Matagorda County Obituaries
T
Billie Jo Taylor
September 21, 1950 — January 17, 2018
In Loving Memory of Billie Jo Miller Mask Hensley Taylor September 21, 1950 ~ January 17, 2018 Billie Jo Miller Mask Hensley Taylor (67) went to be with the Lord on January 17, 2018 in Boling Texas. She was born on September 21, 1950, In Wharton, Texas to Leonard Miller Sr., and Ruth Joines Miller. She attended school in Hungerford and later in Wharton. She graduated from Wharton High School in 1969. She worked as a teacher assistant/secretary for Boling, Bay City, and Wharton ISDs, where she retired in 2016. She enjoyed working with kids of all ages. She was a part of the Boling Lioness Club and helped with 4-h throughout the years. She loved being part of her children and grandchildren’s lives and activities. She was always there to support in any way possible. She was known for her loving nature and quick smiles and hugs. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her father, and her brother, Leonard Miller, Jr. She leaves behind to cherish her memories her husband, William Taylor, her mother; Ruth Joines Miller, her daughter and son-in-law, Dee Ann and John Shumbera; her son and daughter-in-law, Joe Wayne and Julie Mask; her niece and nephew, Rachel Martin and Steve Miller; her husband’s children, John Kim Taylor, Maria and Steven Laws, and Hilda Taylor. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Anagayl, Jennifer, Eliska, Kristen, Brant, Paul, David, Daniel, Joseph, Victoria, and Elizabeth. Visitation will be January 26, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. at Wharton Funeral Home and Funeral Services will be Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Wharton Funeral Home with James Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jon Dwayne Joines, Tomas Gene Joines, Bill Joines, Jr., Joe Ray Joines, Gary Joines, Johnny Lowe, and Terry Lowe. In lieu of flowers make donations to either of the church youth groups where her grandkids are active. Franklin Church of Christ 517 Bremond Street Franklin Texas 77856 (979)828-4205 or St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church 207 Bob-O-Link Lane Wharton, Texas 77488 (979) 532-1723 Funeral services under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www.whartonfuneralhome.com.
Wharton
Funeral Home
Galveston—David James Taylor, 38, of Galveston, died 8 p. m. Saturday after a sudden illness.
Services are 11 a. m. Wednesday at Market Street Baptist Church in Galveston. A wake will be held 7-8 p. m. today at Green’s Funeral Directors Chapel in Galveston. The Rev. James Thomas will officiate.
Born June 19, 1951, in Bay City, Mr. Taylor was a coordinator and outreach specialist for Community Care For Aids Inc. a Minority Leadership Project. A graduate of Bay City High School in Bay City, Mr. Taylor attended Houston-Tillotson College in Austin.
Survivors include his mother, Mrs. Joy Williams; a son, David B. Taylor; four brothers, Gary Taylor, Kevin Finley, Don Finley and Eric Hilliard, all of Galveston; and numerous other relatives and friends.
Visitors may call at the funeral home after 4 p. m. today, Aug. 29, 1989.
Pallbearers will be friends of the family.
Galveston Daily News, August 29, 1989
Edith F. Thames, 66, of Bay City died Dec 17 at the Matagorda General Hospital. She had been a resident of Bay City 26 years and a member of the Temple Baptist Church. Survivors include: husband, George Thames of Bay City; daughter, Donna Cheryl Stewart of Bay City; son Edell Watts of Odessa; sisters, Opel Hartsel of Tulsa, Okla and Onida Sewell of Spiro, Oklahoma; Brother, Gilbert Baxter of Trackwood, Arkansas and Burl Baxter of Los Angeles, Calif.; and 6 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Dec 19 at the Taylor Bros. Chapel at 10:00 a. m., with Rev. Oliver Southall officiating. Interment will be in the Cedarvale Cemetery. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.
The Daily Tribune, December 18, 1974
Funeral services for George Levinson Thames, 87, of Bay City are scheduled for 10 a. m., Wednesday Jan. 21 at the Bay City Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery with Military graveside conducted by Philip H. Parker VFW Post 2438 Honor Guard.
George Thames, a 72 year resident of Bay City, passed away Jan 18 at Bay Villa Nursing Home. He was born Oct. 11 in McDade, Bastrop County to parents John William and Willie Calpurnia Bishop Thames. He served as tank instructor during WWII and was a retired cotton farmer. He drove a dump truck for 30-40 years.
Survivors include his daughter an son-in-law, Donna S. and Charles Gola of Bay City; step son, Udell Watts of Odessa; grandchildren, Ronnie Young, Mike Stuart, David Watts, Rita Brake, Tommy Watts, and Rhonda Hicks; step granddaughter, Susie Baggerly; great grandchildren, Chad and Natasha Brake, Jeremy Hicks, Denton Watts, David Lee Watts and Ashley Stuart; one great great grandson. Preceded in death by parents; wife, Edith Fern Baxter; brother, Chester Quinton Thames. [Survived by] Susie Marie Chamrad of Big Springs; nephews, Kenneth L. Thames, Lloyd Dale Thames of Bay City; uncles, Henry Cullen Thames of Rosebud, Arkansas and Jack Leonard Smith of Big Spring.
Pallbearers are grandsons and nephews, Michael Stuart, Ronnie Young, Lloyd Thames, Kenneth Thames, David Watts and Tommy Watts. Honorary pallbearer, Kerry Gola.
Arrangements are with Bay City Funeral Home.
The Daily Tribune, January 20, 1998
Homegoing Celebration of Life for Mother Ruby Lee Thomas, age 98, of Houston, Texas, formerly of Bay City, Texas will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 29, 2023 at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 3300 Avenue F, Bay City, Texas 77414, where Dr. T. L. Richardson is Pastor and Eulogist.
Burial will follow at East View Cemetery, Golden Avenue, Bay City, Texas 77414.
Public visitation will also be on Saturday, July 29, 2023 from 10 a.m. until service time at the church.
The full obituary, signing of the guest registry and online condolence have been made available by visiting our website at duncanrobertsfuneralhome.com
Bay City Tribune, July 26, 2023
Nancy Jane Thompson
Mrs. Mary Jane Thompson
Mrs. Mary Jane Thompson, mother of our fellowtownsman, Mr. T. W. Thompson, died suddenly yesterday morning at the home of her son, at the age of 79 years, 2 months and 23 days, and was buried this afternoon at 3:30 o’clock following religious services conducted by Rev. O. E. Vivion at the Methodist Church.
Mrs. Thompson leaves a sister in Louisiana and a brother in Dallas and three children including Mr. T. M. Thompson, of this city, and with whom she has been making her home for the past several years. She was a devout Christian and a long time member of the Methodist Church.
The Tribune joins the many friends of the family in the sincere expressions of sympathy.
The Daily Tribune, April 6, 1923
Sherry Lynn Thompson
18-Year-Old Killed In Crash E. Sam Houston
Miss Sherry Lynn Thompson, 18, of Pharr, died Sunday in the Baptist Hospital in Harlingen from injuries received in a two car accident Saturday night at the intersection of East Sam Houston and South “I” Road.
Miss Thompson was in a car driven by James W. Tyler of Mission which was in collision with another car driven by Lyle Hunter of San Juan. The Tyler car was crossing on “I” Road and the Hunter car was traveling on Sam Houston.
Tyler, Lyle Hunter and son, Lee Hunter, a passenger in the Hunter car, were all taken to the McAllen Hospital for treatment. Miss Thompson was first taken to the McAllen Hospital and transferred to Harlingen on Sunday where she died at about 1 p. m. from the injuries.
Tyler, who had recently returned from duty in Vietnam and Miss Thompson were to have been married in a few weeks.
Miss Thompson had lived here only five months, living with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Prentice Thompson, of Valencia, Holiday Village, Pharr. She was a bank teller at the First State Bank & Trust Co. at Edinburg. She was a graduate of Bay City High School and attended Howard Payne College, Brownwood, where she was named football sweetheart.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 21st, 4 p. m. at the Calvary Baptist Church, McAllen, with burial in Roselawn Cemetery.
Other survivors are her paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Cleo Thompson of Premont, and her maternal grandmother, Mrs. Alice Gazzaway, also of Premont.
Pallbearers were Ernest Porter, Mickey Johnson, Cleo Duke, George Copeland, Dr. Rodney Cathey, Walter Kelly.
Skinner Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Both cars were severely damaged in the accident. Pharr police investigated.
Pharr Press, Pharr, TX, April
23, 1970
Graveside funeral services for Mattie Kinsell Tickal, 91, of Palacios, are scheduled for 5 p. m. today at Cedarvale Cemetery with the Rev. Tony Flores officiating.
Mrs. Tickal was born Dec. 4, 1902 in Terre Haute, In. and died Sept. 2, 1994 at the Palacios Bay Nursing & Rehab Center.
Survivors include her husband, Roy Johnson of Palacios.
Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. in Bay City.
The Daily Tribune, September 9, 1994
Clydie Jan Tinnin
December 23, 1950 - August 30, 2023
Clydie Jan Tinnin, born on December 23, 1950, in Longview, Texas, embraced life with a compassionate heart and an unwavering love for her family and friends. On August 30, 2023, she peacefully passed away in Georgetown, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and cherished memories.
Born to Clyde Tinnin and Alice Frelich Tinnin, Clydie's life journey was influenced by her deep-rooted Texan heritage. Her father, Clyde, born on October 4, 1919, in Konawa, Oklahoma, and her mother, Alice, born on March 29, 1924, in Laredo, Texas, instilled in her the values of family, community, and perseverance. These values shaped Clydie's character, guiding her through life with grace and compassion.
Clydie's heart carried the memories of those who went before her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Alice Tinnin, her sister and brother-in-law Jean and Ronnie Fehmel and her nephew Travis Tinnin.
Clydie's legacy is beautifully woven through the lives of her surviving family members. She is survived by her loving children and their families: Anna Cornett Brown and her husband Derek Brown, along with their children Aubrey and Tillman; and Grant Cornett and his wife Anna Olive Cornett, accompanied by their sons Ethan and Emmitt. Clydie's devotion to her role as a mother and grandmother was unwavering, and she found immense joy in being a part of her family's milestones and moments of happiness.
Among her siblings, Clydie shared a deep bond with Novie T. Smith, Mark Tinnin and his wife Karen, and Ben Tinnin and his wife Rosa. Her love extended further to numerous nieces and nephews, as well as their children, creating a rich and interconnected family network that she cherished dearly.
Clydie was not only a devoted family member but also a beacon of light in her community. As a mother, teacher, and friend, she touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark through her kindness, guidance, and understanding. She carried her nurturing spirit from her upbringing in Bay City, Texas, to her later years spent near her children and grandchildren, supporting them in their pursuits and passions. Whether it was cheering on at baseball games, attending dance recitals, cross country meets, basketball, football, soccer, piano recitals or simply sharing in the interests of "Lolly's Angels", Clydie's presence was a source of unwavering love and support.
As we gather to honor Clydie's life and legacy, let us remember her for the love she shared, the lives she touched, and the enduring impact she had on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those she loved and who loved her in return.
A memorial service to celebrate Clydie Jan Tinnin's life will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Nichols Street Church of Christ in Bay City, TX at 2:00 pm, visitation at 1:00 pm. Family and friends are invited to join in remembering the remarkable woman she was and the legacy of love and compassion she leaves behind. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Trent Tinnin, Riley Tinnin, Jimmie Pavlu, Joh Fehmel, James Roszner, David LeMaster, Matt Murray, Joel Pavlu, Chad Pavlu and Chas Cornett.
Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
Stephen Monroe Tolleson, age 55 years, 5 months and 3 days, died Wednesday evening at four-fifteen o’clock at the family residence north of Bay City.
Deceased is survived by his wife Mrs. S. M. Tolleson; and two daughters, Mrs. Alma McCullough and Miss Ruth Tolleson, of Bay City.
Funeral services were held Thursday at 4:30 p. m. from Taylor Bros. funeral chapel. Rev. E. F. Deutsch of the First Presbyterian Church officiated. Burial was in Cedarvale Cemetery.
The Daily Tribune, February 5, 1937
Benito L. Torres
April 29, 1957 - March 16, 2024
Benito L. Torres, 66, of Bay City passed away March 16, 2024. He was born April 29, 1957 in Bay City to the late Faustino Torres and Guadalupe Lucio Torres.
Benito (Ben) loved to spend time with his family. He enjoyed a game of Pool with his friends. He loved riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle going thru the country sites.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Amelia Perez and two brothers Faustino Torres, Jr. and Pete Torres.
Survivors include his wife Ramona Torres; daughters Ramona Lisa Torres and Sylvia Ann Sanchez (Frank); sons Benito D. Torres (Sallie) and Paul Torres (Julie); sister Connie DeLoach; brother David Torrez and grandchildren Alyssa, Jordan, Samantha, Mykaela, Darren and Dillan. Also, numerous nieces and nephews.
A rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM Friday, March 22, 2024 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM with Rev. Gabriel Espinosa officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Derek Williams, Sammy Garcia, Lionel Galvan, Carlos Perez, Frank Sanchez, David Solis.
Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
Stephen Frederick Tresselt of Palacios, went to be with our Lord on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. Stephen was born on August 22, 1959, to the late Nancy Kitchens Tresselt and Ernest Frederick Tresselt in Travis County, Austin. Stephen was a long-time resident of Palacios.
Stevie, as he was known to friends and family, was known to be happiest when he was with family. Stevie enjoyed the simple things in life. A beer in one hand, a cigarette in the other, and watching over a BBQ pit with family and friends was about all he needed. He was an avid reader. He liked to fish. You could see him riding his bicycle around town checking out the bay front. Known to be kind and over the years he helped babysit several nieces and nephews and developed long endearing relationships with them. He was a loving brother to three sisters and three brothers.
He is survived by brothers, Charles (Darlene) Tresselt, Thomas Tresselt, Richard (Lisa) Tresselt; Sisters, Cynthia (Jack) Jette, Catherine (Robert) Rector and Jennifer Cruse; Uncle, Bob (Barbara) Kitchens; and many nieces and nephews.
Stevie was preceded in death by his mother and father, and his beloved nephew Casey Rector.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Thoughts and memories may be shared online at www.gracefuneralhome.net.
Arrangements and services under the personal care of Grace Funeral Home.
Palacios Beacon, October 4, 2023
Matthew Sean Truelove
July 5, 2004 – June 16, 2023
Matthew Sean Truelove, 18, of Bay City, TX passed away June 16, 2023.
He is survived by his father, Jason Truelove and wife Celia Truelove of
Bay City; his mother and sister, Amber and Kaylee Truelove of Webster,
TX, and numerous other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Edwin Truelove and Anita
Romero; aunt, Daniele Doyle and great-grandfather, Slim Truelove.
Matthew was a ray of light who changed so many lives with his laughter
and smile that would brighten anyone’s day. He enjoyed the outdoors,
being in the water, anything that made noises or music and watching all
his favorite Disney movies including Frozen and Moana. He leaves behind
a void that can never be filled to those who knew and loved him. He will
be greatly missed.
A celebration of life service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 5
at the Matagorda County Birding Nature Center.
Triska Funeral Home, El Campo, 979-543-3681
Triska Funeral Home
Charlotte Ann Tucker
July 10, 1943 - February 26, 2024
Charlotte Anne Rackley Tucker, 80, of Palacios, Texas was born to Thelma Lee Sowell Rackley and Henry Lentz Rackley on July 10, 1943 in Texarkana, Texas. She went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 26, 2024.
Charlotte’s father died in 1945 in service to his Country in Austria during WWII. She was raised in New Boston, Texas by her Mother and Grandparents. She graduated from New Boston High School, attended Texarkana Junior College, and graduated from East Texas State University in Denton, Texas, where she was Editor of the University Yearbook.
Charlotte met the love of her life by first setting him up with a blind date. Daniel Roy Tucker, Jr. was serving his Country at Red River Army Depot in Texarkana. Charlotte and Dan married on April 16, 1966 at the First Baptist Church in New Boston. They moved to Atlanta, Georgia but were soon called back to New Boston with the First National Bank of New Boston. In 1971, Charlotte and Dan moved to Palacios and called it home.
Charlotte was crowned the “Maid of Cotton” at East Texas State University and was a runner-up in the Miss Texarkana Pageant. Drawing from her pageant experience, she organized and directed the first Miss Palacios Pageant in 1972. For 34 years, she worked with the young ladies of Palacios helping them to gain poise and confidence.
Charlotte was extremely active and loved working with the youth of Palacios. She was an organizer for the “Palacios Supporters” which supported all of the 4-H, FFA, and FHA students and their fair projects. She traveled to many, many heifer and steer shows to help the Ag teachers and youth as they showed their livestock and competed in public speaking and judging contests. She was very committed and loyal to the Matagorda County Fair and Livestock Association and enjoyed serving as a director for many years.
Charlotte never missed an opportunity to welcome people and promote life in Palacios, her beloved ‘City by the Sea.” She was active in the Palacios Chamber of Commerce, and enjoyed her membership in the Alapha Club, Friends of the Library, and Harmonie Club. She was an organizer of the YMCA World Youth Peace Conference and served as the Sunday school secretary and wedding coordinator for the First Baptist Church in Palacios.
Charlotte loved her Georgia family, her Texas family, and her many friends.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents and granddaughter, Bailey Slone Schmitt. She is survived by her loving husband, Dan, her son, Daniel Roy Tucker, III, Palacios; her daughter, Sissy Tucker Schmitt and husband, Russ, Needville, Texas; grandchildren, Lentz Tucker, Lanae Tucker, and Hallie Schmitt.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 am Friday, March 1, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church in Palacios. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am with Revs. Hollis Hoffman and Matthew Gore officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.
Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
Gordon Ray Tucker
Rites Wednesday For Tucker Baby
Services were held Wednesday afternoon at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home for Gordon Ray Tucker, six-month-old son of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Tucker. The youngster died Tuesday afternoon at John Sealy Hospital at Galveston.
Officiating at the services was Rev. E. G. Sullivan, with burial at Cedarvale Cemetery. Gordon Ray is survived by his parents, four sisters and one brother.
The Daily Tribune,
August 25, 1954
Jodie Lige Tucker
- Cedarvale Cemetery - Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
Buddy Clifford Turner
February 6, 1938 - August 21, 2023
Buddy Clifford Turner, 85, of Palacios passed away on August 21, 2023. Buddy was born in Bryson City, North Carolina on February 6, 1938, to the late Bud Clifford Turner and Ethel Marie Frisbee Turner.
He was a member of the Local 211 Pipefitters Union and worked in the field for 30+ years in and around the Gulf Coast refineries. He enjoyed fishing and playing the guitar.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Christopher Kyle Turner, and his sister, Wanda Louise Burton.
Survivors include sons, Brian Craig Turner; Kevin Scot Turner; Lance Bishop Turner and wife Tiffany; daughter Shauna Sioux Lewis and husband David; 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
A Memorial service celebrating his life will be planned for a later date
Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
John T. Turner
Found Dead At Pumping Plant
The body of J. T. Turner, a rice farmer, was found Thursday afternoon at the Security Canal Co’s pumping plant. The corpse was prepared for burial by the Walker Undertakers, the funeral taking place Saturday afternoon.
The deceased had about 130 acres of fine rice. He is survived by a son, Glen Turner, and two daughters, Mrs. B. S. Whitten of Garwood, and Mrs. Bertie Turner of Provident City.
Judge Barber held an inquest and rendered a verdict that death was due to heart failure.
Matagorda News and Midcoast Farmer,
August 29, 1913