Photos courtesy of Faye Cunningham unless otherwise specified.
 

James Ira “J. I.” Barron

James Ira “J. I.” Barron, 85, of Bay City, passed away Thursday, June 28, 2001, in Houston, Texas.

He was born April 2, 1916, in Jewett, Texas to James Lawrence Barron and Mary Ella Dezelle Barron.

He was a member of the First Christian Church of Bay City, was a resident of Bay City for 54 years, and was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U. S. Army Air Force.

Mr. Barron was a graduate of Sam Houston State University and taught briefly in Groesbeck, Texas.

He retired from the Bay City I. S. D. after serving 34 years as Band Director at Bay City High School.

He is survived by: his daughter and son-in-law, Paula and Ken Judice of Katy; sister, Mildred Kennedy of Waco; grandchildren, Jill Judice of Brenham, and Grant Judice of Austin.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Nell Clay Barron and by his son, James Lawrence Barron.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. Monday, July 2, 2001, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Gary McCormick, of Katy, officiating.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a. m. Tuesday, July 3, 2001, at Faulkenberry Cemetery in Groesbeck, with the Rev. Troy Brooks of Groesbeck officiating.

Arrangements ae with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. A00011A2001JL01

Daily Tribune, July 1, 2001               Courtesy of Virginia Sowell
 

Nicholas Allen Batchelor
December 6, 1953 – August 19, 2026

Nicholas Allen Batchelor, affectionately known as Nick, passed away on August 19, 2026, in Bay City, Texas, at the age of 72. Nick was born in December 1953 in Missouri to Frank and Barbara Batchelor. He grew up in Guy, Texas, attended Needville High School, and later graduated from Texas State University. 

In 1977, Nick married Alice Batchelor, and together they raised their two daughters, Krystal and Amber, in West Columbia. They shared 38 years of marriage until Alice’s passing in 2015. 

Nick spent much of his working life serving and protecting others. He worked as a security guard for Dow Chemical Company before beginning a career with the State of Texas as a parole officer. He retired from that position in 2015. 

Nick had a lifelong love of music. When he was younger, he enjoyed playing the drums, and for several years he brought his love of music and celebration to others as a wedding DJ. Music remained a special part of his life, and he loved sharing it with family and friends. 

In the later years of his life, Nick embraced one of his greatest passions: seeing the country and enjoying the outdoors. For the past eight years, he shared that adventure with his partner, Kay Lynn Robertson of Bay City along with their two dogs, Roxie and Walter. Together, they traveled in their motorhome, visiting national parks and making memories along the way. 

Nick loved the outdoors and could often be found hunting, fishing, riding his bike, or hiking. He had a deep appreciation for Texas history and a lifelong love of football. He especially cherished time spent with his four grandchildren and loved attending their sporting events and cheering them on. 

Nick will be deeply missed by his daughters, Krystal Batchelor of Houston, Texas, married to Justin Fojtik, and Amber Neal of West Columbia, Texas, married to Kyle Neal; his four grandchildren, Brooklyn Fojtik, Addison Fojtik, Harper Neal, and Corbin Neal; his partner, Kay Lynn Robertson; and his sister and brother-in-law, Cindy and Johnny Magee. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice, and his parents, Frank and Barbara Batchelor. 

A viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Damon, Texas. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society. 

C. T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home, West Columbia, Texas
 

Joseph Beyer Jr.

Funeral services for Joseph Beyer, 77, of Palacios, will be held on May 16 at 1 p. m. at the Carancahua Community Center, located at 829 CR 477 in Palacios.

Joseph was born in June 13, 1948 in Sioux City, Iowa. He married his loving wife, Laurie Beyer, in 1970 in Vietnam and together they shared 56 years of marriage. He, Laurie and the children lived in Chicago, Illinois for eight years before moving to Palacios in 1979.

Joseph was a proud Vietnam Veteran and was known for his quick wit in telling jokes and making people smile. He worked as an electrician and switched later to home remodeling.

Joseph was a devoted husband and loving father to four children: Joseph Beyer III (Jenny), Diane Shawgo (Todd), Pamela Jackson (John), and Mailynn Rodriguez (bomb?), a cherished grandfather of nine and a wonderful great-grandfather of four.

Palacios Beacon, May 6, 2026
 

Eddie Dean "Dean" Blackwell
July 7, 1936 - June 16, 2026

Funeral services for Eddie Dean "Dean" Blackwell, 89, of Chandler, Texas, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22, 2026, at Chandler First Assembly of God with Rev. Samuel Starks officiating. Interment will follow at Chandler Memorial Cemetery, with Pastor Mark Fulks officiating at the graveside service.

Dean passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, in Tyler, Texas.

Born on July 7, 1936, in Bay City, Texas, Dean was the son of Albert Wade Blackwell and Fawn Flora Adams Blackwell. He graduated from Palacios High School in 1955 and proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1959 to 1965. Dean began his career as a rice farmer before dedicating more than 50 years to ranch management. Whether he was working with his herd or thinking about ways to improve it, cattle were never far from his mind. Dean also drove a school bus for over 30 years for the Brownsboro Independent School District. In addition to his work, Dean enjoyed woodworking, playing 84, and watching rodeos and bull riding. More than anything, he treasured time spent with his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud Popa.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Neil Blackwell.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 64 years, Fay Blackwell of Chandler; daughters, Robin Benton-Williams and husband Wayne Williams of Flower Mound, and Kristi Allison of Frisco; son, Shannon Dean Blackwell and wife Melanie of Flint; sister, Naomi Jean Starks and husband Samuel of Liberty Hill; grandchildren, Bailey Nicole Ebsen and husband Jake, Bryce Benton, Addisen Blackwell, Jordan Allison, and Payton Allison; great-grandchildren, Oliver Ebsen and Lydia Ebsen; brother-in-law, Ray Reid of Oklahoma City; and numerous extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., one hour prior to the service, at Chandler First Assembly of God.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Chandler Memorial Funeral Home.

Chandler Memorial Funeral Home, Chandler, Texas
 

Mary Boatwright
Jan 2, 1937 — Aug 1, 2026

Mary Evelyn Boatwright, 89, of Glen Flora, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Clemville, Texas on January 2, 1937, to the late Thomas Russell and Mary Scherrer Frieze.

Mary was raised in the Bay City area and attended graduated from Bay City High School. She married Edmond Boatwright in Wharton. Together, they lived a happy life in Glen Flora. Edmond preceded her in death on October 15, 2024, after 65 years of wedded bliss. Mary worked as a district clerk for NGPL, now known as Kinder Morgan for 25 years. She enjoyed painting, growing flowers, gardening and hunting. Mary was a lover of animals, often taking in stray dogs and cats and loving them as her own. She was a faithful member of College Heights Baptist Church in Wharton. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Ward Pope and brother, Billie Frieze. Mary is survived by several nieces, nephews and many friends and neighbors.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, August 6 at Wharton Funeral Home. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Wharton. Serving as pallbearers will be Bouncie Cerny, Tim Krenek, Wayne Frieze, Cody Boatwright, Jacob Bartley and Bennie Marek.

Funeral services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.

Wharton Funeral Home
 

Edna Bouldin

Funeral services for Edna Bouldin, 90, of Waco, are scheduled for 10 a. m. Wednesday at Wilkirson-Hatch Chapel with Dr. W. D. Baker officiating. Burial will follow at McGregor Cemetery in McGregor.

Mrs. Bouldin was born March 16, 1904, in Fairy, in Hamilton County and died July 25 in a Waco nursing home.

She married E. E. “Gene” Bouldin in 1920 and they lived in McGregor until 1955 when he died. She moved to Bay City and then back to Waco in 1993. She was an interior decorator and worked at Stratton-Stricker furniture in Waco from 1950 to 1955. She then worked at various furniture stores in Bay City until her retirement in 1990. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Bay City.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Anne and Raymond Clenn of Waco; five grandchildren, Randy and Keith Robert, both of Waco, Chris Bouldin of Bay City, Joe R. Bouldin of Ennis, Sherri Smith of Houston; three step-grandchildren, Nelson Glenn of Woodinville, Wash., Wendy Gutensohn of Lynwood, Wash., Sally Harms of Livingston, Mont.; 10 great-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Henry E. Bouldin and Joe B. Bouldin.

Arrangements are with Wilkirson-Hatch Funeral Home of Waco.

Daily Tribune, Bay City, Texas, July 1994            Courtesy of Virginia Sowell
 

Joseph F. Bowerman

Joseph F. Bowerman was born in Polk County, Tennessee, September 28, 1852. He passed to his eternal home, December 20, 1934.

On December 26, 1877, he was united in marriage to Miss Laura Coxey, who has been his companion and helper in every trial and difficulty, and in every joy and happiness, for the past 57 years. To this union were born seven children, four boys and three girls.

From Polk County, Tennessee, he moved to Arkansas in 1879. From Arkansas he with his family moved to Texas in 1886 and settled in Central Texas. In 1897 he moved to El Campo where he made his home until 1926. He was engaged in farming and carpentry.

Palacios became his home in 1926. He lived here until December 20, 1934, when he went to live in a mansion prepared by his Saviour for him.

While in his teens he accepted Christ as his Saviour and became a member of a Baptist Church. Since that time he has belonged to several Baptist Churches. He became a member of the First Baptist Church of Palacios soon after he moved to Palacios. He has ever been faithful to his Church and true to His Master. His manner of living is a living testimony for God.

There are surviving: his widow; five children, J. F. Bowerman of Eakly, Oklahoma, J. B. Bowerman of Houston, A. L. Bowerman of El Campo, Mrs. Dora Johnston of El Campo, and Mrs. Allie Birks of Houston; and a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral was held Friday from the First Baptist Church with Rev. Geo. D. McClelland and Rev. J. A. Derrick conducting the services, with music furnished by the male quartette from the First Baptist Church: Arnold Burton, Jess Richards, T. S. Forehand and A. M. Stadig, Mrs. Feather accompanist. Interment was made in the O. D. H. S. cemetery at El Campo, under the direction of the Palacios Funeral home, Pall bearers were Alfred Nelson, F. J. McCall, H. Bentz, W. H. Clements, A. B. Cairnes, and A. M. Stadig.

Palacios Beacon, December 27, 1934
 

Michael Lawrence Boyd
July 18, 1956 - July 16, 2026

Michael Lawrence Boyd, 69, of Bay City passed away July 16, 2026. He was born July 18, 1956 in Bay City.

He retired from Phillips in Old Ocean, TX after 30 years of service.

He was preceded in death by his parents Rheual Albert Boyd and Shirley Besaw Boyd; stepmom Leona Inez Boyd; grandparents Lawrence Besaw, Caroline Besaw and sister Sandra Jo Hawkins.

He is survived by sisters Julie Ann Boyd Prince of Conroe, TX, Linda Stains of Wharton, TX and Betty Black (Billy) of Bay City, TX and nieces and nephews Brandon Hawkins, Braden Hawkins, Mark Hawkins, Jaxon Hawkins, Katie Hawkins, Haley Hawkins, Jimmy Prince, Joseph Prince, Wayne Hawkins, Ella Hawkins, Bryant Hawkins, Keith Stains, Dustin Black and Justin Black.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 Am Monday, July 27, 2026 at the First Pentecostal Church in Bay City with Bros. Keith Stains officiating.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Tommie R. Bradley

Edna—Funeral services for Tommie Robert Bradley, 67, of Edna, formerly of Bay City, will be held at 10 a. m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church in Markham with the Rev. Joe Ramsey and the Rev. J. A. Munson officiating.

Burial will be in Memory Gardens of Edna under direction of the Slavik Funeral Home.

Mr. Bradley was born Sept. 6, 1913, in Podo, Okla., and formerly lived in Bay City for 18 years before coming to Edna. He was retired from LCRA.

Surviving are his wife Ruby, of Edna, whom he married in 1934; three daughters, Mrs. Fred (Marian) Psencik and Mrs. Ruth Grona, both of Edna and Mrs. Joe (Linda) Junek of Blessing; four sons, Kenneth Roy of Edna, Harvey Gene of Arcadia, David Lynn of Markham and Thomas J. of Mission; four sisters, Mrs. Ethel Lloyd of Holiday, Mrs. Verna Boyd and Mrs. Gladys Christopher of Vernon, and Mrs. Willie Johnson of Grapevine; two brothers, Roy of Liverpool and James of Arcadia; 22 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Michael and Kelly Bradley, Preston and Darryl Atkinson and Randy Allums. Honorary pallbearers will be Ed Bradley, Wesley Atkinson and Joe Junek Jr.

Victoria Advocate, July 7& 8, 1981
 

Ida Fay Rodden Brown

Ida Fay Rodden Brown, 88, of Bay City, died November 8, 2004 at Triumph Hospital in Sugar Land.

She was born September 26, 1916, to the late James Franklin and Lemma Cook Rodden.

Mrs. Brown was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, a resident of Bay City since 1996 and a former longtime resident of Houston.

She also was a member of the Order of Eastern Star No. 380, and was a retired operator with the City of Houston.

Survivors include: two sons, Daniel Franklin Fortenberry of Conroe, and Jack Fortenberry of Midfield, Texas; by seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, Sidney Brown; sister, Eva Smith; and brother, Stafford Rodden.

Funeral service will be at 10 a. m. Thursday, November 11, 2004, at Calvary Baptist church, with the Rev. Chester Sassman officiating.

Interment will be at 2 p. m. at South Park Cemetery in Pearland.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons.

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

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

Daily Tribune, November 2004            Courtesy of Virginia Sowell
 

Karl Wayne Brown Jr.
February 19, 1993 – September 29, 2-26

Remembering Karl “KJ” Wayne Brown, Jr.

On Friday, February 19, 1993, Kim Willett and Karl Wayne Brown, Sr. welcomed their baby boy, Karl Wayne Brown, Jr. “KJ” into the world. From the beginning, KJ would grow to become someone who enjoyed life, loved his family, loved to laugh, and probably more importantly, loved making everybody else laugh.

Growing up, KJ attended school in Bay City and proudly graduated with the Bay City High School Class of 2012. Following high school, he continued his education at Tyler Community College. KJ was a hard worker who spent time working in construction as a pipefitter and later worked with Sheakley Group Safety Staffing as a safety manager.

But anybody who really knew KJ knows that work was only part of his story. KJ enjoyed having a good time! He loved football, working out, fishing, raising dogs and sitting around playing dominoes, spades or poker. And yes, KJ was competitive. He enjoyed watching the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots and could sit back and enjoy Friday, The 85 South Show, Bernie Mac or Arnez J. He also enjoyed traveling, especially spending time in Louisiana and Puerto Rico. And everyone who knew KJ knew that he was a man who really loved the ladies! That was just another part of KJ being KJ.

KJ was a natural comedian and a serious prankster.  You never quite knew what he might say or do next. If you left your drink unattended around him, you might come back and discover that KJ had added a little something extra—like salt and pepper! Then there were those KJ sayings. If something funny or embarrassing happened around him, you might hear, “You gone be famous on that YouTube!” And if somebody decided they wanted to test him, KJ might quickly remind them, “Silly rabbit, you better off playing in busy traffic than playing with me!” That was KJ. He could make people laugh, and sometimes just being around him was entertainment.

Behind the jokes and laughter, however, was a man who loved his family. Some of the family’s most precious memories are the road trips they shared together. KJ especially treasured his daughter, Kalaya. Her birth was one of the great moments of his life. Those were the moments that mattered.

KJ’s Christian foundation began at Mt. Zion Church of God in Christ in Markham, and later he became affiliated with Mother Zion Missionary Baptist Church. One of the Scriptures he held dear was John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

There was another side of KJ that the jokes sometimes hid. KJ was a survivor. He faced ailments and challenges, but he continued to push through. He kept living. He kept laughing. He kept loving his family. And he kept being KJ. His life reminds us that strength doesn’t always look serious. Sometimes strength continues to laugh when life gives you reasons to cry.

On Tuesday, September 29, 2026, KJ’s earthly journey came to an end at only 33 years old. His family says that KJ wanted to be remembered as a great son, father, brother, friend and comedian. We can say with absolute certainty, this is a true reflection of the remarkable man we were blessed to know, cherish and love so deeply.

Those who will continue to laugh, smile and reflect on these and so many other memories include his daughter, Kalaya Brown of Orlando, Florida; his parents, Kem (Dadwanda) Willett and Karl Wayne Brown, Sr.; his siblings, Andre (Shay) Brown of Elgin, Illinois, Derek (Chelsey) Brown of Playa Del Rey, California, Louis Linley of Bay City, and Keysha Dickerson of Florida; grandfather, Dwight L. (Zelma) Willett; aunts, Dorren Davis, Donna Roberts; uncles, Dwight (Julie) A. Willett, Aaron H. (Tammie) Willett, and Elmore Brown (Evelyn), along with a host of family members, friends and loved ones.

KJ now joins those who made the transition before him, including his grandmothers, Goldie Irene Morris and Fredonia Williams Brown; grandfather, Elmore Brown, Sr.; sister, Makesha Linley; aunts, Evelyn Jackson, Georgia Brown, Cathy Brown and Sarah Bosworth; and uncle, Benny Brown.

There will certainly be some tears because KJ left us much too soon. But somewhere between the tears there will also be laughter, because you simply cannot remember KJ without remembering something funny. And knowing KJ, if we get to laughing too hard while remembering one of his pranks, we can almost hear him saying: “You gone be famous on that YouTube!”

Visitation: Friday, October 9, 2026. 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Lakeside Memorial Chapel, 3318 Ave D, Bay City, TX 77414

Farewell Ceremony: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 11:00 am, Bay City Civic Center, 201 7th St., Bay City, TX 77414

Lakeside Memorial Chapel
 

Cassie Mae Mae Bryant
February 16, 1939 ~ June 18, 2024

Services

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: Saturday, June 29, 2024, 10:00 AM, J. Robinson & Sons Mortuary Chapel , Bay City, 2702 Avenue C., Bay City, TX 77414

PRIVATE INTERMENT

J. Robinson & Sons Mortuary Chapel Bay City, 2702 Avenue C., Bay City, TX 77414, J. Robinson & Sons Mortuary
 

Willie Bryant Jr.

Matthews Funeral Home, Wharton, Texas
 

Bobby Bullard
July 2, 1939 – May 7, 2010

Bobby Gerald Bullard, 70, of Caldwell, formerly of Brenham, passed away, on Friday, May 7, 2010, as the result of an automobile accident.

The family has requested no services at this time, but would like for all his friends to share comments and thoughts through www.hillierfuneralhome.com.

Bob was born outside Dardanelle, Arkansas, and grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Kansas City, Missouri.

He gained an early love of music as a member of The Tulsa Boys Singers.

He graduated from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas in 1962 and continued his education a Texas Tech University, earning a Masters in Music Education.

After early teaching assignments in Seagraves and Snyder in West Texas, Bob taught vocal music at Blinn College for many years, eventually assuming the role of Chairman of the Fine Arts department.

Finding retirement unfulfilling, he returned to teaching as choir director in Bay City.

Bobby inspired children to be their best and will be missed.

He enjoyed music of all kinds, but especially classical. Bob continued teaching until the end of his life and lived life to the fullest.

Survivors include: his loving wife, Sandra Bullard of Caldwell; children, Ashlea Harvey of Houston and Britt Bullard of Spring; granddaughter, Katherine Bullard; and numerous extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to any charity that encourages music education, such as the Texas Music Project, 1009 Woodbriar, Dr. Grapevine, Texas 76051.

Please view and sign the guestbook at www.hillierfuneralhome.com.

Daily Tribune, May 2010                     Courtesy of Virginia Sowell