Matagorda County Veteran Obituaries

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This is not a complete list of veterans.
 

CYRILL M. BABIK

MARKHAM - Cyrill M. Babik, 82, of Markham, died Saturday, Feb. 18, 2006.

He was born Aug. 6, 1923, in Frydeck, to the late Leopold Babik and Frances Chrastina. He was a farmer and a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Blessing and K.J.T. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II.

Survivors: son, C.J. Babik Sr. of Markham; sister, Lilly Biskup of Bay City; brother, Jerry Babik of Bay City; and one grandchild.

Preceded in death by: wife, Catherine DeSalvo Babik; daughters, Cecilia Babik and Mary Babik; and brother, Leo Babik.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Triska Funeral Home chapel.

A rosary will be recited 7 p.m. Tuesday at the chapel.

Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Blessing, the Rev. Samuel Appiasi officiating.

Burial will be at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery. Triska Funeral Home, El Campo, 979-543-3681.

Memorials: Hospice Support Inc.

Victoria Advocate
February 20, 2006
Victoria County, Texas
 

Alfred "Sonny" Ray Bankhead
(November 18, 1921 - November 12, 2010)

Alfred Ray “Sonny” Bankhead, 88, of Markham, TX, passed away peacefully, Friday, November 12, 2010, at home surrounded by his family. He was born November, 18, 1921 in Markham, TX to the late Hollie Ray and Rosalie Frieze Bankhead.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and a lifelong resident of Markham. He was also a retired Boilermaker and Operator with Marathon Oil Company and a member of St. Robert’s Catholic Church in Markham, a member of the 100 Club, and a member and past Commander of the Philip H. Parker VFW Post 2438 in Bay City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; by his son, Donald Ray Bankhead; his sisters, Dorothy Urban, June Lewis and Janet Mullins. He is survived by his wife: Winnie Bankhead of Markham; his daughters: Judy Sliva and husband Tony of Blessing and Janet Saha and husband Mike of El Maton; sister: Elizabeth Myers of Deer Park; by grandchildren: Jana Dyer and husband Gerald, Cheryl Riojas, Scott Sliva, Jeff Sliva, Sheri Mayfield and husband Kelly, Mikey Saha and wife Christa, Stacey Spencer and husband Kade, and Mark Saha and wife Hillary; and by 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his niece and Godmother: Gertie Mayeux.

The Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM Sunday, November 14, 2010 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, November 15, 2010 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Blessing, TX with Rev. Peter Yeboah-Amanfo officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck, TX. His grandsons will serve as his pallbearers.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX (979) 245-4613.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

BARELA, JOHN CHRISTOPHER

John Christopher Barela, 39, of Bay City died April 17, 2004 at his residence. He was born August 26, 1964 in Eagle Lake, Texas to Joe Ynes and Elvira Salazar Barela.

Mr. Barela graduated from Bay City High School in 1982, then attended Wharton County Junior College.

After that he joined the United States Army. He was first stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama, where he graduated at the top of his class. He then was honored by qualifying for Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia. During his training, he was sent to the Philippine Island for survival school and to Japan for extreme survival skiing. He was the only Private First Class to graduate as a United States Airborne Ranger.

As an Airborne Ranger, Chris was sent to the Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. While in Hawaii, Chris fell 60 feet from a bridge which caused his paralysis. He was transferred to the Veteran's Hospital in Houston, Texas, so that he could be near his family. After many months of intense therapy, he was released.

Chris went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Houston, then he earned his Master's Degree in Social Work at the same institution.

Chris was currently working on his Ph.D. in Hospital Administration from the University of Phoenix when he died.

Survivors include: his parents of Bay City; sisters, Sylvia Nelson and husband Craig of Barrington, Illinois, Monica Black and husband Jeff of Poulsbo, Washington, and Jackie Barela-Ramsey and husband Matthew of Bay City; brother: Joseph Barela and wife Tippi of Lake Jackson; nieces and nephews, Erin and Jessica Nelson, Spencer and Samuel Black, Ashley and Jordan Barela, and Brennen, Jacob, and Noah Parker Ramsey.

A rosary was held 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2004, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, and the funeral mass will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with the Rev. Jerry Cernoch officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck.

Pallbearers will be Joseph Barela, Chad Ashcraft, Mike Claybourn, Steve Gasaway, Kurt Swogger, and Victor Cisneros.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

The Bay City Tribune, Wednesday, April 21, 2004                  Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

BARLOW, JAMES EDGAR "SNOOKS"

Funeral services for James Edgar "Snooks" Barlow, 63, of Bay City will be held 2 p.m. Monday in the Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel under the direction of Don Gene Taylor, with Rev. Ralph E. Barlow officiating.

Interment will follow in the Hawley Cemetery.

Barlow died Friday in the St. Luke's Hospital of Houston.

He was born April 15, 1918 in Blessing and was a resident of Bay City since 1947. He was a member of the Baptist Church and a veteran of WWII.

Survivors are his wife, Margie M. Barlow of the home; two daughters, Mae Earline Borak of El Campo and Kathy M. Brown of Lake Jackson; one son James H. Barlow of Houston; two sisters, Inez Millard of Bay city and Kathryn Hester of Houston; two brothers, Charles Delbert Barlow of Sugar Valley and Ralph E. Barlow of Van Vleck and 11 grandchildren.

(Died November 20, 1981)

Matagorda County, Texas              Marker photo courtesy of Pam Davis

Cedarvale Cemetery, Bay City
 

BASS, JAMES RAY, SR.

James Ray Bass, Sr., 87, of Bay City, passed away Jan. 20, 2003 at Matagorda General Hospital.

He was born Dec. 24, 1915 in Saratoga, Texas, to Charlie and Ida Patterson Bass.

He was a Bay City resident since 1956, a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army and a retired gauger for Sun Oil Co.

He is survived by: his wife, Violet Broom Bass of Bay City; his sons, James Ray Bass, Jr., Charles Ray Bass and wife Gail of Bay City, and Rex Allen Bass of Sinton; his brother, E. L. Bass of Jones Creek; and two grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Chester Sassman officiating.

Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Pallbearers will be Charles Bass, Rex Bass, Clark Bergstrom, Gary Bass, Pete Green and Billy Pawlosky.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00014B2003JA22

The Bay City Tribune, Wednesday, January 22, 2003                  Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Violet B. Bass

BAY CITY [Matagorda County, Texas] - Violet Broom Bass, 79, of Bay City, died Thursday, Jan. 1, 2004.

She was born Aug. 24, 1924. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Survivors: sons, James Ray Bass Jr. and Charles Ray Bass, both of Bay City, and Rex Allen Bass of Sinton; sister, Dorothy Loftin of Bay City; brother, Ray Broom of Bay City; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: husband, James Ray Bass Sr.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. today at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck, the Rev. Chester Sassman officiating. Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, 979-245-4613

The Victoria Advocate, January 4, 2004
 

BATES, CASEY MATTHEW

Casey Matthew Bates, 65, of 2508 Ave. F Bay City, died in his home Tuesday, Nov. 9, 1976. He was born March 22, 1911 in Matagorda County, the son of the late Sid Bates and Mrs. Isabel Van Dorn Bates. He is survived by his sister Mrs. Maude Bates of Bay City and his aunts Mrs. W. G. Jones of Caney and Mrs. Jesse Gladney of Freeport. He was a member of the Methodist Church and the American Legion and Eagles and was a veteran of World War II. The funeral rites will be said at the First Methodist Chapel on Ave. G Thursday, Nov. 11, 1976 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. James Thompson officiating. Interment will be in Caney Cemetery under the direction of Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

THE DAILY TRIBUNE
Matagorda County, Texas
 

Morris S. Bates
Roselawn Memorial Park, Van Vleck
 

BEARD, BOBBY GENE

Bobby Gene Beard, 74, of Sweeny, Texas, died February 21, 2005, at his residence.

He was born January 24, 1931, in Palacios, Texas, to the late John Lewis and Edna Dee Tweedle Beard.

Mr. Beard was a resident of the Matagorda County area for the past 37 years and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Old Ocean.

He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Navy, and was a life member of VFW Post No. 8551 of Old Ocean, Texas.

Survivors include: wife, Josephine Billeau Beard of Sweeny; three daughters and a son-in-law, Becky and Travis Wombwell of Macon, Missouri, Yvonne Neal of Sweeny, Texas, and Darlene Wright of Russellville, Kentucky; three sons and a daughter-in-law, Bobby Jack Beard and James Luther Beard, both of Sweeny, and Denver and Cindy Beard of Gatesville, Texas; sisters, Audrey Geron of Fort Worth, and Barbara Johnson of Sweeny; brothers, Buck and Jack Beard, both of Bay City, and John Beard of Waco, Texas; 17 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 26, 2005, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, with the Rev. Bill Thorp officiating.

Interment will follow at the Palacios Cemetery in Palacios, Texas.

The family will receive friends at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday evening.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

Bay City Tribune
February 23, 2005
Matagorda County, Texas
 

BEATY, J. R.

J. R. Beaty, 78, of Palacios, TX, died August 30, 2002. He was born August 26, 1924 in Bonham, TX, to the late Pleasant Jefferson and Tiney Melson Beaty. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the U.S. Army.

He is survived by: two daughters, Susan Schulz of Palacios and Jennifer Egly and her husband Bob of the Woodlands; granddaughter, Jenna Egly of the Woodlands; grandson Skyler Schulz and wife, Dawn Schulz of Wharton; one great-grandson, Christian Alexander of Wharton.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 4, 2002 at Hawley Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Palacios Funeral Home. A00025B3003SP04

The Bay City Tribune
Matagorda County Texas
Wednesday, Sept 04, 2002

BELLAH, ROBERT M. "BOB"

PALACIOS -- Robert M. "Bob" Bellah, 54, of Tres-Palacios Community, died Wednesday, June 27, 2001.

He was born Aug. 23, 1946, in Lexa, Ark., to the late Guy Maxwell and Evelyn Cherry Bellah. He was a steam pipefitter in Houston and a Methodist. He was a U.S. Navy veteran.

Survivors: wife, Virginia Bellah; stepdaughters, Rebecca Torres, Christie Torres and Roberta Torres, all of Palacios; son, Robert Marshall Bellah Jr. of Houston; stepsons, Ricky Torres, Martin Rocha and Alvin Torres, all of Palacios; sister, Ann Dorsey of Oklahoma; brothers, Tony Long and Ray Long, both of Illinois, and Guy Bellah Jr. of Missouri; and two grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: parents; brother, J.W. Long.

Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Palacios Funeral Home chapel, the Rev. Janell Blair officiating.

Burial will be at Hawley Cemetery. Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, 361-972-2012.

Memorials: Masonic Lodge of Houston.

THE VICTORIA ADVOCATE
Saturday June 30, 2001
 

BENAVIDES, JUAN HERNANDEZ

Juan Hernandez Benavides, 76, of Bay City, died Aug. 18, 2000, at Southwest Memorial Hospital in Houston, Texas. Mr. Benavides was born July 7, 1924, in Bay City to the late Sebestan and Petra Murmudes Benavides. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, a life-long resident of Bay City, a veteran of WWII, serving in the U. S. Army, and the owner and operator of "The Tire Repairman."

Survivors include: wife, Gregoria R. Benavides of Bay City; daughters and sons-in-law, Petra B. and Lupe DeLeon of Bay City, Maria B. and Julio Reyes of Cedar Lane; sisters, Margarita Carrion and Suzanna Vargas of Bay City; brothers, Louis Benavides and Tommy Benavides of Bay City; six grandchildren; and eight grandchildren.

A Rosary was held at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21, 2000, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with the Rev. Edward Boren officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2000AG22

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Tuesday, April 22, 2000                 Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

BERTRAND, ELDAS JOSEPH

VAN VLECK - Eldas Joseph Bertrand, 81, of Van Vleck, died Friday, Aug. 8, 2003.

He was born March 28, 1922, in Lake Arthur, La., to the late Aurelien and Ezilda Roy Bertrand. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in WWII.

Survivors: daughters, Jaynel Lamprecht of Beeville and Earline Gernand of Ashwood; sons, Robert Bertrand of Sugar Valley and Allen Bertrand of Houston; sister, Edith Devers of Port Arthur; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: wife, Gloria Thelma Bouse Bertrand; sister, Lelia East; brother, Elliott Bertrand; and grandson, Richard Lamprecht Jr.

Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home chapel.

Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, 979-245-4613.

Pallbearers: Allen Bertrand, Richard Lamprecht, James Gernand, Jason Bellard, E.J. Bertrand and Danny Devers.

Honorary pallbearer: Robert Bertrand.

The Victoria Advocate, August 11, 2003                           Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

BLACK, JAMES LESLIE

James Leslie Black, 77, of Markham, passed away Tuesday, July 24, 2001.

He was born March 2, 1924 in West Columbia, Texas to Leslie Smith and Clara Green Black. He was a resident of Markham since 1950, and worked as an Instrument Man for Marathon Oil Co.

He was a member of Markham United Methodist Church, a 54 year member of Masonic Lodge No. 865 in Bay City and a World War II veteran of the U. S. Navy.

He is survived by his wife, Elsie Taylor Black of Markham; by his sons and daughters-in-law, Kenneth and Jerilyn Black of Bay City, Mike and Scarlet Black of Clear Lake, Bob and Debbie Black of Rockport and Tom and Karen Black of Markham; grandchildren, Jo Ann and Troy Burditt of Rosenberg, Ken and Meredith Black of Sugar Land, Randy and Mandy Black of Bay City, Ellen Black of Santa Rosa, Calif., Jennifer Harris-Black of New Orleans, La., Glenda and Brandi Black of Austin, Chase, Leslie, and Rae Ann Black of Rockport, Byron Black of Huntsville, and Jim and Kim Black of Markham; and by his great-grandchildren, Clay, Mason and Brittney Burditt of Rosenberg and Dayton Black of Bay City.

The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Joe Cannon, M.D. for his services and care to Mr. Black and his family.

The family will receive guests at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 p.m. Thursday, July 26 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Tom Morgan officiating. Interment will be at Hawley Cemetery at Blessing, Texas.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Ken, Randy, Byron, Chase and Jim Black and Troy Burditt.

Memorials may be made to the donors charity of choice.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2001JL25

THE DAILY TRIBUNE
Wednesday, July 25, 2001
Matagorda County, Texas

BLAYLOCK, VIRGIL B.

Virgil B. Blaylock, 72, of Bay City died September 25, 2000 at his residence. He was born December 10, 1927 in Palacios, Texas to the late Henry Raymond and Clara Mae Tweedle Blaylock. Mr. Blaylock was member of the Bay City Baptist Church the past 44 years, and was a veteran of WWII serving in the U. S. Navy.

Survivors include wife, Irene H. Kelley Blaylock of Bay City; daughters, Vicki McDonald of Bay City; Debra Keller of East Bernard, Sandra Hickl of Van Vleck and Doreen Horton of Groves, Texas; sons, Virgil L. Blaylock of Van Vleck and Richard H. Blaylock of Nederland, Texas; sisters, Dorothy Barns of Ohio, Brenda Thompson of Bay City, JoBeth McLure of Freeport, Jane Smith of Lane City and Wilma Goodman of Cedar Lane, 17 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Mildred Sanders and brother, Lee Blaylock.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, September 28, 2000, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Lee Watson officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be Timothy R. Blaylock, Richard H. Blaylock, Derrick Keller, E. J. Hickl, Eric Lee Blaylock and Barton Lee Blaylock.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2000SP28

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Thursday, September 28, 2000              Photos courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

BOBBITT, B. L.
 

BONNER, JOHNELL


BAY CITY [Matagorda County, Texas]- Johnell Bonner, 58, of Bay City, died Friday, May 30, 2003.

He was born Nov. 30, 1944, in Matagorda County, to the late Willie and Johnnie Mae Fisher Bonner. He was retired from Dow Chemical Co. in Freeport and was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in Vietnam.

Survivors: wife, Diana Bonner; daughter, Bashan Jones of Bay City; and sisters, Margaret Cooper and Edna Tone, both of Bay City.

Visitation will be 3-9 p.m. tonight at Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home chapel.

Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Mother Zion Baptist Church in Bay City, the Rev. K. J. Griggs officiating.

Burial will be at Eastview Cemetery. Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home, Bay City, 979-245-5197.

The Victoria Advocate
Victoria, Victoria County, Texas
June 6, 2003
 

BOSSLEY, VINCENT LEE

BAY CITY - Vincent Lee Bossley Sr., 82, of Bay City, died Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2004.

He was born July 13, 1921, in Crowley, La., to the late Manuel and Modeste Bossley. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army Air Corp. He founded Bossley Dryer and was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus Council No. 3070.

Survivors: daughters, Susan Taylor of Bay City, Betty Jo Foelker of Sugar Land, and Rebecca Nicklas of Sealy; sons, Vincent Lee Bossley Jr. and Billy Bossley, both of Bay City; brother, Ludger Bossley of Crowley, La.; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: wife, Jane Bossley; sisters, Madeline Ziegler and Maureen Trahan; and brothers, Hayes Bossley, Dick Bossley, and Harold Bossley.

A rosary will be recited 5:30 p.m. today at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home chapel.

Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Holy Cross Catholic Church, the Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating.

Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Van Vleck. Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, 979-245-4613.

The Victoria Advocate, Victoria, Victoria County, Texas

	Vincent L. Bossley Jane Bossley Roselawn Memorial Park Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

BOULDIN, LEO WESLEY
 

BRADY, JAMES C.

James C. Brady, a prominent local attorney and businessman, passed from this life after a long and courageous battle with cancer on Oct. 20, 2003.

Services will be held at The Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church in Galveston at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 23, 2003 with Dr. Asbury Lenox officiating.

Visitation will be held at Carnes Brothers Funeral Home, 1201 Tremont, Galveston from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 22, 2003.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 24, 2003 at the Cedarvale Cemetery on Golden Avenue in Bay City, with Chaplain Melvin Brinkley officiating.

Born in Sherman, Texas on April 3, 1925, to Harry B. Brady Sr., and Alberta Quillen Brady, he was reared in Bay City. He graduated from Baylor University College of Law, Class of ’53, and started his practice of law in Galveston in August, 1953.

He was a member of the American Bar Association, Texas State Bar Association and Galveston County Bar Association. He was a Veteran of World War II, serving in the South Pacific. He was a member of Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church and served as a Board Chair and was a member of the Permanent Endowment Fund. He was also a member of several local organizations, as well as a lifetime member of three different coffee klatches.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Harry B. Brady Jr.

He is survived by: his wife of 51 years, Theresa LeTulle Brady; daughter, Margaret Brady Brinkley and son-in-law, Chaplain Melvin Brinkley; daughter, Martha Kaye Brady and granddaughters, Catherine (Katie) Brinkley and Elizabeth (Beth) Brinkley; a brother, Joseph D. Brady, and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Pallbearers are Calvin Padgett, Curtis Padgett, Mitchell Chuoke Jr., Joe Chuoke, George Sims, Royce Wood, Don Morgan and Mickey Palmer.

Honorary pallbearers are Mitchell Chuoke Sr., Andrew Z. Baker, Harry Decker, Manuel Corello, Robert Greig, Richard Cano, Bill Wyly, Harry Kaufhold, Maurizio Antonelli, Bruce Farmer and Fred Wurst; and all of his buddies from the coffee klatches.

According to him, his greatest accomplishment in life was his daughters and granddaughters, all of whom he treasured. He will long be remembered by his family and friends for his boundless energy and his wonderful sense of humor.

The family requests that donations be made to Hospice Care Team in Texas City, or the American Cancer Society.

The family extends their sincere appreciation to Brighter Day Care Team, Hospice Care Team and the doctors at M.D. Anderson Hospital for their excellent care.

The Bay City Tribune, October 22, 2003
 

BREE, LAWRENCE, SR.

Funeral services for Lawrence Bree., Sr., 80, of Cedar Lane, will be held Wednesday, April 11, 2001 at 1 p.m. at St. Mark Baptist Church in Cedar Lane, with the Rev. H. L. Hawkins, Jr., pastor and his son the Rev. K. W. Bree, eulogist. Burial will follow at St. Mark Cemetery in Cedar Lane. Visitation will be Tuesday until 9 p.m. in the chapel of Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home.

He was born in Gainesmore, Texas, Wednesday February 16, 1921, to Henry Bree and Dillie Thomas Bree, and passed away Thursday, April 5, 2001, at Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City.

After his formal education in Cedar Lake, Texas, he served as a veteran in the U. S. Army. His being a friend to mankind will be missed by those who shared his earthly living.

Survivors include: four daughters, Leola Murphy and Jacqueline Moore of Bay City, Gwendolyn Griggs and Eddie, and Ardith Sidney and William of Lake Jackson; six sons, Lawrence Bree, Jr., Kelvin Bree and Charita, the Rev. Kenneth Bree, Thomas Bree and Rica, the Rev. Mark Bree and Emmanuel Bree and Sarah all of Bay City; two step-children, Sandra Scott and Lemeul of Houston, and Leonard Murphy of Texas City; one sister, Leola Bree of Chicago, Ill.; 27 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Active pallbearers will be Shannon Sidney, Trey Griggs, Brandon Bree, Yohance Bree, Mark Bree, Jr., Moses Bree, Jr., Joaquin Bree, Jeremy Bree, Corey Bree, Jamal Matthews and DeArdis Scott.

Arrangements are with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home. A00011A2001AR10

THE DAILY TRIBUNE
Tuesday, April 10, 2001
Matagorda County, Texas

BRISTER, JAMES AARON

PALACIOS -- James Aaron Brister, 87, of Palacios [Matagorda County, Texas], died Saturday, April 28, 2001.

He was born Dec. 27, 1913, in San Augustine, to the late Henry and Charlcie Brister. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in WWII and a retired fireman for Natches Butane Company in Port Natches. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Palacios.

Survivors: wife, Jewell Brister; daughter, Sharron Kwiatkowski of Troy, Mich.; sisters, Maggie Drawhorn of Zavalla, Emily Harvey and Melba McCroy, both of Palacios, Elaine Melling of Groves, Dorothy Hamlin of Sweeny and Charlcie LeClair of Pearland; brothers, Willie Brister of Zavalla, Elton Brister of Selkirk Island and L.J. Brister of Palacios; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church, the Rev. Hollas Hoffman officiating.

Burial will be at Palacios Cemetery. Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, 361-972-2012.

THE VICTORIA ADVOCATE
Monday April 30, 2001

BROADWATER, JAMES HOWARD

James Howard Broadwater, Sr., 73, of Bay City passed away January 5, 2004 in Houston. He was born June 12, 1930 in Kilgore, Texas to Benjamin Franklin and Grace Baton Broadwater.

He had been a resident of Bay City since 1961 and was a Korean veteran of the U.S. Marines. He was area manager for Oilfield Rental Co. and retired from HomCo as a manager in Victoria.

He is survived by: daughter, Lee Ann Broadwater of Bay City; three sons and daughters-in-law, Danny and Terry Broadwater of El Maton, Jimmy and Marilyn Broadwater of Sour Lake, and Billy and Bea Broadwater of Austin; sister, Hazel Gossett of Kilgore, Texas and by twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 8, 2004 at the Calvary Baptist Church with Luke Kunefke officiating. Burial will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City.

Pallbearers will be Coy, Chad, Clay, James, Kyle, Andrew, and Matthew Broadwater and Joe Davis will serve as an honorary pallbearer.

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

The Bay City Tribune, Wednesday, January 7, 2004
 

EDGAR BROOKER

March 31, 1924 — Jan. 26, 2006

Edgar Brooker, 81, of Cedar Lane, died January 26, 2006, at the Veterans Regional Hospital in Houston, Texas.

He was born March 31, 1924, in Jupiter, Florida, to the late Abner and Bessie Martin Brooker.

Mr. Brooker was a member of the Cedar Lane Baptist Church and a resident of Cedar Lane since 1990.

He served with the 1st Marine Division during World War II.

He participated in occupations of Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester, Peleliu and the Palau group of islands.

He was wounded in action September 1944. Mr. Brooker retired as a supervisor from Serta Mattress Co. after 40 years of service.

Survivors include: his wife of 60 years, Kathryn Shipman Brooker of Cedar Lane, Texas; son and daughter-in-law, Raymond Lee and Nancy Brooker of Bay City; sister, Nina Jean Price of Florida; brother, Elmer Brooker of Okeechobee, Florida; five grandchildren, Katie Brooker, Justin D. Brooker, Amanda L. Brooker and Mycah K. Brooker, all of Bay City, and Jannell Bostic Davidson of North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by: his son, Edgar Lee Brooker; brothers, Cecil, Kermis, Edward, and Lecoats Brooker; and sisters, Bessie O’Neal and Gladys Lanier.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 29, 2006, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Zack Nicholson officiating.

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

Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

The Bay City Tribune, January 29, 2006                             Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

BROWN, CLIFFORD

Graveside services for Clifford Brown, 64, were held May 10 at 2 p.m. at Hawley Cemetery with Rev. J. R. Gwin officiating.

Brown, the son of James Samuel and Lovey Chamberlain Brown, was born Sept. 24, 1918 in Damos, TX and died May 8, 1893 at Wagner General Hospital.

He was an 11 year resident of the city and a veteran of World War II, having served in the Army.

Survivors include his wife, Merry Gaines Brown of Palacios; one daughter, Lanny McCorkle of Palacios; one son, Buckey McKaskle of Arlington; two sisters, Lela Mae Tatum of Van Vleck and Lillie Russell of West Columbia; two brothers, Elby Brown of Van Vleck and Bill Brown of West Columbia and five grandchildren.

Pallbearers include grandsons, Tom Holsworth, Mason Holsworth, John Allen Derrick, Lang Parma, Michael Williams and Jad Stepp.

Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Matagorda County, Texas

BROWN, JOEL LANE

Joel Lane Brown, 48, of Blessing, passed away Tuesday, January 18, 2005, in Houston, Texas.

He was born November 13, 1956, in Port Lavaca to the late Willis Harold Brown and Dorothy Powell Brown.

He was a lifelong resident of Blessing, a Vietnam veteran for the U.S. Army, a member of the Blessing Volunteer Fire Department and a member of Cecil Lee American Legion Post 649 of Blessing.

He is survived by: his wife, Guadalupe U. Brown of Blessing; mother, Dorothy Harvey of Point Comfort; paternal grandmother, Goldie Ruth Brown of New Mexico; daughter, Brandy Brown of Arkansas; sons and daughters-in-law, Clifton J. and Sarah Brown of Blessing, Steven R. and Tracey Brown of Victoria, Christopher Brown of Arkansas and Taylor Brown of Las Vegas, Nevada; step-sons and daughters-in-law, Ricky and Melinda Galvan of Silsbee, Robbie and Rachel Galvan of Blessing, and Rudy Galvan of Bay City; sisters, Aleta Hoodless of Florida and Deborah McGahey of Round Rock; brothers, Willis Harold Brown of Port O’Connor and James Brown of Port Lavaca; and by eight grandchildren, Melissa, Richard, and Christi Galvan, Anna and Freddie Alameda, Joseph, Eric, and Derrick Galvan.

He was preceded in death by: his father, Willis Harold Brown; grandparents, Herman and Minnie Powell and Clifton Brown; his brother-in-law, Charles Hoodless; and his great-grandson, Little Freddie Alameda.

A prayer service was held at 7 p.m. Friday, January 21, 2005, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Chapel. The funeral service was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 22, 2005, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Chapel with Collins MaGahey officiating. Interment followed at Midfield Cemetery, Midfield, Texas.

Pallbearers were Billy Jalufka, George Capak, Rodney Cargle, Miky Duddly, Gean Green, and Bennie Judkins.

Honorary pallbearers were Ricky, Robbie, and Rudy Galvan.

Arrangements were with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas.

The Bay City Tribune
January 23, 2005
Matagorda County, Texas

BROWN, MICHAEL A.

BAY CITY [Matagorda County, Texas] - Michael A. Brown, 51, of Bay City, died Thursday, June 21, 2001. He was born December 31, 1949 in Bay City to Daisy Argo Brown and the late Elby Brown.

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Brown of Bay City; son and daughter in law, Kurtis and Christy Brown; daughter and son in law, Kimberli and Mark Bormes; mother, Daisy Brown; brothers, Ronald Brown, and John and Gaylene Brown, Kathy and Gayle Brown; sisters, Susan and Greg Grimm, Lisa and Jody Kabina, Melanie and John Sheppard and Connie Stavinoha, and a host of nieces and nephews. He is also survived by three grandchildren: Easton Brown, Ashley Thompson, and Zachary Borgsmiller, and mother in law, Charlotte DeLaGarza. He is preceded in death by his father Elby Brown, and by his daughter, Suzie Malek.

Mike Brown dedicated most of his adult life to serving his country and community. He was a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran, who served in the Vietnam war, receiving two Purple Hearts. He was a lifetime member of V.F.W. Post 2412. Mike was very involved in community activities, having served as president of the Van Vleck Little League, and coached Van Vleck Babe Ruth teams for several years. He also served as a coach for the Van Vleck Pee Wee Football League. Mike Brown was elected to the Van Vleck School Board and served from 1989-1993.

Mike's law enforcement career began as an officer with the Houston Police Department. In 1984 Mike was employed by the Matagorda County Sheriff's Department. At the time of his death, he held the rank of Patrol Captain.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 24, 2001 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Oliver Southall, Rev. Sam Steele and Sheriff James Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck, Texas. 

Graveside honors will be under the auspices of the Bay City Law Enforcement Honor Guard and V.F.W. Post 2438. 

Pallbearers include, Lt. Mark Holland, Sgt. Mitch Irwin, Deputy Wayne Stephens, Deputy Mike Abercrombie, Deputy Bill Orton, and Deputy Clayton Irwin. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be the Matagorda County Sheriff's Department. Memorials may be made to Hospice Support Care, P.O. Box 1417, El Campo, Texas 77437.

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

THE VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Saturday June 23, 2001                                     Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

BROWN, SHIRLEY W.

Shirley W. Brown, 93, of Bay City died June 15, 2004 at his son's residence in Pearland, Texas. He was born December 26, 1910 in Gardo, Alabama to the late William Etheridge and Celphie Lowe Brown.

Mr. Brown was a resident of Bay City since 1920. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the US Army, and was a member of the Bay City Volunteer Fire Department for 42 years.

Mr. Brown served as an ambulance driver and funeral home assistant with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home during the late 1940's and early 1950's, then he served as manager of the Taylor Bros. Used Furniture Store. After that he worked for many years at Taylor Steves Furniture Store.

Survivors include: his son and daughter-in-law, Garey G. and Jane Brown of Pearland; and one granddaughter, Angela Renee Brown of Pearland.

He was preceded in death by his wife Florence Mae Brown; sister, Flora Belle Smith; and brothers, Charles, Allen, Henry, and William E. Jr. Brown.

Funeral service was held 2 p.m., Friday, June 18, 2004, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Chester Sassman officiating.

Interment followed at Cedarvale Cemetery with military honors under the auspices of Philip H. Parker VFW Post No. 2438.

Pallbearers were Jeff Elliott, Doug Huebner, Howard Carroll, Jim Hendrickson, Taylor Steves, and Kyle Lackey.

Arrangements were with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

The Bay City Tribune, Sunday, June 20, 2004                      Photos courtesy of Faye Cunningham

BRUMLEY, JACK

Jack Brumley
May 18, 1924 - Oct. 25, 2006

Jack Brumley, 82, of Bay City, passed away Wednesday, October 25, 2006.

He was born May 18, 1924 in Ben Franklin, Texas to Larkin Jasper Brumley and Myrtle Dean Mullins Brumley. He was a lifelong resident of Bay City, a member of the Pentecostal Church, and a veteran of the US Army Air Force during World War II.

He is survived by: his daughters, Jackie McIntosh of Tyler and Cindy Graves and husband Boe of Pasadena; by his sons, James Brumley and wife Sherry of Bay City, Borden Brumley of Oyster Creek and Jack "Jay" Brumley, II and wife Simona of Bay City; by his sisters, Hazel Gola of Bay City and Faye Hadley Chatham, Alabama; and by 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by: his wife, Elizabeth Brumley; by his parents, Larkin J. and Myrtle Brumley; by his sisters, Edna Stone, Thelma Gola, Jo Smith and Frankie Socha; and by his brothers, Austin Brumley and H. T. Brumley.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, October 27, 2006 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with the Rev. Sam Starks and Dr. Marvin Moore officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

His grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.taylorbros.net.

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

Bay City Tribune, October 29, 2006                Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

Billy J. Bullard
Roselawn Memorial Park, Van Vleck, Texas
 

GEORGE BUMP JR.

VAN VLECK - George Bump Jr., 80, of Van Vleck, passed away Wednesday Feb. 27, 2008 at his home. He was born May 15, 1927, in Blessing, to the late Elva Orelia Rickaway Bump and George Franklin Bump Sr.
 
Mr. Bump served his country during World War II as a member of the United States Army. He was a life long resident of Matagorda County.

He is survived by two daughters, Kay Winters and husband Carlton of Markham and Landle Strelec and husband Lee of Van Vleck; son, David E. Bump of Galveston; three sisters, Ruby Petty of Portland, Syble Watson of Baytown, and Darlene Hoffman and husband Wilbur of Markham; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
 

Mr. Bump was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Alma L. Bump.
 

The family will be receiving visitors from 5-7 p.m. Sunday at the Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, March 3, 2008 at Hawley Cemetery with Chaplain Don A. Storey Sr. officiating.

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

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

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 2/28/2008.
 

BYRD, J. T. "BUBBA"

J. T. "Bubba" Byrd, 77, of Bay City, passed away Monday, September 24, 2001 in Bay City. He was born March 10, 1924 in Sulphur Springs, Texas to Robert Paul Byrd and Sybil Brem Byrd.

He was a lifelong resident of Bay City, a member of the Masonic Lodge, and a former member of the Bay City Volunteer Fire Department and the Matagorda County Board of Realtors, and was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Gary Orsak of Bay City, Nancy and Joey Sliva of Bay City, Jean and Darrell Piwonda of Humble; by his son and daughter-in-law, John Darryl and Stella Byrd of Taylor; and by nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Katynel Byrd in 1998, by his parents, Robert Paul and Sybil Byrd, by his brother, Robert Paul and Sybil Byrd, by his brother, Robert Paul Byrd, Jr., and by his grandson-in-law, Jeff Nance.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, September 28 at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Tom Crowe officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery, Bay City.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons and grandsons-in-law.

Contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Bay City.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2001SP26

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Wednesday, September 26, 2001

 Courtesy of Gale French

Katynel B. Byrd

Funeral services for Katynel Bond Byrd, 70, of Bay City were held at 2 p. m. Sunday, Dec. 20, 1998, at First United Methodist Church of Bay City, Rev. Horace McMillian officiating. Interment followed at Cedarvale Cemetery.

Byrd died Friday, Dec. 18 in Bay City. She was born Sept. 17, 1928 in Bay City to Everett E. Bond and Salome Hickman Bond. She was a lifelong resident of Matagorda County and a member of First United Methodist of Bay City.

Byrd is survived by her husband of 51 years, J. T. “Bubba” Byrd of Bay City; daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Gary Orsak of Bay City, Nancy and Joey Sliva of Bay City and Jean and Darrell Piwonka of Humble; son and daughter-in-law, Darryl and Stella Byrd of Georgetown; special friend and care giver, Carol Nevarez of Bay City; grandchildren, Karrie Orsak, Kristi and Jeff Nance, Stuart and Jennifer Sliva, Stefanie and Steven Armatta, Marc Byrd, Matt Byrd, Wendy and Les Walker, Kelly Piwonka, and Justin Piwonka; and great grandchildren, Bonnor Walker and Mason and Morgan Sliva. She was preceded in death by her parents, Everett E. and Salome Bone; sister, Cleo Jeanes; and brother, Woody Bond.

Pallbearers were her grandsons and grandsons-in-law; Justin Piwonka, Stuart Sliva, Marc Byrd, Matt Byrd, Jeff Nance, Steven Armatta, Les Walker, and Terry Wolfe.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

Daily Tribune, December 22, 1998
 

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