. Frank Butter, Sr.

Two weeks to the day and within a few hours of the time of Mr. Butter’ passing, the spirit of Mrs. Butter took its flight, all her children being with her to the last. Mr. Butter’s death came December 2 at 8 p.m. and Mrs. Butter’s December 16 at 4 p.m.

She had been in feeble health for some time, but had been thought to be improving recently, until the last of the week the sudden change came, and the children from far away were summoned.

The remains were taken in charge by Taylor Brothers of Bay City.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 10 in Francisville Church and interment in the cemetery near, by the side of her husband, Reverend Coffey of Bay City in charge of the services.

Thus a home is doubly saddened, and the children and other relatives have the sympathy of the entire community in their loss of a loving father and mother – A Friend

Matagorda County Tribune, December 31, 1933
 

Frank L. Butter     Katie M. Butter

Frank Butter, 81, Of Wadsworth Dies

Rosary will be at 7:30 p.m. tonight and requiem mass will be said at 10 a.m. Tuesday for Frank L. Butter 81, a lifelong resident of Wadsworth who died Saturday afternoon.

Rev. Joe Varana will officiate in the mass at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wadsworth. Interment will follow in St. Francisville Cemetery. The rosary tonight will be in Taylor Brothers Funeral Chapel.

Born in Wadsworth on Sept. 22, 1885, Butter was a retired farmer and a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. His wife, Katie Margaret Butter, also a lifelong Matagorda County, preceded him in death on July 10, 1965.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Walter E. Culver of Houston and Mrs. Charles F. Bass of Stafford; one son, Francis Butter of Wadsworth; four sisters, Mrs. W. D. Lee, Mrs. Sam Ryman and Mrs. George D. Culver, all of Wadsworth and Mrs. Nelson Lee of Toms River, N. J.; and three brothers, W. H. Butter of Bay City, J. A. and George Butter of Wadsworth.

Pallbearers will be Tom J. Petrucha, Elton Leggett, Henry Bunk, Sr., Matt Ottis, Lloyd E. Ryman and Fred Ottis.

Taylor Brothers is handling the arrangements.

Daily Tribune, October 24, 1966

Mrs. Butter Rites Tuesday

Mrs. Katie Margaret Butter, 67, passed away at Matagorda General Hospital Saturday evening. She was a lifetime resident of Matagorda County.

Rosary will be at 7 p.m. today at Taylor Bothers Funeral Home Chapel. Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wadsworth, Father Simon officiating. Interment will be in St. Francis Cemetery.

She is survived by her husband, Frank Butter of Wadsworth; two daughters, Mrs. Walter Culver of Houston and Mrs. Charles Bass of Stafford; one son, Francis Butter of Wadsworth; four grandchildren and one great grandchild; and eight brothers, Sammy, Clyde, Jessie, Fred, and Tommy Ryman of Wadsworth, Bennie Ryman of Sweeny, Alvin Ryman of Port Neches and Nolon Ryman of Muldoon.

Pallbearers will be Mike Ottis, Jimmy Heinke, Felix Hahn, Clarence Little, Henry Bunk, Jr., and Eddie Janice.

Daily Tribune, July 12, 1965
 

George Butter

GEORGE BUTTER

BUTTER, George, age 72, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 13 in Matagorda General Hospital. He was a pioneer resident of the Wadsworth community. Survivors include four sisters: Mrs. Katy Culver and Mrs. Fannie Lee of Wadsworth; Mrs. Agnes Ryman of Bay City; Mrs. Mammie Lee of New Jersey; two brothers, J. A. Butter of Wadsworth and Willie Butter of Bay City. Rosary will be recited Thursday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m., Taylor Brothers Chapel. Mass will be read on Friday, Jan. 15 in the Wadsworth Catholic Church at 10 a.m. The Rev. C. J. Martin will officiate at both services. Interment will be in St. Francisville Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tom Petrucha, Henry Bunk Jr., Matt Ottis, L. E. Ryman, Tom Ottis and Edward Lee. Taylor Brothers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Daily Tribune, January 13, 1971
 

John A. Butter

JOHN A. BUTTER

Rosary for John A. Butter will be held at 8 p.m. tonight in the chapel of Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wadsworth with the Rev. Charles Sonnier officiating and burial will be in St. Francisville Cemetery.

Butter, 82, was a lifelong resident of the Wadsworth area. He was the son of Frank Lawrence Butter who was born in Lenz, Prussia, and the former Flora Adamski. In 1972, Butter was named Cattleman of the Year and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. After suffering a stroke Butter remained hospitalized in Matagorda General for more than eight years.

He remained single, and is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Sydney Armatta, Billy Doss, Walter Gavender, Averille Ryman, Jimbo Williams, Travis Cartwright, Jimmy Henke and Matt Otis.

Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Daily Tribune, August 15, 1983
 

Wylie J. Butter

Wiley Butter

Rosary will be said at 8 p.m. Friday night at Taylor Bros. Chapel for Wiley Butter, 74, of Wadsworth, who died Sept. 13. Services will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday at Wadsworth, Father C. J. Martin officiating, with interment in St. Francisville Cemetery at Wadsworth.

Survivors are one son, Laurence Butter of Freeport; four sisters, Mrs. Fannie Lee, Mrs. Agnes Ryman, Mrs. Katie Culver, all of Wadsworth; Mrs. Nelson Lee of New Jersey; and four brothers, Frank, Johnny and George Butter of Wadsworth, and W. H. Butter of Bay City.

Daily Tribune, September 15, 1961
 

Zefflick Butter

Z. Butter

Z. Butter, Wadsworth resident, died yesterday at his home. He was 73.

He is survived by his wife and four children, Joe, Louise, Lila Faye, and Ellen. Funeral arrangements have not been settled.

Daily Tribune, November 15, 1938

WADSWORTH
A Pioneer Passes On

Mr. Z. Butter, a Matagorda County Pioneer, passed away early Tuesday morning, November 15, 1938, at his home, while asleep.

While Mr. Butter had been in failing health for some time, and death was not wholy unexpected, it came as a shock to his family and friends.

Zefflick Butter was born in Germany, of Polish parents, Nov. 2, 1865.

Came to America with his parents when three years of age. Took out naturalization papers in 1917.

When Wadsworth was a thriving town, Mr. Butter was one of its successful business men, being proprietor of the hotel and pool hall.

He lived a bachelor life until May 15, 1912, when he was married to Miss Nellie Thomas. Four children came to this home. Nell, Joe, Louise, and Lila Fae, who with their mother, remain to mourn the loss of a kind and considerate father and husband.

Mr. Butter was a good citizen, friend, and neighbor, and will be greatly missed.

Funeral services were held at Francisville Church, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m., conducted by Rev. Father Blinka, of Blessing, and Rev. Father Elmendorf of Bay City. Interment was in Francisville cemetery. Walker-Matchett of Bay City was in charge of arrangements.

The high esteem in which the good man was held, was evidenced by the large concourse of friends and relatives in attendance as well as the beautiful array of flowers.

Mrs. Butter and family have the sympathy of their friends in their bereavement. Active pallbearers were: J. A. Butter, Ben Wheeler, Jr., Navelle Wheeler, Frank Ottis, Harvey Estlinbaum, and E. Goodall. Honorary pallbearers being: Bruce Woods, Dan Goodall, J. R. Laird, H. M. Seerden, Sam Ryman, Guy Pentecost, Harry Culver, J. J. Seerden, G. W. Fanson, E. J. Ottis, B. H. Tolliver, and Claud Boyer.

Friends and relatives were in attendance for the services from Falls City, Matagorda, Bay City, Newgulf, and Buckeye.

“Passing out of the shadow, in a purer light,
Stepping behind the curtain, getting a clearer site;
Passing out of the shadow into eternal day,
Why do we call it dying, the sweet going away?”

Matagorda County Tribune, Nov. 24, 1938
 

James Shepard Crabb

JAMES S. CRABB

BAY CITY – James S. “Jimmy” Crabb, 58, of Bay City, died Wednesday, May 24, 2000.

He was born Aug. 10, 1941, in Blanco County, to the late G. W. Crabb and Marguerite Frances Henigan Bruce. He was an office machine technician at Bay City Office Supply for 31 years, a member of the American Motorcycle Association and a life member of the Harley Owners Group.

Survivors: son, Greg Crabb of Zavalla; brother, Billy Crabb of New Braunfels; and one grand grandchild.

Preceded in death by: parents.

Services will be 3 p.m. Friday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, the Rev. Mike Zimmerman officiating.

Burial will be at St. Francisville Cemetery in Wadsworth. Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City, (979) 245-4613.

Victoria Advocate, May 25, 2000
 

David Culver     Tasie Culver

David Seerden Culver

CULVER, Mr. David Seerden, 65 of Wadsworth passed away Wednesday afternoon. Rosary will be said at 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening at Taylor Bros. Chapel. Mass will be said at 2:00 p.m. Friday afternoon at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wadsworth. Interment is to be at St. Francisville Cemetery with the Rev. Father George V. Rhein officiating. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. David Culver of Wadsworth; one daughter, Lothell Marie Thurmond of Wadsworth; one sister, Mrs. Ida Doss of Wadsworth and one brother, Walter E. Culver of Houston. Pallbearers are: A. J. Tatum, Elton Leggett, John A. Butter, Ray Culver, Billy Doss and Sidney Armatta. Honorary pallbearers are: Savage Cartwright, Rodney Gates, Francis Butter, H. W. Savage, Burt Huebner, Leroy Thomas, Edwin Hibbs, and Dr. Joe Cannon. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

Daily Tribune, April ___, 1972

Tasie Caroline Petrucha Culver
Sept. 14, 1911 – March 1, 2008

Tasie Caroline Petrucha Culver, 96, of Wadsworth, Texas passed away Saturday, March 1, 2008.

She was born September 14, 1911 in Wadsworth to Tom and Julia Petrucha. She was a lifelong resident of Wadsworth, a homemaker, and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

She is survived by: her daughter, Lothell Butter of Wadsworth; sister, Mary Blair of El Campo.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David Seerden Culver; her parents, Tom and Julia Petrucha; her sisters, Josephine Dzuik, Regina May and Ida Armatta; and her brother, Tom Petrucha.

The Rosary will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

The Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating. Interment will be at St. Francisville Catholic Cemetery in Wadsworth.

Pallbearers will be John Armada, David Popek, George Deshotels, Michael Culver, Robert Hale and John Vos McCrosky. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Doss, Sidney Armada and Jim Tatum.

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

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

Bay City Tribune, Published March 5, 2008
 

Frank M. Culver

FRANK M. CULVER

Mr. Frank M. Culver of Wadsworth, 23 [39] years, one month and two days, died Sunday morning, September 23, at Abilene.

Surviving are his father, John A. Culver, two sisters, Mrs. Clara Bethelson and Mrs. Will Doss and five brothers, John F., George D., Harry A., Walter E., and David S.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Walker-Matchett Funeral Home. Services were held at Francisville Church, Monday morning at 10.

Daily Tribune, September 25, 1939

FRANK CULVER

Frank Culver was born August 21, 1899, and passed away Saturday morning, September 23, 1939, in a sanatorium at Abilene, Texas. He was a son of J. A. and Katie Culver, the mother preceding him in death several years ago.

Services were held Monday, September 25, at Francisville, conducted by Father Gorek Walker. Walker-Matchett were in charge of funeral arrangements and the remains were laid to rest in Francisville cemetery. Pall bearers were E. J. Ottis, Harvey Estlinbaum, Johnnie Butter, Fred Ottis, Tommy Petrucha, and Tom Ottis.

Survivors are the father, J. A. Culver, sisters, Mrs. Ida Doss and Mrs. Clara Berthelson of Houston, and brothers, J. F. George, Walter, of Houston, Harry, and David, besides other relatives. The family has the sympathy of Wadsworth friends.

Wadsworth school was dismissed Monday out of respect for the Culver families.

“Wadsworth,” Daily Tribune, September 28, 1939
 

John F. Culver

John F. Culver Died In Houston; Rites Tuesday

Mr. John F. Culver, 60, oldest son of Mr. John A. Culver, native of Matagorda county and lifelong resident, died Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Herman hospital in Houston after a long illness.

Funeral rites will be held Tuesday morning at 9:00 from the Sacred Heart Catholic church, Wadsworth, Rev. Fr. C. J. Martin officiating. Burial will be at the Francisville cemetery in the neighborhood where the deceased was born and where he grew to manhood.

Mr. Culver is known throughout the county as a timber operator, having had business headquarters in Hawkinsville and Pledger, among other points in the county.

Survivors are his father, John A. Culver; two daughters, Mary and Katherine Culver; three sons, Robert, John Henry and Joseph; two sisters, Mrs. Clara Berthelsen, Mrs. Will Doss; four brothers, George D., Harry A., Walter E., and David S.

Matchett – Newman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Daily Tribune, June 18, 1945
 

Katie A. Culver

Matagorda County Pioneer Dies At 81

Mrs. Katie Culver, 81, a lifetime resident of Wadsworth area died Friday at Matagorda General Hospital.

She was born in the Francisville Community and was the daughter of Frank and Flora Butter, who settled in Texas after coming to America from Prussia in 1869.

Her father was a farmer for many years in the Francisville area. She married George D. Culver, a prominent rancher and helped him raise their daughter Ann.

George D. Culver was one of the ranchers who shipped train loads of cattle to the Kansas market. He died in 1947 and she continued with the ranch a few years with the help of her nephew, Burton Lee.

After about seven years she sold out her cattle and moved back to the home place in Wadsworth to cook and care for her three bachelor brothers.

She was an active member in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church until bad health kept her inactive for the past several years.

She is survived by her step daughter, Ann Halapaska of Victoria, 8 grandchildren, 1 brother, John A. Butter, 1 sister, Agnes Ryman of Wadsworth, 9 nieces and 9 nephews.

Daily Tribune, December __, 1977
 

Marie A. Culver

MRS. A. R. CULVER

Mrs. Antonia Richie Culver died Sunday night after an illness of a short duration. She is survived by her husband John F. Culver; five children, Mary Victoria, Catherine, Robert, John Henry, and Joseph; her mother, Mrs. Victoria B. Richie; one sister, Mrs. Mary McCaskill; two brothers, John Richie, Wadsworth and R. H. Richie of San Francisco.

Funeral services were held Monday morning at 10 o’clock at the Wadsworth Catholic Church, Father Elmendorf officiating.

Burial was in Francisville cemetery under the direction of Taylor Brothers.

Daily Tribune, February 6, 1939

Culver Baby

WADSWORTH

A baby daughter was born Thursday, February 2, to Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Culver, at the Loos Hospital, but did not live. The little body was laid to rest Friday morning in Francisville Cemetery.

Mrs. Culver, passed on Sunday, February 5th, at the hospital, at 10 p.m. Services were held at 10 o’clock Monday morning at Sacred Heart Church, Wadsworth, conducted by her pastor, Father Elmendorf of Bay City.

The remains were then taken to Francisville Cemetery, and buried beside her baby.

Surviving are the husband, J. F. Culver; children, Mary, Kathryn, Bobby, John Henry, and a son two years of age; the mother, Mrs. Richie; sister, Mrs. Mary McCaskill; brother, John Richie and nephews, William and Richie II McCaskill.

Relatives and friends gathered in large numbers for the last sad rites.

Taylor Brothers of Bay City, had charge of arrangements.

Pall bearers were: Messrs. Harvey Estlinbaum, Frank Ottis, E. J. Ottis, Harry and George Culver, and Fred Ottis.

The sympathy of the friends of the family is heartfelt, in this hour of their bereavement.

Matagorda County Tribune, Feb 9, 1939
 

REV. MSGR. T. JOSEPH CULVER, 72 of Houston, Texas passed away April 7, 2009 in Houston. Monsignor Culver was born January 3, 1937 in Wadsworth, Texas, the son of John Franklin Culver and Maria Antonia Richie Culver. He was ordained a priest on May 25, 1963. Monsignor served the priest hood for 46 years. In La Marque he served Queen of Peace Catholic for 23 years as pastor. He served on many committees for the Galveston Houston Diocese. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #5236 of La Marque and Matthew Wilson Assembly of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, also was formerly the District Friar for the 4th Degree of the Knights of Columbus District # 1. Monsignor Culver was preceded in death by his parents and sister Mary Culver and brother Robert Culver. Monsignor Culver was survived by his sister Catherine Reece of Tucson, AZ. and brother and sister-in-law John H. and Joyce Culver of Houston; sister-in-law Josephine Culver of Escondido, CA.; he is also survived by 10 nieces and 2 nephews Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday, April 12, 2009 with a Vigil and Rosary at 7:00 pm at Queen of Peace, 1224 Cedar Dr. La Marque, Texas, with Father Brandon Cahill, officiating. A Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 13, 2009 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Cardinal Daniel DiNardo and Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Florenza, officiating. The Rite of Committal Service will be at 3:00 pm at St. Francisville Cemetery in Wadsworth, Texas. Monsignor requested in lieu of flowers that memorial Masses be offered in his name.
 
Published in the Houston Chronicle on 4/11/2009           Photo courtesy of John Culver
 

Obituaries & Marker Pictures          A - C          D - M          P - R          S - Z