Matagorda County Obituaries
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ELIZABETH D. WADDELL

EAGLE LAKE - Elizabeth D. Waddell, 85, of Eagle Lake passed away June 30, 2009 in Columbus.

Mrs. Waddell was in the Alpha Pi Sorority for 53 years and served one term as president of the Texas State Association. She was a member of the Colonial Dames Seventeenth Century, John Champion Chapter in Bellaire. She served in several capacities: a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, Comfort Wood Chapter, in Wharton, for over 50 years; a member of United Daughters of the Confederacy, Shropshire-Upson Chapter in Columbus; served two terms as president in the Eagle Lake Study Club, 1959-1960 and 1966-1967; was on the Revitalize Eagle Lake Committee; was owner of Gifts of Distinction for many years. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for over 50 years.

She is survived by sons, John William Waddell and wife Karen of Houston, Richard H. Waddell and wife Ermie of El Campo, Davis R. Waddell and wife Janie of Eagle Lake; grandchildren, Lauren Elyse Waddell of Houston, Risa Gail Waddell Crosby and husband Jason of Richmond, Leslie Ray Waddell and fiancé Hank Cranek of El Campo, Malcolm Dinges and wife Kimberly Clair of Bay City, Jonathan Pope and wife Amber Leigh of Rosenberg; brother, Arthur John Derigo and wife Sigliende of Wharton; sister, Dolores Derigo Reed of El Campo.

Pallbearers were Jim Reed, Charles Davis, Ronald Herzik, Gary Waddell, Jason Brunner, Jim Waddell, Rusty Graves, Forest English and Ryon Waddell.

Honorary pallbearers were A. F. Wiese, William "Bill" Harrison, Sr., Hugh Sheridan, Earl Rogers and Bill Farris.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Mary Lou Derigo; husband, Raymond H. Waddell

Funeral service was held at 10 a.m., Friday, July 3, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Ed Triem officiating. Burial was in Lakeside Cemetery Eagle Lake.

Memorials may be given to: First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 605, Eagle Lake, Texas 77434
Eagle Lake Funeral Home were in charge of arrangements.

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 7/7/2009

JACK WILLIAM WAECHTER, JR.

Graveside services for Jack William Waechter, Jr., 60, of Palacios, Tx., were held Nov. 23, 2010 at Woodlawn Garden of Memories in Houston, Tx.

Mr. Waechter was born Feb. 6, 1950 in Brookhaven, Mississippi, to Jack and Louise Waechter. He passed away of pneumonia and heart failure on Nov. 20, 2010.

He moved to Palacios in 1973 where he resided until his passing.

He is survived by his mother, Alma Louise Waechter; brother Boyd F. Waechter and wife, Rebecca Cannon Waechter of Katy, Tx; and nephew Eric J. Waechter and his Monica Fuller Waechter of Baton Rouge, LA.

The Palacios Beacon, November 24, 2010
 

James Wagner
(March 9, 1916 - March 3, 2011)

James “Jim” Wagner, Jr. went to be with his Lord on Thursday, March 3, 2011 in Bay City. Jim was born on March 9, 1916 to the late James and Agnes Neuman Wagner in Fort Bend County, Texas. Jim served his country proudly in the Army during WWll. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife Alberta. Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Burial to follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation from 5-9P.M. Monday at the funeral home.

www.taylorbros.net                  Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Ruth Belle Wagner
(December 17, 1921 - September 23, 2008)

Ruth Belle Wagner, 86, of Bay City, TX passed away Sept. 23, 2008. She was born Dec. 17, 1921 in Brinkley, AR to the late Bryant and Martha Faulkner Ellis. She was well known for her sewing, crocheting and doll making skills.

Two devoted husbands Monroe C. Hinton and Kenneth Wagner preceded her in death. Survivors include daughter Linda Louise & husband Tommy Haygood of Alabama; sons Leonard Gilbert Hinton of Brinkley, AR & Leon & wife Nancy Hinton of Bay City; 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and a number of cousins and other relatives living in Arkansas.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Chapel with Rev. Bobby Williams officiating. Graveside service will be 10:00 AM Monday, Sept. 29, 2008 at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Brinkley, AR.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Dorcas Gertrude Wainner

Dorcas Gertrude Wainner departed this earthly life on June 4, 2000. Dorcas would have been 80 years old on July 6, 2000. Dorcas was born in San Benito, Texas to Loren Wallace and Ada Gertrude (Smith) Houghtling in 1920. She had been a resident of Bay City since 1954.

Dorcas is survived by her husband; George D. Wainner of Angleton, Texas; three sons: Charles Franklin Rawlins and wife Nancy of Bay City, Victor Loren Rawlins and wife Linda of Mason, Ill., and James Paul Cleveland of Simonton; two daughters, Carol Lou (Rawlins) Vise of La Grange and Dorcas Sue (Cleveland) Kleinhans and husband Keith of Bay City; two sisters, Naomi Ruth (Houghtling) Formby of Bay City and Mary Ada Houghtling; 18 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Dorcas was preceded in death by a daughter Ruth Loraine (Cleveland) Minks, a son, Robert Paul Cleveland, her parents and three brothers, and Charles Reagan Rawlins, her first husband.

Dorcas will be missed by her family and those who knew her. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held Saturday, June 10, 2000, at 6 p. m. at Calvary Baptist Church, corner of Seventh and Gloria. Another memorial service at the Mormon Church will be held later this month.

The Daily Tribune, June 9, 2000

Dorcas Gertrude Wainner

Dorcas Gertrude Wainner of Bay City, aged 79, entered the spirit world on Sunday, June 4, 2000. She is survived by her husband of 28 years, George Wainner, sons: Frank Rawlins and wife Nancy, Paul Cleveland, Victor Rawlins, and daughter; Dorcas Kleinhans and husband Keith, Carol Vise, and 16 grandchildren.

Dorcas was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served for many years as either a leader or teacher in the auxiallaries of the church. She and her husband George served a mission to Canada in 1981-1983. It was a highlight of their married life.

Dorcas was a sweet and kind woman that was loved and cherished by her children and husband.

A memorial service will be held on June 30 at 6:30 pm at the Bay City Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Bishop Brent Ethington will be conducting the service.

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Sunday 11 Jun 2000
 

BEVERLY ANN WALKER

MARKHAM - Beverly Ann Walker, 55, of Markham, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston.

Beverly was born Oct. 21, 1953, in Bay City, to Ernest and Joan McIntosh. On Dec. 27, 1970 she married Phillip Walker in Bay City. They moved to Markham to raise their son in 1972.

Beverly was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and a true friend. She was a strong willed little woman loved and respected by many and will be dearly missed by all. She loved her pets dearly and always had a story to tell about them. She loved being a homemaker and was so proud of the home she and Phillip built together. Beverly leaves behind many loved ones to mourn her passing.

She is survived by her husband, Phillip Walker; son, Clinton Walker and wife Gretchen of Hawaii; mother, Joan Milner of Onalaska; sister, Sharon Kay and husband Roy Smith of Brazoria; brother, Billy Ray Clifton and wife Judy of Bay City; stepmother, Creta Maye of Bay City; stepsisters, Pat Ballenger and husband Ron of Bay City, Vickie Matthews and husband Doug of Van Vleck; stepbrother, Michael Smith of Saint Martin; grandchildren, Sydney Ann and Clinton Jr. of Hawaii; step-grandchildren Karena Pollard, Sara Pollard-Yruri and Robert Fisher; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Stacy Ann Walker; father, Ernest McIntosh; grandparents, Ernest Sr. and Trixie McIntosh, Ernest and Myrtle McKenzie; brother, James Paul Clifton; and stepbrother, Bill Smith.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. today at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 5, 2009 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Melvin Ryman officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.

Pallbearers: Jonathon Montague, Frank Montague, Ronald Andrews, Billy Warner Jr., Aaron Chambers, Tony Stanley, Floyd Vacek, and David Davis.

Honorary pallbearers: Brett Walker, Benjamin Walker III, and Steve Garza.

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

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

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 4/4/2009

Esther E. Walker

Funeral services for Esther E. Walker, 85, of Bay City will be held 10 a. m. Friday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home with the Rev. David Duncan officiating. Burial will be in Hawley Cemetery, Blessing.

Miss Walker was born March 25, 1902, in Delia, Texas to James Humble and Maggie D. Casey Walker and died Dec. 30, 1987, at Matagorda General Hospital, Bay City.

A resident of Bay City for 38 years, she is a former resident of Blessing where she was the former owner of Esther’s Cash Grocery in Blessing. For many years she was the business secretary for Hurley’s Ladies Ready-to-Wear.

She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Bay City.

Survivors include two sisters, twin Ruth Walker Williams of Bay City and Grace Walker Wooten of Bandera, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers include George K. Nelson, Arthur Forster, Lee Hall Pierce, Bill Walker, Steve Rickaway and Nolan Boyd.

The Daily Tribune, December 31, 1987                                          Photo courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise

Ethel Norene Batten Walker

BAY CITY [Matagorda County, Texas] - Ethel Norene Batten Walker, 80, of Bay City, died Saturday, Sept. 11, 2004.

She was born Sept. 10, 1924, in Sharon, Pa., to the late Ronald and Tillie Engelking Batten. She worked with her parents who owned Batten's clothing store and had the first Singer sewing machine store in Bay City. She also ran the Smart Shop in Bay City and was a longtime volunteer for the American Red Cross and a founder of the Bay City Club.

Survivors: daughters, Donna Coleman of Sugar Land and DeLaine Briscoe of Francitas; three grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Visitation will be 9 a.m.-noon Tuesday at Bay City Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Hawley Cemetery near Blessing, the Rev. Hollie Briscoe officiating. Bay City Funeral Home, Bay City, 979-245-4893.

Memorials: South Texas Children's Home, P.O. Box 1210, Beeville, Texas 78104-9984.

The Victoria Advocate, September 13, 2004                                               Photo courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise

Geo. W. Walker Sr.

Geo. W. Walker Sr. died at the home of his son, Geo. W. Walker Jr. in this city, Friday morning, May 16 at the age of 61 years. Funeral services were held Saturday and the remains were laid to rest in the Hawley Cemetery.

Geo. W. Walker Sr. was a native of Virginia, in which state he lived until fifteen years of age. In 1867 he moved to Texas and resided at Belton until three months ago when he came to Blessing to make his home with his son. Mr. Walker had been in poor health for some time and came to the gulf coast thinking the climate might benefit him.

The Blessing News, May 23, 1915
 

James Grady Walker

Walker, James Grady, 80, passed away this morning at Matagorda General Hospital. Services will be held Saturday, June 24, at 3:00 p. m. at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. W. D. O’Neal officiating. Interment will be at Hawley Cemetery. Survivors include: his wife, Mrs. Ruby Salter Walker; 1 daughter, Mrs. LaVerne Weddle of Ft. Myers, Florida; 2 sons, Bill Walker of Matagorda and Lawrence Walker of Houston; 5 sisters, Mrs. Esther Walker, and Mrs. Ruth Williams of Bay City, Mrs. Kate Jones of Hermleigh, Mrs. Cora Boyd of Alice, and Mrs. Grace Wooten of Bandera; and 2 granddaughters, Terry and Lauren Kay. Mr. Walker had been a resident of Bay City for 36 years. He served as district clerk of Matagorda County from 1936 until 1970. Walker was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church and a member of the Bay City Masonic Lodge. Taylor Brothers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The Daily Tribune, June 23, 1972
 

James Wilburn “Bill” Walker

Graveside services for James Wilburn “Bill” Walker, 70, of Bay City were held 2 p. m. Sunday at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing with the Rev. Hollie Briscoe officiating.

Mr. Walker was born Dec. 25, 1922 in Blessing to J. Grady and Ruby Salter Walker and died Aug. 13, 1993 in Bay City.

He served in the Army Air Corps in World War II, was a duster pilot, developed Holiday Harbor in Matagorda and was an active director of the Bay City Club.

Survivors include the following: his wife, Norene Batten Walker of Bay City; two step-daughters and sons-in-law, DeLaine and Hollie Briscoe and Donna and Don Coleman of Bay City; a brother, Lawrence Walker of Houston; a sister, LaVerne Weddle of Ft. Meyer, Fla.; three grandchildren, Jerrod Fehmel of Bay City, Wendy Fehmel of Grand Prairie and Dawn Coleman of Houston and a great grandson, Dustin Lee Fehmel of Bay City.

Honorary pallbearers will be Alma Mehrens, C. B. Keener, R. H. Holbert, John Dickerson, Don Wells, Jerrod Fehmel, Don Coleman and Charles Ryan.

Memorials may be given to the donor’s charity of choice.

Services are under the direction of Dick R. Elkins of the Bay City Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, August 17, 1993                                        Photo courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise

Last Rites Held For Mrs. Walker

Funeral Services for Mrs. Maggie D. Walker, 81, of Bay City were held Tuesday afternoon at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. M. A. Marshall, pastor of the First Baptist Church, officiating.

Burial was in Hawley Cemetery under the direction of Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

She is survived by two sons and seven daughters, two brothers, and several grandchildren and other relatives. One son is from Bay City and two daughters. They are District Clerk J. Grady Walker, Mrs. Ruth Williams, and Miss Esther Walker. Mrs. Maud Thomas of Blessing is another daughter who survives.

(Date of death is April 10, 1950.)

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Matagorda County, Texas
 

Mary Jo Walker, 89, of Bay City, passed to her heavenly home Sunday, June 20, 2010.

She was born in Bay City on June 29, 1920 to the late Thomas Alonzo and Mary Quintilla Hudleston Walker. After the death of her father in 1932, she joined with her mother in 1938 in operating the Southern Seed Store, which later became the Walker Seed and Garden Center. The business was originally established in 1917, as the South Texas Seed Company by T. A. Walker, where he raised vegetable plants at his home and shipped them all over the United States. In 1926 he started the Southern Seed Store in Bay City, selling vegetable seeds and plants.

She and her brother, who had joined the company in 1946, continued to operate the business after their mother retired in 1985, up until their retirement in 1994. She was a faithful lifetime member of the 1st United Methodist Church, longtime member of the Fellowship Sunday School Class, and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, Bay City American Legion Post 11.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Dorothy Gertrude Ross; her brother Thomas Alonzo, Jr. and a niece, Jean Anne Ross-Smith.

Survivors include: her brother, Frederick “Fred” Eugene Walker; two nephews, Doug Walker and wife Linda of Montclair, California and Allen Ross and wife Sallie of Houston; two nieces, Bonnie Ross of Houston and Kay Hanggie and husband Bob of Upland, California.

She is also survived by: great-nephews and nieces, Mary Grega and husband Michael of Washington, D.C., Eric Hanggie of Upland, California, Sam Ross of New York, Susannah Ross of Austin, Texas and Melissa Hanggie of Upland, California; one great-great-niece, Isabelle Ross of New York. She also adored her cats.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday June 22, 2010 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

A graveside funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City with the Rev. Jeff Gantz officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to: Best Friends, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Knab, UT 84741-5000 or to the First United Methodist Church of Bay City.

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

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

Bay City Tribune, Published June 23, 2010
 

Mollie Weathers Walker
(February 25, 1912 - April 26, 2007)

Mollie Weathers Walker, 95, was born February 25, 1912 in Nashoba, Oklahoma to George Washington Weathers and Haley Byers Weathers. She died peacefully at Sweeny House in Sweeny, Texas Thursday, April 26, 2007.

Her funeral service will be Saturday, April 28, 2007 at Cedar Lane Baptist Church, the church of her youth and old age, in Matagorda County at 10:30 AM with Rev. Zach Nicholson officiating. Mollie’s family will visit with friends and relatives at the Cedar Lane Baptist Church Annex from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM Saturday. Her burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers are Jerry Allen, Terry Walker, Ray Walker, Larry Weathers, Lee Weathers, Barry Weathers, David Weathers and Mark Grisham. Her former neighbors in Cedar Lane and her nieces and nephews are honorary pallbearers.

She is survived by her dear siblings, sister Annie Clements of Webster and three brothers Frank, Ben and wife Maggie, and “Dub” and his wife Audis Weathers of Cedar Lane, and one brother-in-law Sam Walker of Lake Jackson. Jean Hinkle, her only child, of the San Bernard River Prairie survives her. She has two beloved grandchildren Harold Hinkle of Brazoria and his children Nathan Hinkle of Kings Bay, Georgia and Emmalee Anne Hinkle of Pampa, TX; Mollie Hinkle Webber and husband Joel and children Lee Walker Payne and James Thomas Payne of the San Bernard River Prairie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 60 years Millard Thornton Walker, her sister Lillie Walker, and son-in-law Herbert Harold Hinkle. Mollie was a homemaker, charter member of Cedar Lane Baptist church and active for more than fifty years in Texas Extension Homemakers Association.

The family extends thanks to both units at Sweeny House where the employees treated her with professional care, patience, and friendliness. A-Med Healthcare Group also attended her during her last weeks; Jan Watkins, Diana Hardman, and Mary Owen compassionately helped Mollie make her last transition comfortably. Her family is grateful.

Those who wish to give memorials may give to the charity of their choice, or Sweeny EMS, Sweeny, TX 77480, or A-Med Community Hospice, 8901 E. F. Lowry Expressway, Suite B, Texas City, TX 77591. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. 979-245-4613

www.taylorbros.net                  Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Viola Marie Walker

Viola Marie Walker, 80, of Clute, Texas, passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2005, at Village on the Creek Nursing Home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 15, 2005, at Unity Missionary Baptist Church in Richwood, Texas, with Pastor Carroll Grigsby officiating.

Interment will be in Hawley Cemetery in Blessing [Matagorda County], Texas.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, January 14, 2005, at Stroud Funeral Home in Clute, Texas.

Brazosport Facts, January 14, 2005

Ellen Wallace, 52, of Van Vleck, passed away Saturday, November 14, 2009 in Houston, Texas.

She was born April 14, 1957 in Beaumont, Texas to Doyle Tierce and Jerry Wood Tierce. She has been a resident of Van Vleck and Sugar Valley for the past 21 years and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints in Bay City.

She is survived by: her husband, James W. Wallace of Van Vleck; her daughter, Paula Lynn Wallace of Orlando, Florida; her sons, James Sterling Wallace and wife Amanda of Sugar Valley and Michael Todd Wallace of Sugar Valley; by her brother, Paul Tierce of Houston; and her grandchildren, Karlee Gardner, Ashton Wallace and Isaac Wallace.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Doyle and Jerry Tierce.

The family will receive visitors from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints with the Bishop Chris Bischoff officiating.

Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, Van Vleck, Texas. Pallbearers will be Philip Wallace, Mark Camille, Bryan Camille, Michael Wallace, Christopher Baxton and Sterling Wallace.

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, Published November 18, 2009

Richard Bruce Wallace
(February 8, 1947 - May 22, 2007)

Richard Bruce Wallace, 60, of Bay City, TX, passed away Tuesday, May 22, 2007. He was born February 8, 1947 in Pittsfield, MA to James Vernon Wallace and Elsie Elizabeth Bulshey Wallace. He was a resident of Matagorda County for the past 15 years, a veteran of the US Air Force and worked as an Instrumentation Technician at the South Texas Nuclear Project.

He is survived by his wife: Joanne Wallace of Bay City; his sons: Richard B. Wallace, Jr. of West Columbia, TX and Brett Alan Wallace of Pittsfield, MA; by his mother: Elsie Elizabeth Wallace of Bay City, TX; and by three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter: Melissa Lynne Wallace and by his father James Vernon Wallace.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, June 4, 2007 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel in Bay City.

www.taylorbros.net
 

BYRON "BARNEY" WALLEN

PALACIOS - Byron "Barney" Wallen, 63, of Palacios, passed away Monday, May 4, 2009. He was born March 16, 1946, in Sayersville, Ky., to the later Morris Wallen and Arizona "Zona" Cole Wallen. He was a retired heavy equipment operator and a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife, Mi Cha Ko Wallen of Palacios; daughters, Annette Wallen Schwenk of Port Aransas, Patti Wallen of Freeport, Maine, and Michelle Wallen Schuff of Bridge City; son, David Wallen of La Porte, Ind.; sisters, Phyllis Banks of West Union, Ohio, Ruby Laws of Carlisle, Ohio, Pauline Wallen Eldridge of Middletown, Ohio, and Debra Russell of Middletown, Ohio; brothers, Charles Wallen of Elizabeth, Ind. and William Wallen of Florida; and seven grandchildren, Ramon Wallen of Port Aransas, Tiffiny Schwenk of Port Aransas, Erica Ciffili Wallen of Freeport, Maine, Hailly Curtis of Freeport Maine, Andy Turner of La Porte, Ind., Heath Turner of Bridge City, and Cassandra Black of Bridge City.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Robert LeBlanc officiating.

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

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 5/7/2009
 

JUDY (MI CHA KO) WALLEN

PALACIOS - Our Lord has called his faithful servant, Judy (Mi Cha Ko) Wallen, home on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010, after her work has been done. Born Mi Cha Ko in rural Korea on Sept. 24th of 1941. Judy came to America in 1956 and lived in California and Las Vegas where she crocheted dresses for performers. She then moved to La Porte, Ind. where she met Byron Wallen.

They married May 20, 1975. They lived in Florida for a while, then they decided to travel again, ending up on the Gulf Coast of Texas. They settled in Palacios where Judy opened a seamstress shop. She was well known throughout the community.

Judy was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. She loved directing choir, singing, playing the organ, going fishing, spending time with her family, and took a special pride in her grandchildren.

Judy leaves behind Annette Schwenk, David Wallen, Patricia Wallen, and Michelle Schuff.

Her beloved grandchildren are Ramon Wallen, Tiffiny and (Jesse) Powers, Erica Wallen-Cifelli, Haily Curtis, Andrew Turner, Heath Turner, and Cassandra Black (Maresa Schuff, Joey Schuff, Stephanie Black, and Kristin Black).

She also had seven godchildren and many loved friends.

She joins her beloved husband, Byron J. Wallen, in heaven.

On Nov. 14, 2010, a memorial will be held at 2 p.m. after the Sunday service at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. All are welcome to come.

A private service will be held afterwards for the family.

Contributions: You may make a contribution in her name to her church or you may make a contribution to her family to help with her financial expenses.

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

Published in Victoria Advocate on November 10, 2010
 

HUGH MAXWELL WALLIS

Funeral services for Hugh Maxwell Wallis, 80, of Palacios, Tx., were held July 29, 2010 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Reverend Gary Janak officiating. Interment was at Palacios Cemetery.

Mr. Wallis born August 20, 1929 in Houston, Tx. to the late Hugh Maxwell and Myrtle Antill Wallis. He peacefully passed away July 25, 2010.

He recently celebrated 61 years of marriage with his wife Dolores Eschete Wallis on June 4, 2010.

Hugh attended St. Thomas High School in Houston and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1946 serving in the Korean Conflict. He was discharged in July 1948. He graduated from the University of Houston with an Associate of Science Degree in Mechanical Technology in 1951. He worked until retirement for Alcoa Aluminum of Point Comfort, Tx. At Alcoa, he established a lifelong business partnership with Wallace Barr and together operated the Palacios Marina along the waterfront in Palacios while investing in gulf shrimp trawlers as W & W Marine which is still in operation today.

He loved living along the gulf coast and enjoyed raising his three children teaching their children to fish, waterski, or just cruise the Tres Palacios Bay.

Hugh served on the Palacios City Council as Mayor Pro-Tem. As a Charter Member of the Palacios Golf Association, he was instrumental in the development of the Palacios Golf Course. Along with his wife Dolores, he enjoyed being socially involved in the Harmonie Club.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a brother Claude William Wallis and his wife Paulette of Willis, Tx.; daughter Gwen Williams and husband Duane of Lake Jackson, Tx.; sons Craig Wallis and wife Linda, and Keith Wallis and wife Sandra all of Palacios; grandchildren Tyler Williams and wife Lanise of Sugarland, Tx., Hilary Holcomb and husband Randy of Corinth, Tx., Katie Arthurs and husband Gary of Addison, Tx., Kyle Maxwell Wallis and wife Andrea of El Campo, Tx., Courtney Wallis Kenner and husband Jeff S. of Houston, Tx., Alston Ryan Wallis and Kelsey Cerie Wallis of Palacios; and great-granddaughters Riley Elizabeth and Abby Nicole Wallis of El Campo, Tx., and Halle Grace Holcomb of Corinth.

Pallbearers were Tyler Williams, Kyle Wallis, Alston Wallis, Randy Holcomb, Gary Arthurs, and Jeff Kenner. Honorary Pallbearers were Thomas Flores and Linda Dawson and their families for their many years of devotion, service, and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Palacios Community Medical Center “Leafs for Life” – who provided such wonderful care during the final days.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home.

The Palacios Beacon, August 4, 2010
 

Amanda Matlock Upton Walters

Services for Lillie Amanda Matlock Upton Walters of Blessing were scheduled for noon today in the First Baptist Church in Blessing with the Revs. John Tripp and Larry Holden officiating.

Mrs. Walters, 78, was born Oct. 18, 1906, in Little Rock, Miss. She was a resident of Matagorda County from 1949. She was the manager of the Baptist Encampment Cafeteria for 18 years and the manager of the Blessing Hotel for 10 years. She taught Sunday school for 28 years. She was Past Worthy Matron of Palacios Chapter No. 125 of the Order of the Eastern Star, and was Outstanding Senior Citizen of Matagorda County in 1980.

She died Jan. 5, 1984, in St. Luke’s Hospital in Houston. She was preceded in death by her husband, E. B. Upton; a daughter, Ginger Ann Upton; and a son, Jack Upton.

She is survived by her husband Henry Walters of Blessing; a daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Tommy Jahns of Louise; two stepdaughters, Doris Malone of Houston and Edith Byrne of San Antonio; a son and daughter-in-law, Bobby and Faye Upton of McRae, Ark.; a son, Ken Upton of Lafayette; one sister Anna Lou Matlock Walch of Ganado; two brothers, Joe Matlock of Encinitas, Calif., and Odis Matlock of Shreveport, La.; ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, two nephews and three nieces.

Contributions may be made to the memorial fund of the Blessing Baptist Church. Burial will be in Ganado Cemetery. Taylor Brothers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The Daily Tribune [Bay City, Texas], Sunday, January 8, 1984
 

Vera W. Walters, 89, of Friendswood passed away Thursday, September 9, 2010. She was born March 27, 1921 in Ashwood, Texas to the late George Washington & Mary B. Chastun Walker.

Vera is survived by her son: David L. McCullough & wife Delayne of Friendswood; sister: Lucille Turner of Conroe; 2 grandchildren: Tracy Head & husband Jeff and Laurie McCullough; and 4 great grandchildren: Mason McCullough, Tristan Benes, Taylor Head, and McKenna Head. Her parents and husbands: Henry Lee McCullough and Ruben Clifton “R.C.” Walters preceded Vera in death.

Visitation will begin 11:00 AM Sunday, September 12, 2010 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Sunday at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be: Buddy, Bill, & Butch Bevers, John Fox, Jeff Head, and Dewayne Walker. Honorary pallbearers will be George and David Walker.

www.taylorbros.net
 

JOYCE WARD

PORT LAVACA - Joyce Ward, 77, of Port Lavaca, passed away July 2, 2009, in Bay City. She was born Aug. 17, 1931, in Oak Park, Ill., to the late DeWitt and Helen Swann Roberts. She received her bachelor's degree from DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind., and worked for Avon for 35 years.

She is survived by her husband, Charles L. Ward of Port Lavaca; daughter, Susie Marshall and husband Stanley of Port Lavaca; son, Dale Ward and wife Paula of Sugar Land; grandchildren, Heather, Meghan, Kelly and Jonathan Ward of Sugarland, Kyle Marshall and wife Brytanie of San Antonio, and Eric Marshall and wife Courtney of Port Lavaca.

She was preceded in death by her son, Douglas Charles Ward; parents; and sisters, Elizabeth Ann Roberts and Patsy Roberts.

Visitation will be held Sunday, July 5, 2009 from 6-8 p.m. at the Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Monday, July 6, 2009 at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Port Lavaca, the Rev. Carl Westbrook officiating. Interment will follow in Port Lavaca Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Dixie Howell, Jay Thielen, Don and Tony Wehmeyer, BB Browning and Mark Daigle.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, 361-552-2988.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.mem.com.

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 7/4/2009
 

Funeral services for Robert Lee Ward, 58, of Cedar Lake, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January at Bethlehem Christian Church, Cedar Lake, with the Rev. K.W. Bree, eulogist. Burial will follow at Jerusalem Cemetery, Brazoria. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday at the funeral home chapel.

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

Bay City Tribune, Published January 6, 2010
 

Bessie Mae Jenkins Ware

Funeral services for Bessie Mae Jenkins Ware, 75, of Collegeport will be held at 10 a. m. Tuesday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Hollie Briscoe officiating. Burial will be in Hawley Cemetery, Blessing.

Mrs. Ware was born May 28, 1910, in Hamilton, Texas, to Freeland F. and Annie Duncan Jenkins and died Feb. 2, 1986, at Gulf Coast Medical Center, Wharton.

A resident of Collegeport since 1928, she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Collegeport.

Survivors include two daughters, Bobbye Slone of Bay City and Ann Rector of Spring; two sons, Richard C. Ware Jr. of Tyler and Jimmy Mack Ware of Collegeport; a sister, Lottie B. Knight of Centerville, Texas; two brothers, Joe Frank Jenkins of Collegeport and Austin L. Jenkins of Centerville; 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers include Mason Holsworth, Thomas Holsworth, Russell Corporon, James Robert Murry, Frederick Huitt and Gerald Wells.

Honorary pallbearers include W. L. Ellis, Tom Simpson, Andy Johnson, Dean Merck, J. C. Slone Sr. and Dick Corporon.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Clyde Ware.

The Daily Tribune, February 3, 1986
 

Dora Maureen Hodges Ware, age 60 died peacefully in her home, on July 24, 2000 after a brave fight with lung cancer. She was born July 29, 1939 in Houston, Texas

This wonderful woman is survived by her husband of 40 years Larry J. Ware of Van Vleck. Her father George R. Hodges, wife Opal, of Alexandria, La.; one daughter Ronda Lee Ware Schutz, son-in-law Frank Schutz Jr.; one grandson Larry F. Schutz, one granddaughter Katee Maureen Lee Schutz; one son Mark R. Ware; two sisters and brothers-in-law Louise and J.D. De Villier, and Tommy R. and Robert Elder; one brother Larry L. Wood and wife Mildred; two great-aunts Ima Lee Gewing of Nacogdoches, Johnie Lee Jones, Tyler, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her mother Azilee Oliver of Wadsworth, in 1989. Many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews as well as many friends who loved her dearly.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday July 27th 2000 at the Calvary Baptist Church with the Rev. Chester Sassman officiating. May she rest in peace. Please send flowers to the Calvary Church Thursday morning.

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Wednesday, July 26, 2000
 

Frank Ware, 82, passed away September 1, 2008, in The Woodlands, Texas. He was born July 18, 1926, in Chillicothe, Illinois, to Wallis Young Ware and Mildred Sparkes Ware. Frank was a member of the Fourth Church of Christ Scientist of Houston, Texas, and served our country in the United States Army. Frank is survived by his sister, Winifred “Sally” Ware Paulsen; nieces, Sherida Paulsen and Suzanne Paulsen; and nephews, Andrew Paulsen, Timothy Paulsen and Richard Paulsen. Numerous friends also survive. A memorial service will be held at 2 p. m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2008, at Bayou Manor, 4141 South Braeswood Blvd., Houston, Texas 77025.

Cashner Funeral Home & Cemetery
Conroe-Courier, September 6, 2008

[Burial: Hawley Cemeterynear Blessing, Texas]
 

Jerry Lynn Ware
(September 13, 1941 - September 11, 2008)

Jerry Lynn Ware of Bay City, TX peacefully departed Thursday, September 11, 2008. Jerry was born September 13, 1941 in Bay City, Texas where he was a lifelong resident. He retired from the oil field in 2000. His true love was the art of woodworking and he left behind a legacy of beautiful pieces.

He is survived by his wife Juanita Ware; his twin brother Billy Ware and wife Pat of Van Vleck; his brother Larry Ware of Van Vleck; his son Michael Ware and wife Denise of Victoria; daughter Karen Scholten and husband Jay of Bay City; son Jerry Ware and wife Heather of Bay City; his daughter Laura Kurtz and husband Chuck of Jacksonville Beach, FL; his daughter Kay-Kay Young of Tampa, FL; grandchildren Mike, Corey, and Christopher Ware; Alex and Erin Ware; Hailey Mathis; Trey Young; Amy, Matthew and Hannah Kurtz; great grandchild Corey Ware, Jr.; and beloved pets Eli, Coco, and Junior.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Ruth Ware; sisters Melba Anderson, Jean Kirkland; and brother Eddie Ware.

In celebration of Jerry’s life, a memorial service is being held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX (979) 245-4613.

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

www.taylorbros.net
 

Jimmy Mack Ware

Funeral services for Jimmy Mack Ware, 43, of Palacios are scheduled for 2 p. m. Sunday at the Taylor Brothers Chapel in Bay City. Burial will be in Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.

Mr. Ware was born Dec. 4, 1943 in Collegeport to Richard Clyde and Bessie Mae Jenkins Ware and died April 23, 1987.

He was a member of the Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sisters, Anne Rector of Springbranch, Texas, and Bobbye Slone of Bay City and a brother, Richard Ware of Tyler, Texas.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, April 24 or 25, 1987
 

Richard Clyde Ware

Richard Clyde Ware, 68, a resident of Collegeport for 35 years and a retired farmer passed away June 20 at his residence. Survivors include: wife, Bessie Mae Ware of Collegeport; 2 daughters, Mrs. James Slone and Mrs. James Rector both of San Antonio; 2 sons, Jimmy Mack Ware and Richard Clyde Ware both of Houston; 1 sister, Mrs. Joe B. Marshall of Madisonville; 11 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held June 22 at 3 p. m. at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home with Mr. N. E. Balsh of the Palacios Church of Christ officiating. Interment will be at the Hawley Cemetery with pallbearers being: Mason Holsworth, Thomas Holsworth, Earl Williams, Johnny Williams, Gerald Wells, and Don Fowler. Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, June 21, 1974
 

Charlie V. Warn
(June 20, 1915 - March 1, 2006)

Charlie V. “Bill” Warn, 90, of Markham, TX died March 1, 2006 at the Matagorda House Healthcare Center in Bay City. He was born June 20, 1915 in Palacios, TX to the late Charlie and Myrtle Warn. Mr. Warn was an employee for Matagorda Co. Precinct # 4 for 32 years, and delivered the Daily Tribune for 25 years. His favorite activities were raising chickens and being an avid fisherman. Survivors include his wife of 67 years Dora Troutman Warn of Markham, TX; daughters and sons-in-law: Helen & Buddy Pratt of Ft. Worth, TX, Mary & D. L. Layton of Bay City, TX, Dorothy & Henry Havel of West Columbia, TX, and Lilly & Tony DiStasi of Kennedale, TX; son and daughter-in-law: Charles & Linda Warn of Kennedale, TX; 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son: Billy Warn; brothers: Donald and Red Warn; sisters: Marg Hendly, Oma Raymond, and Myrtle Fletcher. Funeral Service will be 2:00 PM Friday, March 3, 2006 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev’s Paul Goodman and Lee Watson officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Charles Layton, Jeff Harvel, Mike Charron, Chuck Warn, Richard Hendry, and Tony DiStasi. The family will receive friends at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City (979)245-4613.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home        Marker photo courtesy of Pam Davis

James Ross Warren

Funeral services for James Ross Warren, 24, of Bay City will be held at 10 a. m. Thursday at Calvary Baptist Church with the Rev. Chester Sassman officiating. Burial will be at Hawley Cemetery.

Mr. Warren was born March 31, 1961, in Bay City and died April 15, 1985, in Wadsworth.

A life-long resident of Bay City, he was a member of the Baptist church.

Survivors include his wife, Sherri L. Warren of Bay City; a daughter, Kimberly Elise Warren of Bay City; his father, Darrell Warren of Bay City; three sisters, Leisa Powell of Sargent, Sandra Davies and Patricia Hudson, both of Bay City; and two brothers, Alan Warren and Charles Hargrove, both of Bay City.

Pallbearers include John Cockrell, Wayne Morris, Rick Davis, Gary Spencer, Dennis Spencer and Gary Powell.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, April 16 or 17, 1985                                       Photo courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise

TRAVIS WASHINGTON

PALACIOS - Travis Washington, 75, of Palacios, passed away April 19, 2009. He was born Sept. 30, 1933, in Linden, to Guy H. and Mary Elizabeth Meacham Washington. He retired from Palacios ISD after 30 years serving as both teacher and principal. He will be remembered as a Texas Longhorn fan and an avid golfer.

He was preceded in death by his father; wife, Emma J. Washington; and brother, Merril Washington.

Survivors include his mother, Mary Washington of Clute; daughter, Debbie Klump and husband Dennis of Port Lavaca; granddaughter, Crystal Woody and husband Brett and great grandson, Trent Bo Billy Woody, all of Port Lavaca; sisters, Sara White and husband Ben of Freeport and Martha Miller and husband Joel of Alvarado; and brothers, Guy Washington Jr. and wife Pat of Hemphill, Jerry Washington and wife Bonnie of Palacios, Don Washington of Arkansas, and George Washington and wife Cheryl of Wharton.

The Family will receive friends and relatives from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Palacios Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, April 23, 2009 at Palacios Cemetery with Guy H. Washington Jr. officiating.

Pallbearers will be Jerry D. Washington Jr., Jerry D. Washington III, Ben White, Travis Washington, George Washington, and Guy H. Washington III.

His old golfing buddies, Palacios ISD employees, and his great-grandson will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to the American Alzheimer's Association or the charity of your choice.

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

Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home. 361-972-2012.

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 4/22/2009
 

Weldon Waters

Texas City—Weldon Waters, 71, of Texas City, died Thursday, Feb. 10, 2000.

He was born Feb. 2, 1929 in Vivian, La., to the late Oliven Countis and Effie Buel Allen Waters. He was a veteran of the Korean War, having served in the United States Air Force.

Survivors: wife, Wanda Kennedy Waters; daughter, Elizabeth Westerfield of League City; son, Andrew Lee Waters of Houston; sister, Patti Robinson of Hot Springs, Ark.; brothers, Edgar O. Waters of Carencro, La., Wayland Waters of Pearland; and two grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: parents; brothers, Daniel Waters and Duane Waters.

Services will be 1 p. m. Monday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Chapel, the Rev. Wes Morgan officiating.

Burial will be at Hawley Cemetery. Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City, (409) 245-4613

The Victoria Advocate, February, 2000
 

Final Rites For Mrs. Sam Watkins Of Markham Held

Final rites for Mrs. Sam Watkins, 82, of Markham were held at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Monday with the Rev. O. O. Moore officiating.

Mrs. Watkins died Sunday, Burial was in Hawley Cemetery.

She is survived by her husband of Markham; two daughters, Mrs. Tot Lawhon of Markham and Mrs. Jennie Duffy of Beeville.

Sons surviving are H. C. of Corpus Christi, E. M. of Bay City, M. S. of Markham, S. M. of San Antonio, Joe of Bridge City, J. L. of California, and Davis of Utah.

Also surviving are one sister, Mrs. Henry Ryman, of Dickerson [Dickinson?] and one brother, Tom Ryman of Bay City.

The Bay City News, June 21, 1956

Mrs. Watkins Lived Entire Life in County
By Mrs. G. C. McElrath

With the death of Mrs. Jessie Lee Harris Watkins June 17, the county lost one of its oldest natives.

Mrs. Watkins was born in Matagorda County September 17, 1873, the daughter of pioneer settlers. She grew up on her father’s plantation home not far from the banks of the Colorado River.

Sam Watkins, a farmer, took her for his bride February 24, 1897. Ten children came to bless this union.

Mrs. Wakins lived her life span of 82 years and nine months in Matagorda County. Her last years were spent in Markham where she and her husband acquired a home after retiring from their rice farm.

During Mrs. Watkins’ declining years, there were two outstanding interests in her life growing flowers and taking care of her dark brown hair which age never seemed to affect.

At an early age Mrs. Watkins united with the Methodist Church and lived the life of a Christian, as manifested by the trail of good deeds left behind her.

She is survived by her husband, two daughters, seven sons, 16 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, one brother, and a sister.

The Rev. O. O. Moore and the Rev. R. E. Black conducted the funeral services held in the chapel of Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Bay City News, June 28, 1956
 

Funeral services for Joanetta Smith Watkins, 59, of Bay City will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 2008 at Mother Zion Baptist Church, Bay City, with the Pastor Murray Martin, officiating. Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2 until 8 p.m. Friday at Duncan Roberts Funeral Home Chapel.

Joanie was born in Bay City, Texas, December 27, 1948, to Moses Smith, Sr. and Mildred Spiller Smith, and passed away December 4, 2008, at St. Lukes Hospital, Houston, Texas, surrounded by her family.

She was a 1967 graduate of Bay City High School. Afterward, she completed studies at Texas Womens University and became a successful business woman.

Survivors include her husband, the Rev. Jessie Watkins; three daughters, Michelle Settecase (and Paul), and their children, Andrea, Jessica and Joseph; Latasha Keys (and William) and their children, Nicholas, Jalen and Delante, and Andrea Ceasar (and Salathiel) and their child Tijon. Also two brothers, Andrew Smith (and Berrilyn) and Ronnie Smith Smith (and Carol); sister-in-law, Shirley Smith, and an enormous host of other relatives and friends.

Joanie's family is grateful to all for the love shown through thoughts and prayers of her family and friends.

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

Bay City Tribune, Published December 10, 2008                Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Leola Jeter Watkins, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother passed away Tuesday, April 28 at Oak Bend Hospital in Richmond, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William B. Jeter and Daisy Jeter; her brother, William B. Jeter; sisters, Vadis Vandiver and Frances Loos.

She is survived by: her son, Doyle Shivers and wife Shelly; her daughters, Ashley and Allison Hughes; granddaughter, Danette Wade and husband Curt; great grandchildren, Kyla and Cooper Wade.

Leola was born Dec. 6, 1913 in Bay City, Texas. She was a devoted lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Bay City. She later graduated from The University of Texas and taught first grade in Bay City I.S.D. for many years. For the last several years she was a resident of Richmond Health Care Center.

A memorial service was held at the First Baptist Church in Richmond, Texas at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2009.

Those wishing to make a donation in Leolas memory to the First Baptist Church in Bay City, 2321 Ave. F, Bay City, Texas 77414.

Bay City Tribune, Published May 3, 2009
 

Manly Sexton “Bute” Watkins

Services will be held for Manly Sexton “Bute” Watkins, 81, of Markham, 10 a. m. Friday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Officiating at the services will be the Rev. Joe Ramsey and the Rev. R. E. Black.

Watkins died January 11, 1983 at Matagorda General Hospital.

Survivors include wife, Una M. Watkins of Markham; daughter, Dorothy Jane Ownes of Kerrville; sisters, Mrs. Mae Lawhon of Alpine, Mrs. Jennie Duffy of Beeville; brothers, J. L. Watkins of California, Davis Watkins of Salt Lake City, Utah, Henry Watkins of Elgin, Edwin Watkins of Bay City; 1 grandchild, 3 great-grandchildren.

Watkins was a resident of Markham for 50 years.

Burial will follow services at Hawley Cemetery.

The Daily Tribune, January 12 or 13, 1983
 

Sam Watkins

Native Matagorda Countian, Sam Watkins, 88, died at home in Markham on Sept. 12. Services at Taylor Bros. will be solemnized by Rev. R. E. Black and Rev. Stanley Lohse, with burial at Hawley. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Mac Lawhon, Markham; Mrs. Jennie Duffy, Beeville; and seven sons, S. M. of San Antonio; Joe of Bridge City; James of Los Alamitos, Calif.; M. S. of Markham; Davis of Salt Lake City, Utah; Tom of Bay City; and Henry of Corpus Christi; 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Friday, September 16, 1961

Una M. Watkins

Una M. Watkins, 90, of Kerrville, Tx. died May 19, 1995 at Northhaven Care Center in Kerrville. She was born December 27, 1904 in Van Zandt Co., Tx. to Robert C. and Toliver Foster Roddy. Mrs. Watkins was a resident of Kerrville the past 4 years, and a former long time resident of Markham and Matagorda Co. She was a long time Post Mistress of the Markham Post Office where she retired in 1970. Mrs. Watkins was a member of the First Baptist Church of Markham.

She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law: Dorothy & Adrin Owens of Kerrville, Tx., 3 Sisters, Mildred Roddy and Ruth Roddy both of Wharton, TX and Isabell Koons of Red Springs, N. C., one grandson, Bob Thompson and 4 Great Grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a. m. Monday, May 22, 1995 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Joe Ramsey officiating. Interment will be at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing, TX. Pallbearers include, L. C. Rush, Grady Quinney, Billy Williams, Pat Patterson, Charles Black, and Leon Wolfe. In lieu of usual contributions, memorials may be made to favorite charity. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, May 21, 1995
 

Allene Hogg Watson left this earthly life on September 17, 2010, at Medical Center Hospital.

She was born on September 1, 1919 in Ranger, Texas to Minnie Nora Knick and C.C. Bishop. She recently celebrated her 91st birthday.

Allene married Ernest Bascom Hogg in Pecos, Texas in 1937 and they made Bay City, Texas their home. In 1955, the family moved to Odessa where she has lived since. In 1970, Ernest passed away, and in 1981 she married Barney Cecil Watson. She assisted Cecil in his lumber business in Iraan, Texas, and they spent time in bothhomes.

Allene was very active in Odessa business. She was manager for World Gift Company, City Hostess for Merchants Greeter Service, and an active member of the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. In 1977 she was honored as Woman of the Year by the Circle 5 Chapter of ABWA. She proudly represented Odessa in all her activities.

Allene was preceded in death: by her first husband, Ernest Bascom Hogg; second husband, Barney Cecil Watson; son, Ernest Randolph Hogg; her parents; sisters, Annie Burnett, Ethel Skinner, Stella Williams, Gustis Watson and brothers Ed and Ernie Bishop.

Allene is survived by: son, James L. Hogg of Houston; daughter, Karen S. Hogg and son-in-law, Wesley R. Tucker of Boerne; step-son, Cecil Lansing Watson and step-daughter-in-law, Mary Holland of Austin; grandchildren, James Christian Hogg and wife Cyndi of Houston, William Travis Hogg of Houston, Meris Watson of Austin and great grandchildren, Kristin Nicole Hogg, and Meira Molinear.

She also leaves behind loving friends, nieces, nephews, and nurses.

She was especially grateful for the unwavering friendship of Christina Guerrero.

Allene was a member of Antioch Christian Church.

A viewing was held on Monday September 20 at Frank Wilson Funeral Directors at 4635 Oakwood Drive.

Services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday September 21, 2010 at Frank Wilson Funeral Chapel.

A graveside service will follow at Bay City [Cedarvale] Cemetery, Bay City Texas at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 23, 2010.

Services entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Directors.

Bay City Tribune, Published September 22, 2010
 

CLAUDIA V. WATSON

Claudia V. Watson 84, of Bay City died December 19, 2002 at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Wharton. She was born September 2, 1918 in El Campo, Texas to the late Jesse J. and Lois Lola Billings Terrell.

Mrs. Watson was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, in which she was actively involved for many years, and was a resident of Bay City since 1962.

Survivors include: two daughters and sons-in-law, Joanne and Karl B. McLeod of Iago, Texas, and Wanda Kay and Owen W. "Bill" Parker of Palacios; 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Rufus Edward Watson.

Funeral service was held 2 p.m. Saturday, December 21, 2002, at Calvary Baptist Church with the Rev. Chester Sassman officiating.

Interment followed at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.

Pallbearers were her grandsons, Wesley D., Darrel E., and Jay B. Hearn, Jeffrey K. Blackmore, James P. "Pat" Conroy, Jr., and Michael L. Parker.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 3321 Sixth Street, Bay City, Texas 77414.

Arrangements were with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home A00014B2002DC22

The Bay City Tribune, Sunday, December 22, 2002                                    Photo courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise

 Rufus Edward Watson

Funeral services [for] Rufus Edward Watson, 71, of Bay City were scheduled for 2 p. m. today at Calvary Baptist Church with the Rev. Chester Sassman officiating. Burial will be in Hawley Cemetery, Blessing.

Mr. Watson was born Dec. 9, 1914, in Centralia, Texas, to Rufus Elbert and Nannie Milligan Watson.

He was retired from Celanese Chemical Co. and a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Claudia V. Watson of Bay City; two daughters, Wanda Kay Parker of Bay City and Joanne McLeod of Iago; four brothers, William Henry Watson of Lufkin, Joe Watson of Livingston, O. B. Watson of Alvin and H. R. Watson of El Campo; two sisters, Kate Tullos of Louise and Dickey Tullos of Humble; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers include Jay B. Hearn, Darrel E. Hearn, Wesley T. Hearn, James Patrick Conroy, John L. McLeod and Scott P. McLeod.

Services are under the direction of Dick R. Elkins, Bay City Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, September, 1986
 

Jewel Watson
(January 5, 1918 - April 26, 2006)

JEWEL WATSON , 88, of Brazoria, passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2006 in Lake Jackson. She was born January 5, 1918 in Nacogdoches to Levi Robert Henderson and Emma Summers Henderson. She was a resident of Brazoria County since 1946 and a member of the Gulf Coast Christian Center in West Columbia.

She is survived by her daughters: Jo Ann Roe & husband Jefferson and Susan Thacher & husband Wayne all of Brazoria; her son Henry Lee Thomas & wife Patricia of Brazoria. Her sister Mamie Ellis of Bay City; and by 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband: Royal Watson; her son, Ira Daniel Thomas, her sisters: Jessie Thomas, Mattie Thomas, Myrtle Gray; her brothers: John Henderson, R.D. Henderson and Bennett Henderson.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, April 29, 2006 at the Gulf Coast Christian Center in West Columbia with Pastor Bob Hankins officiating. Interment will follow at the Columbia Cemetery in West Columbia. Pallbearers will be Truman Groom, Kenneth Groom, Jack Ellis, Gary Oltz, Buddy Barnett and Will Barnett. On line condolences may be sent by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. 979-245-4613.

www.taylorbros.net
 

ROGER WATSON

INEZ - Roger Watson was born on Aug. 1, 1900 and went to be with the Lord on Sept. 19, 2008. He was the son of Zube Ward and Willie Watson. He had 13 brothers and sisters.

Roger was six years old when he moved to the Lafayette Ward Ranch in Bay City. He later worked for Koontz Ranch (Henry C. Koontz and later for Robert and Diana Koontz Massey) in Inez and has worked there ever since.
Roger received an American Brahman Breeders Association Herdman's Award in Houston at the Houston Livestock Show in 1982. The award is given out for 20 years of service on the show road showing Brahman cattle for American Brahman breeders (He had 50 years of service on the show road). He also helped several other ranchers and cattle fitters out on the show road during his life.

Roger worked all the major shows in the United States from Florida to California and from Kansas City, Mo., and many other small shows and major shows throughout Texas.

A visitation and rosary will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008 at Slavik Funeral Home in Edna.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008 at Wood Hi Cemetery.

The pallbearers will be Robert L. Massey II, Sherice Massey Judd, Carolyn Massey Strnadel, Clay Koontz Massey, Diann Massey Marlow, and Mary Ann Massey Tucker.

Honorary pallbearers will be Madeline Massey, Russell Judd, C.J. Strnadel III, Melinda Massey, Dave Marlow, David Tucker, C.J. Strnadel Jr., and Wayne Dierlam.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Southbrook Manor in Edna for all of the care that they gave Roger.
Donations may be made to: St. Joseph's Catholic Church, P.O. Box 337, Inez, TX 77968 or to Victoria County 4-H Scholarship Fund, 442 Foster Field Drive, Victoria, TX 77904.

Published in the Victoria Advocate from 9/23/2008 - 9/24/2008

WINONA WATSON

Graveside services for Winona Watson, 82, of Palacios, were held July 1, 2003 at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing with the Revs. Andy Blair and Janell Blair officiating. Mrs. Watson was born April 14, 1921 in Crews, Tx. to the late Horace and Ella Bull Wood. She died June 27, 2003. She had been a resident of Palacios for the past 10 years and a former resident of Ballinger, Tx. She was a retired license vocational nurse. She is survived by her son, Adrian Watson of Palacios; sisters Nettie McMillan of Midland and Jean Heck of Evansville, Ind.; granddaughter Sherri Ellis and husband Jesse of Palacios; and great-granddaughter Adrian and Sean Ellis both Palacios. She was preceded in death by her husband, Aulden A. Watson; and sons William Jesse Watson and Michael Alfred Watson. Arrangements were with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

Palacios Beacon, July 2, 2003
 

Andrew V. Watts

Andrew V. Watts, 52, of Markham, died at the Matagorda General Hospital January 10^th. He was a retiree from Parker Bros. Shell Co. Survivors include: wife, Eula Watts; mother, Addie L. Watts of Luling, daughters, Laura Rogers of Conroe, Jacquelyn Nance of Markham, Candis Watts, of Van Vleck; brothers, Harold L. Watts of Luling, Morgan L. Watts of Houston; sisters, Coila Alexander, Nelda Wells both of Luling, Agnes Collyar of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Patsy Olive of Hot Springs, Arkansas; 7 grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at the Bay City Funeral Home Chapel, January 12^th with Rev. Joe Ramsey of the First Baptist Church of Markham officiating. Interment was in the Hawley Cemetery. Pallbearers were Ernest Mitchell, William Mitchell, Billy Mitchell, Steven Roe, Roy Williams, Marion Howarton. Honorary pallbearers were Taft Miles, Joey Ross and William Jackson. Services were under the direction of Dick E. Elkins Bay City Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, January 13, 1975
 

Eula Alice “Granny” Watts

Funeral services will be held for Eula Alice “Granny” Watts, 59, of Markham, 2 p. m. Sunday at Markham Baptist Church.

Officiating at the services will be the Rev. Joe Ramsey.

Watts died May 13, 1982 at Matagorda General Hospital.

Survivors include daughters, Laura Rodgers and Candis Davis of Markham, Jacque Thomason of Blessing; brothers, E. W. Thomas of Houston, Robert Thomas of Fort Worth; great aunts, Esther Walker and Mrs. Ruth Williams of Bay City, Mrs. Grace Wooten of Bandera; 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Burial will follow services at Hawley Cemetery.

Services under the direction of Dick R. Elkins Bay City Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, May 14, 1982
 

James Watts passed away Friday February 5, 2010 in League City, Texas, at the age of 79. He was born April 12, 1930 in Marlin, Texas to Buford and Mabel Watts. He lived most of his life in southeast Texas. During the time period of 1995 - 2009 he lived in Tallahassee, Florida returning to Texas Memorial Day 2009. He wished to spend some time with his brothers and sisters upon his return and was able to do so.

He was married to Lenore Erixon Watts, February 14 1954.

She predeceased him in June 1995.

He was in management and sales most of his life and worked for Phillips 66 in Old Ocean, Texas the years just prior to retirement.

He leaves behind: a daughter Jackie Watts (partner Sarah Sturges); sons Joseph Watts (Laurie) of Tallahassee, Florida, Wayne Watts (Lita) of Seabrook, Texas. He also left behind three grandsons: Victor Van Kraayenburg, James Wayne Watts, Seabrook, Texas, and Benjamin Sturges-Watts Tallahassee, Florida.

There will be a memorial service at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Bay City, Texas at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 20, 2010.

Bay City Tribune, Published February 17, 2010
 

JOANN "JODIE" WEATHERLY

LAGO VISTA - JoAnn "Jodie" Weatherly of Lago Vista passed away on Saturday, July 17, 2010, at the age of 80. She was born on April 28, 1930, in Palacios, to parents John and Muriel (Green) Fox, who raised her there.

Jodie was very involved in the community as a member of the Lago Vista Artist's Association, Lago Vista Women's Golf Association, as well as the Rolling Hills Community Church where she also volunteered. She was a former member of the Lago Vista Garden Club and the Lago Vista WGA 9-Holers. Jodie also was a great supporter of the Lago Vista Library.

Mrs. Weatherly is survived by her daughters, Carol Ann Lilly of Lago Vista, Susan Lee Hemphill and husband Danny of Hamilton, and Wanda Lou Montelongo and husband Ismael of Houston; grandchildren, Matthew Lane Hemphill and wife Laurie, Anna Lee Hemphill, Samuel Lenon Hemphill, Megan Lee Montelongo, Michael Lane Montelongo, and Claire Louise Lilly; and great-granddaughter, Emily Ann Hemphill.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Robert Lane Weatherly.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 18, 2010, from 6-8 p.m. at Beck Funeral Home, Cedar Park. A funeral service will be presided over by the Rev. Gary Olsen at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at the Rolling Hills Community Church in Lago Vista. Interment will take place at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21, 2010, at Memory Garden Cemetery, Hwy 87 in Victoria.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Smile Train at www.smiletrain.org.

Arrangements entrusted to Beck Funeral Home, 1700 W. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park, Texas 78613, 512-259-1610.

Published in Victoria Advocate on July 18, 2010
 

Frank Weathers
(August 31, 1916 - July 13, 2010)

Frank Weathers, 93, of Cedar Lane passed away Tuesday, July 13, 2010. He was born August 31, 1916 in Nashoba, Oklahoma to the late George & Haley Byers Weathers. Frank was a life long resident of Cedar Lane, a 1937 Graduate of Bay City High School, a Farmer & Rancher, and a member of Cedar Lane Baptist Church, Van Vleck FFA, Farm Bureau, and American Legion Post # 11 of Bay City.

He is survived by 2 daughters & sons-in-law: Diane & Tom Maines of Canyon Lake and Darlene & Robert Sanders of Santa Rosa Beach Florida; 2 sons & daughters-in-law: Larry & Cathy Weathers of Cedar Lane and Craig & Terry Weathers of Sugar Land; sister: Annie Clements of Webster; 2 brothers: W. R and Ben Weathers both of Cedar Lane; 1 granddaughter: Stacey Weathers-Villa; 8 grandsons: Jason and Frank Weathers, Josh and Eric Weathers, Christopher Maines, Cameron, Ryan, and Shane Sanders; and 12 great grandchildren. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Montie Weathers in 1995, and 2 sisters: Mollie Walker and Lillie Walker.

A funeral service will be held 10:00 AM Friday, July 16, 2010 at Cedar Lane Baptist Church with Pastor David Roach Officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home                     Montie Weathers         Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

ALBERTA WEAVER

PORT LAVACA - Alberta Weaver, 82, of Port Lavaca passed away April 25, 2009. She was born May 31, 1926 in Palacios to Perry Landon and Lela Dixie Savage Haskin. She was a co-owner of Weaver's Grocery, Charter Member of ABWA, Member of the Garden Club, Our Lady of the Gulf Altar Society, YMCA Scholarship Committee and was the 2005 Calhoun County Woman of the Year.

Berta was a great lady. She lived her life simply - with quiet strength, a generous heart, a smile, a kind word, and a plate of cookies for everyone. She was a blessing to her children and countless others, and there was nothing her grandchildren would rather do than "go to Grandma's." She is greatly missed.

She is survived by her children, Larry Weaver (Jody), Janet Weaver, Gary Weaver (Patty), Judy Goodwin (Nancy Sclight), Jean Jurica (Gerald), Jerre Weaver, Jacki Howard (David), and Terry Weaver (Buffy); sisters, Margaret Clegg and Jeanette Roberson; sister-in-law, Lorena Haskin; grandchildren, Erin, Katy, and Meagan Weaver, Justin, Jordan, Jared, Jenna, and Jamie Weaver, Kelli Goodwin, Kendal, Kaley and Kristen Jurica, Robyn and Jessica Tomlinson and Bond Youman, and Darian Howard; and great-grandchildren, Elaina and Alyssa Garza.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Weaver; daughter, Jill Weaver; parents; and brother, Perry Haskin.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 28 from 6-7 p.m. at Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home with a rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, April 29 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church, Father Dan Morales officiating. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Gardens.

Pallbearers are Justin Weaver, Gerald Jurica, David Howard, Russell Piper, Nathan Townsend, and John Hunt.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church.
Richardson-Colonial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, 361-552-2988.

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 4/27/2009
 

William "Bill" Weaver
(December 21, 1925 - May 25, 2010)

William “Bill” Weaver, 84, passed away May 25, 2010 in Bay City, Texas. He was born December 1, 1925 in Whitesboro, Oklahoma to the late Noel E. and Lela Jones Weaver. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy during WWll and Korea.

Survived by his loving wife of 62 years Zula “Dee” Weaver; by his sister Joan McLoughlin of Philadelphia, Pa., and by his brother Lowell D. Weaver of Little Roak, Ark..

Visitation will be May, 27, 2010 from 5p.m.-6p.m. at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Graveside service will be Friday, May 28, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck, Texas.

www.taylorbros.net           Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

Alline Garrett Webb
 

ELAINE WEBB

Funeral services Elaine Webb, 88, of West Lafayette, Indiana (previously of Pensacola Beach, FL) were held Sept. 24, 2010 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Pensacola. Burial was at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola.

Mrs. Webb was born Aug. 22, 1922 in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania to the late Samuel Arthur King and Mary (Anderson) King. She passed away Sept. 15, 2010 at home after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

She married Leslie E. Webb Jr. on March 24, 1946 in Orlando, FL. Elaine attended Cornell University New York Hospital School of Nursing, where she received her RN degree. She later earned a B.S. in Nursing from the University of Texas at El Paso.

She served in the Army Nurses Corps and was stationed on the island of Guam during WWII. She later worked as a public school nurse in Falfurrias, TX, a hospital nurse in Palacios, TX, and an emergency room nurse in El Paso, TX.

She enjoyed playing tennis and basketball, gardening, reading, and walking the beach. In later years, she enjoyed eating her favorite foods, listening to music, and basking in the sunshine.

She is survived by sons Leslie E. (wife Mutsuko) Webb of Kyoto, Japan, Robert T. (wife Lynda) Webb of Midland, TX, and Ralph T. Webb of Fairfax, VA; daughter Mary Alice Webb of West Lafayette; and grandchildren Thomas, Alex and Natey Webb.

She was preceded in death by her husband on Jan. 2, 2007, two sisters and one brother.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association.

Share memories and condolences at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com.

The Palacios Beacon, September 29, 2010
 

Willis O. "Pappy" Webb
 

Nellie Belle Webbon
Aug. 1, 1915 - Oct. 15, 2010

Nellie Belle Webbon, 95 of Bridge City, Texas, passed away on October 15, 2010 in Bay City, Texas.

She was born on August 1, 1915. She was a long time resident of Bridge City, Texas and a member of First Baptist, Bridge City, Texas. She was a loving wife and mother. Her last four years she lived with her son in Bay City and attended The Vineyard Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Ted Webbon.

She is survived by: her children, Bill Webbon (Debbie) of El Paso, Texas, Bob Webbon (Carol) Seabrook, Texas, and Ed Webbon (Lori) of Bay City; grandchildren, Wynona Chilbert (Mark) of Washington, John and Melissa Webbon of Denver, Colorado, Joel, Daniel, Michael, and Rachel Webbon of Bay City; great grandchildren, Kendra and Frank Chilbert.

Memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Sunday October 17, 2010 at the Vineyard Church in Bay City with Bill Cross officiating.

Donations can be sent to the Missions Fund of the Vineyard Church in Bay City.

Bay City Tribune, Sunday, October 17, 2010
 

Jeannette Belto Weber passed away April 1, 2009 in Sargent, Texas at the age of 68. She was born November 22, 1940 in San Antonio, Texas.

Jeannette was preceded in death by: both parents, Johnnie and Amanda Mae Belto and sister Virginia Belto San Miguel.

She is survived by: her beloved companion, Sheldon Sloan of Sargent; sister Alberta Belto Headley of Shiner; loving children, James Mikeska and his wife Rosie of La Porte, John Mikeska and his wife Suzan of Houston and Jana Mikeska Ramsey of Crosby. She also survived by 7 grandchildren Lee and Danielle Mikeska, Brandy, Brittany and Brandon Mikeska, Bryan and Heather Ramsey; 2 step-grandchildren Brian and Sara Van Valkenburg; and 1 great-grandson Luke Mikeska.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Bay City Tribune, Published April 8, 2009

JANE CARTWRIGHT WEED
 

KATY - Jane Cartwright Weed, 87, died on June 30, 2008 in Katy. Mrs. Weed was born in Terrell on Oct. 3, 1920, to Leonidas and Jane Ross Gladney Cartwright.

She graduated from Terrell High School, Methodist University, and East Texas Teacher's College. She received a bachelor of science and a teaching certificate. Mrs. Weed was a teacher following graduation for two years at the Texas State Military School.

She married William F. Weed (Bill) on Oct. 6, 1954. Mrs. Weed lived in Beaumont until her move to Palacios in 1993 to be closer to her grandchildren. She moved again in 2007 to follow her family into the Katy area.
Jane Weed was a member of many social and civic groups. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the South Texas Historical Society.

She is survived by her son, James Ross Weed and his wife Mary; son, Thomas Weed and wife Kay; granddaughters, Ellen Deering, Carol Thigpen, Elizabeth Weed, Kathy Weed, Linda Weed, Jamie Weed, Tess Weed; grandsons, Jacob Cuellar and Jeremy Cuellar; brother, Lon Cartwright. She also has seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by husband, William F. Weed; mother and father; brother, Columbus W. (Cumby) Cartwright; daughter, Elizabeth Jerome (Jere) Weed; and son, Frank Weed.

She was very loved and served as a great inspiration to her family. She will be dearly missed.

There will be a memorial in Palacios at the United Methodist Church at 209 Lucas Ave. on Wednesday, July 2 at 2 p.m. There will also be a graveside service held at Oakland Cemetery in Terrell on Saturday, July 5, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the United Methodist Church in Palacios.

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 7/1/2008

Sybil K. Weiss
(December 20, 1933 - June 1, 2010)
 

Kathy Lee Weixelman
(August 26, 1947 - October 31, 2006)

Kathy Lee Weixelman, 59, of Palacios passed away October 31, 2006. She was born August 26, 1947 in Manhatten, Kansas to Thomas and Betty Piper Lee. She had been a resident of Palacios for 34 years and was a substitute teacher for Palacios ISD for 4 ½ years.

She was preceded in death by her father and two brothers John Lee and Galen Lee. She is survived by her husband Mike Weixelman of Palacios; her mother Betty Lee of Manhatten, KS; daughter Angela Michel Weixelman of Kyle, TX; sons Michael Lee Weixelman of Edna & Trent Anthony Weixelman of Palacios; brothers Niel Lee and James Lee both of Manhatten, KS; and one granddaughter Kayle Michel Weixelman of Edna.

A rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM Thursday, November 2, 2006 at the Palacios Funeral Home. Mass will be 10:00 AM Friday, November 3, 2006 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Palacios with Rev. Richard Weixelman officiating. Burial will follow at the Palacios Cemetery. Pallbearers include John Gill, Peter Quintero, Ken Sexton, Michael Harvey, Reed Bowers, Wendall Weimer and Gary Hafernik . Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements with Palacios Funeral Home. 361-972-2012.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Crystal Elaine Stroman-Weldon who was born at Pauls Valley, Oklahoma on March 31, 1982, passed away on June 5, 2007 at the Christopher House Hospice in Austin, Texas. She is survived by her husband Mark Vann Weldon, and their son Donavann Corbyn Stellar Weldon of Taylor, Texas. She is also survived by her Grandmother, Kitty Rice Ward, Mother, Beverly Stroman, sister Toni Stroman and aunt Linda Ward of the Bay City area; and a sister Jo Lynn Ormesher Hartman and brother Leif Ormesher from Florida. Also left behind are her devoted friends Denise McCloughan and David Williams of Springfield, Illinois. She is preceded in death by her father Joseph Ray Stroman, grandfather Coy Ward, and her aunt Janell Ward.

She attended Van Vleck School through her junior year, then moved to Springfield, Illinois and there graduated from Lamphier High School in 2000. After graduation she lived in Springfield until returning to Texas with Mark and Donavann in 2006.

Visitation will be at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City on Friday, June 8th from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2813 16th St., Bay City, on Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 2:00 PM. Interment will immediately follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck, Texas.

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

The Victoria Advocate, June 6, 2007

Christian Graham Wells
(July 11, 2010 - July 11, 2010)

Christian Graham Wells, beloved son of Glen and Mitzi, brother of Michael, grandson of Mike and Connie Burnside and Forrest and Lillian Wells was born into heaven on July 11, 2010. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2010. The viewing will be at 1:00 with ceremony beginning at 2:00, at Klein Memorial Park, 9714 FM 2920. A private graveside service for the family followed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep: at www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org. "Every good and perfect gift comes from above." James 1:17.
 

Gerald Franklin Wells
 

Emmitt Donald Wells
(March 27, 1932 - June 11, 2007)

The last page of Don’s earthly journey was written June 11, 2007. He was born March 27, 1932 in Clemville, Texas to the late Marion “Potsy” Mark and Mamye Dessye Harvey Wells. He was a former resident of Bay City and had been a resident of Lake Jackson since 2000.

He is survived by his wife, Bertha Bullard Wells, two sons and a daughter-in-law Carl Anthony “Tony” & Marlene Wells and Mark Allen Wells, daughter and son-in-law Sandra Marchelle Deering and William Gray Deering II; seven grandchildren Nikole Marie Underwood & husband John, Tiffany Elaine Boone & husband Robert, Jennifer Ashley Wells, Brandon Scott Wells, Mark Allen Wells Carter, Amanda Carol Deering and Alexandra Marchelle Deering; three great grandchildren Hayden Parker Underwood, Cade Ryan Underwood & Maci Alexis Boone; sister and brother-in-law Elva Jean & Robert Ellis and brother and sister-in-law Marcus Durward & Peggy Wells. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter Connie Gayle Wells.

Graveside service will be 10:00 AM Thursday, June 14, 2007 at Roselawn Memorial Park with Rev. Chester Sassman officiating. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. 979-245-4613.

www.taylorbros.net                                   Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

R. L. “Rob” Wells

Advocate News Service

Bay City—R. L. “Rob” Wells, 84, of Bay City, a resident of Matagorda County for 60 years, died Saturday in a Bay City nursing home.

A member of First Presbyterian Church, Mr. Wells was born Jan. 3, 1901, in Madison County.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ruth G. Wells of Bay City; two daughters, Mrs. Virginia Rhymes of Bay City and Mrs. Nelda Merrick of League City; two sisters, Mrs. Mozelle Williams of Collegeport, Tex., and Mrs. Jennie Melvin of Bay City; a brother, M. M. Wells of Bay City, and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 54 years, Mrs. Ruby Jenkins Wells, who died in 1980, and by a granddaughter in 1979.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Monday at the Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Frank Seaman officiating. Burial will be in Hawley Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Donald and Durwood Wells, Earl Williams, Robert Ellis and Chester and Dwayne Corporon.

The Victoria Advocate, January 6, 1985                         Photos courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise
 

Ruby Virginia Wells

Ruby Virginia Wells, 77, of Bay City, died at her residence on January 11. She was a resident of Matagorda County for 55 years. Survivors include: husband, Robert L. Wells of Bay City; daughters, Mrs. Virginia Rhymes of Bay City and Mrs. Nelda Merck of League City; sisters, Mrs. Lottie Knight of Centerville and Mrs. Bessie Ware of Collegeport; brothers, Joe Frank Jenkins of Collegeport and Austin Jenkins of Centerville; three grandchildren. The funeral will be held at Taylor Brothers Chapel on Sunday, January 13, at 2:00 p. m. with the Rev. Frank Seaman officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery. Pallbearers include: Duane Corporon, Gus Franzen, Jimmy Murry, W. L. Ellis and Buddy Lenz. Arrangements made with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, January 12, 1980
 

Jane H. Wendt, 78, of Sargent, TX passed away Monday, March 8, 2010. She was born March 21, 1931 in Sargent, TX to the late Adolph & Beatrice Chambless Socha. Mrs. Wendt was a lifelong resident of Matagorda County and a member of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church in Bay City. Buelah Walker and Velma Clements baptized her in the name of Jesus in the waters of Caney Creek. Her church and her family were the two most important things in her life. She was a passionate fisherwoman, gardener, and hunter. Mrs. Wendt served 22 years with Jackson Electric Co-op including the last several years as Chairman of the Board. She also owned and operated the Sargent Grocery Store for 23 years.

Jane is survived by her husband of 33 years: Dale E. Wendt of Sargent; sister: Lillian Graham; daughter: Sharon Lindberg & husband Fred of Sargent; son: Curtis Dale Sanders & wife Sabrina of Sargent; daughter: Gaye Lynette Daugherty of Bay City; grandchildren: Curt Speer, Chris Speer, Stefanie Charlston, Jill Green, Kevin Sanders, Ross Sanders, Janie Hilliard, Jacob Hilliard, Ethan Sanders, Aaron, and Savanah Cleveland; and 10 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 2 brothers: A.L. “Buddy” and Chester Socha; and 6 sisters: Leonora “Dinky” Donworth, Willie Beaty, Betty Smith, Velma Clements, Louise Pointer, and Leonie Kucerek.

The family will receive friends and family Wednesday, March 10, 2010 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held 10:00 AM Thursday, March 11, 2010 at the Apostolic Pentecostal Church in Bay City with Rev. Sam Starks and Rev. Jonathan McClintock officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City. Pallbearers will be: Tom Hudgins, Herf Cornelius, Jimmy Rieger, James Starks, Kevin Sanders, and Ross Sanders.

The Family of Mrs. Wendt would like to thank Houston Hospice, and especially Patt Matthis for all their help through this difficult time.

Bay City Tribune, March 10, 2010
 

Alyce Caroline West
(September 25, 1930 - December 7, 2008)

Alyce Caroline West, 78, of Bay City passed away Sunday, December 7, 2008. She was born September 25, 1930 to the late Alice Lucille Goodwin Turland & Alfonzo Lorenzo Turland. Mrs. West was a Baptist, and a former long time resident of Brazoria.

She is survived by her daughter: Karen Downing of Brazoria, and son: Marvin Ronnie Keefe of Angleton.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Brian Leslie West, 47, of Dickinson, Texas went to be with his Lord Friday, March 25, 2011 at Mainland Medical Hospital in Texas City. Brian was born on June 11, 1963 in San Antonio, Texas to Douglas McCllenen and Imogene Waggerman West.

Brian became a member of the First United Methodist Church at a young age. He loved his family and friends. He was fond of fishing with his dad and brother at Matagorda. He loved watching NFL games. His favorite team was the St. Louis Rams. He was a fan of the LSU Tigers as he attended college in Baton Rouge, LA.

Brian is survived by his beloved wife: Kari Ann Levenson West; stepfather and mother: Joe Ray and Imogene Waggerman Beard; brother: Scott Alan West; sister: Sandra Gayle West; 2 stepsisters: Barbie Beard & Tom Dearman & Family and Beth Beard Yablon & Family; aunt: Raeciel Neely; 3 cousins: Mike & Cheryl Neely, Sally & Curtis Tate, and Jeff & Carolyn Koym; father-in-law: Steve Levenson; mother-in-law: Rosanne Levenson; 2 sister-in-law: Sarah & Craig Beasley & Family and Tamra & Vinnie Thein & Liza; and brother-in-law: Reed & Laura Levenson & Family.

Brian was preceded in death by his father: Douglas McCllenen West, grandparents: Raymond Leslie & Luceill Nelson Waggerman, grandmother: Ella Francis Davis, aunt: Arlene Waggerman Koym, and uncle: Hank Koym.

A Service to Celebrate Brian’s Life will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, April 9, 2011 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. June White officiating. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Palacios, 209 Lucas Ave., Palacios, TX 77465 or charity of choice.

[Burial at Hawley Cemetery near Blessing, Texas]

www.taylorbros.net
 

WEST, GALE
Infant Is Buried At Hawley Cemetery

Gale West, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. West of Blessing, passed away Thursday night at the age of 35 days.

Funeral services were held Friday at 4:00 p.m. at the Hawley Cemetery. Taylor Bros., in charge of arrangements.

Survivors are the parents; one sister Betty Jean; three brothers John Henry, James Harry and Marvin Leo, all of Blessing.

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, November 5, 1943, Matagorda County, Texas
 

Michael Blake West

Michael Blake West, 61, of Taft, Texas passed away September 6, 2003.

He was a graduate of Taft High School. He earned his Associate of Applied Sciences degree from Southwest Texas Junior College, Uvalde, Texas. Mike served his country in the Army from 1965-1969. He served in Germany with the Army Security Agency which answered directly to the National Security Agency. He was a Production Technician for 30 years at Occidental Chemical and Dupont. He was a deacon at the First Baptist Church of Taft for the last seven years. Mike was a Mason and a member of the Gregory Masonic Lodge #998-Taft. He was recently installed as Senior Warden Officer.

Mike loved to go R.V. camping with family and friends and take evening walks at the campgrounds. He especially enjoyed touring historical homes, landmarks and roaming around antique shows and flea markets with his wife, Sharon.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Sharon; son, Matthew West and Josie of Brazoria; daughter, Brandy Vrana and Wade of Victoria; four grandchildren all of Brazoria; Britany West, MacKenzie Baker, Jacob Myers, Cheyenne West (also expecting another in January); mother, Verba Rhea West of Taft; special sister-in-law and brother-in-law, David and Sandy Casey of Richwood; brother and sister-in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family will be present for visitation on Tuesday, September 9th from 6-8pm at the Colonial Funeral Home in Taft.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2003 at the First Baptist Church of Taft.

Burial will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing at 3:00 p.m.

To express your sympathy, donations may be sent to the Gregory Masonic Lodge #998, P.O. Box 141, Taft, TX 78390 or the American Cancer Society.

Corpus Christi Caller Times, September 9, 2003                                       Photos courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise

Adam Michael Westbrook
(May 1, 1982 - July 5, 2009)

Adam Michael Westbrook, 27, of Sweeny, TX, passed away, Sunday, July 5, 2009 in Sargent, TX. He was born May 1, 1982 in Shamrock, TX to James Phillip Westbrook and Frances Lynn Ratliff. He was a Landscaper and was a resident of Sweeny for the past year.

He is survived by his mother: Frances Ratliff of Sweeny, TX; his father: James P Westbrook & wife Laura Westbrook of Terrell, TX; his sister: Jennifer Louise Westbrook of North Zulch, TX; his step-sister: Jessica Bailey of Terrell TX; and his brother: Christopher Scott Westbrook of Sacramento, CA.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at the First Assembly of God Church in Brazoria, TX.

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

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

www.taylorbros.net
 

Westfall, 51, Died Thursday

Services are pending for Blessing resident B. R. Westfall, 51, who died early Thursday morning at Matagorda General Hospital. Westfall was a gang pusher for Sun Oil Company and is surviving by his wife, Olga, of Blessing.

Arrangements are to be announced by Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, March 14, 1963
 

Cathy E. Westinghouse
(July 10, 1951 - July 20, 2005)

Cathy was born in Houston, Texas, July 10, 1951. She graduated from Van Vleck High School in 1969 and attended Wharton County Junior College for two years. Her career was at Celenese Bay City as a Telecommunications Specialist.

Cathy was active for many years in the Bay City Historical Society, Matagorda County Museum and the Junior Volunteer League. She enjoyed historical re-enactments, Mountain Man Rendezvous and teaching cooking with cast iron on the open fire. She also taught Country and Western dancing to many, many students over the years. She was a founder of The Bay Prairie Dancers who performed dances of the 1700 and 1800’s all over Texas and other states. She enjoyed period music and learned to play the Mountain Dulcimer. She is survived by her parents L.A. (Dutch) and Frances Westinghouse of Bay City, Texas, uncle Robert P. Lee and family of Louisiana, brother Kenny Westinghouse and his wife Connie of Alvin, nephews Derik Westinghouse and wife Francey of Pearland, Corry Westinghouse and wife Stephanie of League City, cousins Danny and Sharon Lee of Bay City, and Sandy and John Fickling of Sweeny. She also has two great nieces, Audrey Westinghouse and Autumn Westinghouse and one great nephew Travis Westinghouse.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, July 23, 2005 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Edward Boineau officiating. Interment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

She will be missed by many and forgotten by none and shall remain in our hearts and minds forever.

www.taylorbros.net           Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

Frances Lee Westinghouse, 76, of Bay City, passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2008 in Sugar Land, Texas.

She was born February 24, 1932 in Garrison, Texas to Robert P. Lee and Ola Easter Chandler Lee. She was a resident of Matagorda County since 1962 and a member of the Lutheran Church.

Frances is survived by: her husband of 58 years, L.A. “Dutch” Westinghouse of Bay City; by her son, Kenneth Leon Westinghouse and wife Connie of Alvin; by her brother, Robert P. Lee Jr. of New Orleans, Louisiana; her grandchildren, Corry Westinghouse and wife Stephanie of Lake Jackson and Derik Westinghouse of Alvin; by four grandchildren, Autumn and Shelby Westinghouse and Audrey and Travis Westinghouse; by her niece, Sandra Fay Fickling and husband John; her nephew, Danny Ray Lee and wife Sharon; and by her good friend, Sandy “T” Hamilton.

She was preceded in death by: her daughter, Cathy Elderine Westinghouse; her parents, Robert P. and Ola Chandler Lee; her sisters, Gertrude Donaldson and “Tinkie” Lee; and her brother, Jack Lee.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 27, 2008 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel in Bay City. Chaplain Ron Lynn of A-Med Hospice will be officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Words of comfort 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 September 28, 2008                    Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Kathleen L. Wetz, 67, passed away Sunday, July 20, 2008; in her home following a long fight with cancer.

She was born July 13, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois to Eleanor and Leon Freyser and has been a resident of Van Vleck since 1987.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, Eleanor and Leon Freyser; and by her brothers, Dennis and Joe Tannant.

She leaves behind: her husband, James “Jim” Wetz; three children, Kimberly Wetz Keating, James Wetz and wife Debra, and Mike Wetz, all of Bay City; four grandchildren: Joshua Wetz, Tyler Keating, Kerrigan Keating and Fhynix Wetz; four step grandchildren, Micah, Javier, Tiffany and Ciera Escobedo; a brother, Richard Freyser and wife Loretta of Kentucky; and a sister, Sharon Ferber and husband Phil of Indiana. She will be greatly missed by all of her family, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. She is at peace now, without pain, in the hands of the Lord.

Visitation will be held from 4 until 9 p.m. Friday, July 25, 2008 at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2008 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Albert Wetz officiating.

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

Pallbearers will be Albert Wetz, George Wetz, Robert Wetz, Jimmy Nicholyn, Joshua Wetz and Dale Dougherty. Honorary pallbearers will be Tyler Keating and Fhynix Wetz.

Online condolences 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, Published July 23, 2008                    Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

RUTH HATTIE WHEATON

Ruth Hattie Wheaton, 68, of Blessing, passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2001. She was born February 13, 1932 in Livonia, N.Y. She was a resident of Blessing for the past 23 years and a member of the Methodist Church.

She is survived by: husband, Rodney M. Wheaton of Blessing; mother, Maxine Thew of Mt. Morris, N.Y.; daughters, Karen Alvord and husband Dan of Palacios, Kietha Robertson and husband Rick of Pasadena. Kathleen Wheaton and fiance Jim Metzger of Bay Ckty, and Debra Wheaton of Clute; sons, Timothy Wheaton and wife Karen of Midfield, John Wheaton of Madrid, N. Y., Eugene Wheaton of Raymodville, N. Y., and Dana Wheaton and wife Tina of Bay City; sisters, Nellie Baker of Perry, N. Y., Florence Fleischman of Naples, N. Y., and Hazel Pate of Southern Pines, N. C., brother, Ronnie Thew of Avon, N. Y.; 14 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Cole.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 19, 2001 at the Palacios Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Sliva officiating.

Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing, Texas.

Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home in Palacios.

THE DAILY TRIBUNE, Thursday, January 18, 2001                         Photos courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise
 

Hattie Lee Wheeler

Wheeler, Mrs. Hattie Lee, 85, of Blessing, died in El Campo hospital Sunday morning. Funeral services set for 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Don Larick, pastor of the First Christian Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Hawley Cemetery in Blessing, under the direction of Taylor Brothers Funeral Home. Survivors include two sons, Raymond Wheeler of Chicago, Ill., and Paul Wheeler of Blessing; one sister, Mrs. Ruth Allen of Kentucky; one brother, Paul Stotts of Michigan. Mrs. Wheeler had been a resident of Blessing for 50 years.

Unknown newspaper, April 23, 1969
 

Paul J. Wheeler

Paul J. Wheeler, 64, of Blessing died Sept. 16, at M. D. Anderson Hospital in Houston. Only survivor is a brother, Ray Wheeler of Argo, Illinois. Funeral services were held Sept. 19 in the Taylor Bros. Chapel, with Rev. William Parkey officiating. Interment will be at the Hawley Cemetery. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, September 17 or 18, 1974
 

A. R. "Tony" Whiddon
(October 18, 1947 - March 18, 2006)

A. R. “Tony” Whiddon was born October 18, 1947 in Bay City to Roger and Virginia Moore Whiddon and died March 18, 2006 in Bay City. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Sons of the Republic of Texas.

He is survived by Bobbye Taylor of Bay City, mother Virginia Whiddon of Bay City, father Roger Whiddon of Decatur , two sons Joe Whiddon and Ethan Whiddon both of Dallas, two sisters and brothers-in-law Susan and Roland Martin of Dallas and Debra and John Burns of Arlington, one brother and sister-in-law Steve and Poppy Whiddon of Dallas and by several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Pauline Harvey officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers include John C. Dickerson III, Jack Conner, Richard Knapik, Charles Townsend, Doug Huebner and Lee Hearn. The employees of Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation will serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be made to the Bay City Library, Matagorda County Museum, or the charity of your choice. The family will receive friends from 6:00PM-8:00PM Tuesday at the funeral home. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. 979-245-4613

www.taylorbros.net                                          Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Charles Winfield White

Charles Winfield White, 55, of Palacios passed away April 26, 1997 at Wagner General Hospital in Palacios.

He was born July 5, 1941 in Palacios, Texas to John C. and Beulah Belle Maynard White. He was a lifelong resident of Palacios; a veteran of the US Army; a former police officer in Matagorda, Calhoun, and Brazoria Counties; and a life member of the N. R. A.

He is survived by his wife, Kerry White of Palacios; by two daughters and a son-in-law, Kelly Mower of Palacios and Nicole and Bobby Brune of Midfield; by one son, Alan White of Palacios; by two sisters and a brother-in-law, Wanda Rickaway of San Antonio and Traci and Bill Lockey of LaMarque; by a brother and sister-in-law, Arthur and Ruby White of LaWard; and by six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Cindy Preston and by two brothers, John “Doc” White and Harvey White.

Funeral services will be held t 2 p. m. Tuesday, April 29, 1997 at the First Baptist Church in Palacios with Rev. Hollas Hoffman officiating. Burial will follow at the Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Palacios.

The Daily Tribune, April 29, 1997                            Photos courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise

Ethelyn White, died on Good Friday, March 21 with her two daughters, Jimmie and Jacqueline White, at her bedside.

She is survived by: one granddaughter, Jimmie Luthuli; two brothers, Drs. William and James Hadnott; one sister, Evelyn Jackson; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The visitation will begin at 9 a.m. and the services at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 27, 2008 at Boynton Chapel United Methodist Church, 2812 Milby, Houston, Texas, 713-942-7673.

Bay City Tribune, Published March 26, 2008

Harvey Thomas White

Harvey Thomas White, 81, of Glen Rose, Texas died Saturday, September 29, 2001 in Palestine, Texas.

A memorial service for Harvey Thomas White, 81, of Glen Rose, Texas was conducted Tuesday afternoon at First Methodist Church in Glen Rose with the Rev. John Shipman and the Rev. Darren Walker officiating.

Born in Blessing, Texas on January 25, 1920 to Thomas Braxton and Pearl Allison White. He was married on November 23, 1946 in Bay City to Lois Eleanor Farnum from Chicago. Harvey and Lois lived in Wadsworth over 40 years. He was a registered pharmacist, owned  a drug store in Bay City, and after retiring to Glen Rose, worked parttime at Glen Rose Discount Drug.

Harvey White was a veteran of the U. S. Army in World War II. He was a past master of the Masonic Lodge and an Eastern Star member.

He was also a Shriner and member of First Methodist Church and lived in Glen Rose for 15 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois.

Survivors include: two sons, Randy White and wife Esther of Glen Rose, and Paul White and wife Jan of Midlothian; three daughters, Cory Bordlee and husband Charlie of Palestine; Ruthie Gideon and husband Kermit of Spring; Patti Chiles and husband Fendel of Irving; and ten grandchildren.

The family requests that memorials be made to The First United Methodist Church of Glen Rose in his name.

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The Daily Tribune, October 4, 2001
 

Katherine Mary Eidlebach White, 86, of Vancouver, Washington died August 21, 2008.

She was born in Bay City, on August 6, 1922 to Willie Eidlebach and Pauline Gest Eidlebach. She married Marshall White on July 17, 1943. She was a member of Cross Point Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by: parents; brothers, Carroll (Bundy) Eidlebach, Earl Eidlebach and Gene Eidlebach; sisters, Gertrude Harrison, Beulah Lee, Emmie Lee Parks, Isabelle Gernand, Virginia Klingaman, Joyce Smith.

She is survived by: husband, Marshall White; sons and daughter in law, Everett and Chong White, John and Vangie White; daughter and husband, Linda and Ron Hug; two grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sisters, Wilma Jennings of Del Rio, Evelyn Eidlebach of Bay City; brothers, Burris Eidlebach, Ross and Catherine Eidlebach, and Arthur and Carm Eidlebach all of Bay City.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 30, 2008 in Hamilton Mylan Funeral Home in Vancouver, Washington.

Interment followed at Willamette Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.
 

Bay City Tribune, Published August 31, 2008

White Graveside Services at Hawley

Graveside services for Kenneth B. White of Houston will be held Tuesday at 2 p. m. at the Hawley Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Newspaper and date unknown
 

Mrs. Theresa E. White

Graveside services for Mrs. Theresa E. White, 79, of Houston were held at 1 p. m. Monday, April 23, at Hawley Cemetery with Rev. G. Wayland Elmore officiating.

Mrs. White was a sister of Mrs. Viola Patterson of Palacios. Other survivors included two sons, E. B. and R. E. Robertson of Houston, three daughters, Mrs. Frankie E. Dolan of San Antonio, Mrs. Jesse F. Roberts of Houston, Mrs. Elsie Van Hess of New Caney; sister, Mrs. Estelle Royal of Houston; 15 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

The Daily Tribune, April 16, 1973
 

Our little angel, Travis, was born on February 8, 2008, and was given his wings on July 19, 2008, at Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas.

Travis’s memory will be cherished by: his parents, Bradley and Jennifer White of Austin; brothers, Atom White and Jeremy Walker of Austin; sister, Kylie Walker of Austin; great-grandmother, Velma Johnson of Hewitt; maternal grandparents, Thomas E. and Janice L. Cunningham of Bay City; paternal grandparents, Robert and Rita White of Freeport, and Brenda and David Hudgins of Lake Jackson. He also leaves behind a large extended family and his godparents, Ramona Gallia and Brian Caudle.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home.

Funeral Services have been arranged for 10 a.m., Thursday, July 24, 2008 in the Chapel of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and little Travis will be laid to rest at Taylor City Cemetery at 2 p.m.

Honoring Travis as pallbearers will be Byron Payne, Brian Caudle, Michael Jones, and David Wilkerson.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Baby Travis can be made to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Dell Children’s Medical Center.

Please join us in celebrating Travis’ life by visiting our Memorial at www.mem.com where we invite you to share your thoughts and fond memories with our family.

Arrangements under the direction of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas 78749, (512) 892-1172.

Bay City Tribune, Published July 23, 2008

Bessie Whitfield
February 20, 1927 - April 18, 2022

Bessie Beatrice Whitfield, 95, of Bay City passed away April 18, 2022.  She was born February 20, 1927 in Ada, Oklahoma to the late Benjamin Franklin Bagley and Eliza Thompson Bagley.

Her family moved from Oklahoma to the Collegeport, Texas area when she was 2 years old.  She has been a resident of Matagorda County since that time.  She was a 1945 graduate of Blessing High School.  She was a very kind person who would do anything to help another.  She was a good cook and enjoyed family gatherings and cooking alongside her sisters.  Her greatest joy in life was being a mother and grandmother.  She was always there at various activities that the children were involved in.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jerhald Whitfield, sisters Jessie McDonald and Adda Chaplin, and brothers Joseph H. Bagley and William W. Bagley.

Survivors include daughter Sherry Brown, grandson Matthew J. Brown, great granddaughter Makaya Brown, as well as nieces, nephews and other extended family.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM Friday, March 22, 2022 at Nichols Street Church of Christ.  Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM with Chris Webber officiating.  Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home
 

Jerhald Whitfield
(July 1, 1929 - December 9, 2008)

Jerhald “Jerry” Whitfield, 79, of Bay City passed away Dec. 9, 2008. He was born July 1, 1929 in New Waverly, TX to the late Theo & Inez Hardy Whitfield. He served in the US Marines during the Korean Conflict and owned and operated Jerry’s Flying Service, Inc. for over 15 years then flew for Fehmel Dusting Service, Inc.

Survivors include his wife Bessie Bagley Whitfield of Bay City; daughters Sherry Brown & husband Billy of Bay City Judy Follette & Glenda Parrot both of Houston; grandson Matthew Brown of Bay City and granddaughter Tina Hall of Oklahoma City, OK and many other friends and family.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Friday, Dec. 12, 2008 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Dr. Mike Zimmerman officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Matthew Brown, Mike Burnside, W. H. Mann, Jr., William A. Townsend, Kenneth Chaplin and Charles “Hal” Fisher.

www.taylorbros.net                 Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham
 

Billie Marie Whitley
(September 10, 1944 - December 28, 2007)

 

Billie Marie Grimes Whitley, 63, of Bay City passed away December 28, 2007. She was born September 10, 1944 in Palacios, Texas to the late Priscilla Bishop & Curley Grimes. She was a lifetime resident of Matagorda County. She is survived by her companion J. P. Conroy of Bay City.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Sunday, December 30, 2007 at Taylor Bros.

Funeral Home with Rev. Luther Carroll officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.

Harold G. Whorton

Funeral services for Harold Grant Whorton of Francitas were held at 2:30 p. m. Tuesday, April 25, in the First Baptist Church of Palacios with Rev. W. W. Harvey officiating. Masonic graveside services and interment were held in Hawley Cemetery.

Born August 12, 1898 in Wolsey, South Dakota, a son of M. S. and  Angie Kelly Whorton, he had been a resident of this area for 27 years. He died Sunday, April 23, in John Sealy Hospital in Galveston.

He is survived by his wife, Violet Whorton of Francitas; two sons, Everett R. Whorton of Francitas, and Dr. G. J. Whorton of El Campo; one daughter, Mrs. Bobby Dillard of Francitas and three grandchildren.

Palacios Beacon, April 27, 1967
 

Violet Whorton

Graveside services for Violet Whorton, 88, of Blessing were scheduled for 4 p. m. today at Hawley Cemetery, Blessing, with the Rev. Ron Lynn officiating.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Mrs. Whorton was born Feb. 2, 1900, in Sac City, Iowa, to Carl and Selma Stronbald Stron and died Sept. 14, 1988, at Matagorda General Hospital, Bay City.

A resident of the Blessing area since 1940, she was a member of First Baptist Church of Blessing.

Survivors include a daughter, Mary Bell of Blessing; two sons, Everett R. “Rod” Whorton of Blessing and Grant Whorton of El Campo; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church Blessing.

Arrangements were with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, September, 1988
 

George Wickham, Sr.

George Wickham, Sr., 80, died Monday [August] 28 at Wagner General Hospital. He was born July 31, 1898 in Illinois. Survivors are wife, Gladys Wickham, Palacios, daughters, Patricia Christianson, Palacios, Carol Boone, Tucson, Arizona, a son, George Wickham II, Conroe, brother, Leonard Sexton, Stratford, Missouri, and 7 grandchildren. The deceased was a member of the 1^st United Methodist Church in Palacios. Funeral services will be held at Palacios Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, August 30, at 4 p. m. Rev. Carl L. W. Israel and Rev. J. R. Gwin will officiate. Interment at Hawley Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Palacios.

The Daily Tribune, August, 1978
 

Kathryn C. Wickham

Funeral services were held at 2 p. m. Tuesday, August 17, at the First Baptist Church for Mrs. Kathryn Cope Wickham with the Rev. Leon Maxwell officiating. Interment was in Hawley Cemetery.

Daughter of John H. and Matti Idolla Smith Cope, she was born May 1, 1901, in Toledo, Ohio. For many years she lived in Grayville, Ill., where she was a member of the First Christian Church, Eastern Star and Rebeccas. A resident of Palacios for 10 years, she was an active member of the Wednesday Club. She passed away Sunday, August 15, in M. D. Anderson Hospital in Houston where she had undergone surgery last week.

She is survived by her husband, George H. Wickham of Palacios; two daughters, Mrs. Patricia Christianson of Palacios and Mrs. Carol Boone of Houston; one son, George H. Wickham II of Houston; one brother, John H. Cope of Skiatook Oklahoma and seven grandchildren.

The Palacios Beacon, August 19, 1971
 

Funeral services for Curtis Cordell Wiggins, 58, of Austin will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 18, 2008 at Mother Zion Baptist Church in Bay City, with the Rev. Murray Martin, eulogist. Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2 until 8 p.m. Friday at the chapel.

He was born in Bay City, Texas, December 11, 1949 to Josiah and Helen Wiggins and passed away at St. David’s Hospital, Austin, Texas, October 10, 2008.

He was a 1968 Bay City High School graduate and a U.S. Marine Veteran.

Survivors include: his fiancée, Effie Washington of Austin; three children, Terrance Washington of Austin, Melvina Williams of Bay City and Chaniqua Johnson of Austin; three sisters, Kay Brown of Killeen, Renee Williams of Bay City and Kathy Wiggins of Houston; four brothers, Josiah Wiggins and Paul Wiggins of Houston, Audrell Wiggins of Gardena, California, and Kenneth Wiggins of Bay City; five grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

One daughter, Tiffany Wiggins preceded him in death.

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

Bay City Tribune, Published October 15, 2008

Dorothy Mae Wigginton
(December 31, 1932 - January 25, 2008)

Dorothy Mae Wigginton, 75, of Palacios passed away January 25, 2008. She was born December 31, 1932 in Shiner, TX.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ernest Louis & Rosie Ann McArthur; husband Durward Allen Wigginton, Sr;; daughter Evalana Murphy & grandchildren Annie Mae White & Jeffrey Reynolds. Survivors include daughters Sandra Swire of Lolita, TX; Carolyn White & husband Earl of Palacios, Elizabeth Cowart of Palacios, Debra Meyers & husband Tommy of Bonifay, FL, Donna Reynolds & husband Dean of Arlington, TX & Candace Wigginton of Willis, TX; son Billy Wigginton & wife Kari of Sugarland, TX; sisters Evelyn Martin of Houston and Margie Hagendorf of Weimer; ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, January 30.2008 at the First Baptist Church in Palacios with James Collins officiating. Interment will follow at the Palacios Cemetery. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Memorials may be made to Hospice of South Texas; 605 E. Locust Ave.; Victoria, TX 77901.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Amelia Hayes Wiley
 

Final Rites Held For Ben J [P]. Wiley, Saturday

Funeral services for Benjamin Price Wiley were held at the Palacios Funeral Home, Saturday, November 15 at 2 p. m. with Mr. Ellis Johnson conducting the service. Interment was in the Hawley Cemetery.

One of nine children, he was born December 28, 1876 in Cuero the son of Alexander and Delilah Wiley. In 1894 the family moved to Edna and in 1897 to Matagorda County settling in Blessing, since then he had lived in or around Palacios.

He died at his home here Friday, November 14 after a week’s illness.

He is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Georgia Fields of San Diego, Calif., and Mrs. W. J. Harris of Waco and one brother, Charles H. Wiley of Matagorda.

Palacios Beacon, November 20, 1958
 

Charles H. Wiley
 

Charles Henry Wiley, Sr.
 

JAMES CLAUDE WILEY

James Claude Wiley, 45, of Bay City, died in Brazoria County June 16, 1976. He was born Dec. 18, 1930 in Bay City.

He is survived by his wife Pat Wiley of Bay City, father C. H. Wiley of Palacios, three daughters Mrs. Claudia Touchstone of El Cajon, Calif., a son Jay Wiley of Bay City, a sister Delilah Morton of Palacios, brothers Charles Wiley of Houston, Leslie Wiley of Santee, Calif. and John Wiley of Freeport, and one granddaughter.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Matagorda and the Bay City Veterans of Foreign Wars Post.

The funeral services will be held from Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Saturday, June 19, 1976 at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Oliver Southall officiating.

Interment will be from the Hawley Cemetery in Blessing. Arrangements were made with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home. Pallbearers include Howard Cartwright, George Wiley, John David Wiley, Charles Henry Wiley, Junior Orr and Isaiah Gartica.

The Daily Tribune, June, 1976

Barbara Wilkenson, 64, of Van Vleck, Texas passed away on September 9, 2009. Barbara was born on January 10, 1945 to Bill and Annie Zigo in Van Vleck, Texas.

Barbara is survived by: her daughter, Tonya Whatley and husband William Whately, Jr.; grandchildren, Ashley Wilkenson, Brandon Landrom William, Amanda Whatley, Matt and Ashley Whatley; sister, Faye Zigo; brothers, Bill Joe Zigo and Jimmy Kessler; and great grandchildren, Hailey Wilkenson and William Whatley IV and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Barbara is preceded in death by: her parents, Bill and Annie Zigo; sisters, Louise Radford and Mary Ann Yarborough.

Memorial Services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Van Vleck, Texas at 3:00 p.m. on September 18, 2009.

Bay City Tribune, Published September 16, 2009
 

Kevin Gene Wilkerson Sr.
November 5, 2010

Kevin Gene Wilkerson Sr., 45, of Bay City passed away Friday, November 5, 2010 at Matagorda Regional Medical Center in Bay City, TX. Kevin was born May 10, 1965 to Walter and Donna Wilkerson in Freeport, TX.

Kevin grew up in the Freeport area and pursued his passion for fishing by becoming a Commercial Fisherman. He was a member of Trinity Pentecostal Church of God in Sweeny, TX. He enjoyed sports and being around his family and friends.

His is survived by his loving parents, Rev. Walter and Donna Wilkerson of Van Vleck; spouse, Debra Diaz Wilkerson of Austin; sons, Kevin Gene Wilkerson, Jr. of Bay City and Kevin Gene Wilkerson III of Austin, TX; daughters, Crystal Marlene Strickland of Mississippi and Sierra Jean Wilkerson of Austin, TX; brothers, Keith Everette Wilkerson and wife Ricky of Lake Jackson and Kerry Lee Wilkerson and wife Jessica of Sweeny; grandchildren, Chris, Cody, Cayden and Chandler Strickland; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Active pallbearers will be friends and family members.

Funeral Services will be Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Pentecostal Church of God in Sweeny, TX with Rev. Clarence Bosarge officiating. Burial will follow at Sweeny Cemetery.

The family will be receive friends on Monday, November 8, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Dixon Funeral Home in Brazoria.

Final arrangements entrusted to Dixon Funeral Home of Brazoria. (979) 798-9113.
 

Myrtle Maxwell Wilkerson

Myrtle Maxwell Wilkerson, 61, a resident of Bay City, passed away at Matagorda General hospital Sunday, August 13. Survivors include: 2 daughters, Mrs. Sammie Lee Cathey of San Antonio and Mrs. Pat Martin of Bay City; 4 stepdaughters, Mrs. A. Frick, Mrs. John Bohuslar and Mrs. Lee Tullos of Markham and Mrs. Henry Smith of Blessing; 1 son, Robert Lee Maxwell of Bay City; 1 sister, Mrs. Mary Griffin of Cordell, Oklahoma; 3 brothers, Jack Vaughn of Locust Grove, Okla.; Roy Vaughn of Sanger, Calif., and Burl Vaughn of Stonewall, Okla.; 3 grandchildren, Michael Martin, Robert Lee III, and Sandy Maxwell. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 15, at 2 p. m. at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home. Rev. Larry D. Classen of the Church of the Nazarene and Rev. Chester Sassman of Calvary Baptist will officiate at the service. Interment will be at Hawley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Johnny Hahn, Stanley Genzer, J. O. Frick, Robert Henry Smith, J. B. Smith and Willie Bohuslar Jr. Taylor Brothers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The Daily Tribune, August, 1972
 

Mrs. Wilkinson Rites Tuesday

Mrs. Annie Mae Wilkinson, a former resident of this county and now of 2929 Scenic Highway in Baton Rouge, La., died Saturday. She had resided in Baton Rouge for the past five years.

Services will be 10 a. m. Tuesday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Bobby G. Goode officiating and interment will be in Hawley Cemetery.

She is survived by four daughters, Mrs. E. V. Mickel of Baytown, Mrs. R. S. Leigh of Houston, Mrs. W. M. Marcaurele of Baton Rouge, and Mrs. J. K. Fifer of Houston; three sons, J. R. of Dallas, B. W. of Old Ocean, and W. D. of Great Lakes, Ill., and a brother, J. W. Killebrew of Temple.

The Daily Tribune, December 6, 1965
 

Alta Gay Williams
(August 25, 1916 - July 11, 2008)

With her family embracing her, Alta Gay Williams transitioned into the loving arms of God, Friday, July 11, 2008. Alta was born on August 25, 1916 in Cotton Gin, Texas to Martha Charity and Andrew Jackson Norris. She attended a one room school near Cotton Gin where she made life-long friends and developed a love for school. She graduated from Mexia High School and told stories of her father meeting her in a mule-drawn wagon to take her home to Cotton Gin for visits.

On October 31, 1938, mutual friends introduced Alta to N.H. (Sonny) Williams at a Halloween Party. Eleven weeks later on January 18,1939 they were married. They moved to the Sweeny area in1942 and raised their family. They were married 48 years. Alta loved fashion and was an accomplished seamstress making the clothes, including formals and coats, for her three daughters on a small Singer sewing machine. Alta was devoted to her family, making holidays special. She was known for her cooking and her kindness.

Alta was a member of First Baptist Church in Old Ocean for many years. In 1987 she joined the First Methodist Church of Sweeny and was a member of Monday Morning Methodists.

Alta Williams was preceded in death by her husband, N.H. (Sonny) Williams, her parents, Martha Charity and Andrew Jackson Norris, two sisters, Florence Patton and husband Jack, and Flenoy Sims and husband Marion, two brothers, Andrew Norris and wife Helen, and Joe Mac Norris and wife Tommie.

She is survived by her three daughters, Judy Potterf and husband, Ray, Dianne Williams, and Karen Robertson Keenom, three grandchildren Traci and Jason Potterf and Derek Robertson, nieces, nephews and special great nephew Greg Meyer and wife Kristi.

Visitation will be Sunday, July13, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, Texas. Graveside service will be Monday, July 14 at 2:00 p.m. at the Sweeny Cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Grayson Glass, long-time family friend. Pallbearers will be Frank Burttschell, Bobby Nairn, Les Davis, Bryan Jones, Tim Ryerson, and P.O. Patrick.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Brazos Cares or First United Methodist Church of Sweeny.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Funeral services for Bernard Williams, 52, of Bay City, will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 6, 2007, at New Hope Baptist Church, Bay City, with the Rev. T. L. Richardson, eulogist. Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2 until 8 p.m. Thursday at the chapel.

He was born November 16, 1954, in Paincourtsville, Louisiana, to Eddie Williams and Lillian Carter Williams, and passed away March 30, 2007, at Matagorda General Hospital.

Survivors include: his wife, Renee Wiggins Williams; and two step-children. Also his mother, Lillian Williams of Napoleanville, Louisiana; one sister, five brothers, three aunts, and a host of other relatives.

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

Bay City Tribune, Published April 4, 2007, Matagorda County, Texas
 

Final Rites Held For Charlie J. Williams, Collegeport Resident

Funeral services for Charlie Jessie Williams, 69, of Collegeport were held at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City with Dr. A. T. Dyal of the First Presbyterian Church officiating. Interment was in Hawley Cemetery.

Mr. Williams died December 13 at the Gulf Coast Medical Center in Wharton.

He is survived by his wife, two daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Louise Sheldon and Mrs. Jeannette Angelo of Houston; four sons, Seth of San Antonio; Willard, Earl Lee and John Williams, of Collegeport; one sister, Betty Lou Corner and a brother, Earl Preston Williams, both of Huntsville; twelve grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Palacios Beacon, December 21, 1961
 

Clyde Benton Williams

Mr. Clyde Benton Williams, 65, died Sunday, October 29, at his home in Blessing. He was born November 20, 1912 in Leona. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Freda Williams of Blessing, a daughter, Mrs. Michael Pierce of Blessing, three sisters, Mrs. Mary Lou Goble of Murphbury, Illinois, Mrs. Mavis Richards of San Antonio and Mrs. Dorothy Petersen of Pearland, three brothers, Clinton Williams of Raymondville, Don Williams of Port Lavaca and Joe Williams of Jersey Village and two grand children. Pallbearers are John Graff, Lee M., Lee H. and Frederick Pierce, Claude Kilsby and W. E. Richardson. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 31, 2:00 p. m. at Taylor Brothers Chapel. Interment at Hawley Cemetery. Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, October, 1978
 

Earl Lee “Babe” Williams

Funeral services for Earl Lee “Babe” Williams, 71, of Collegeport will be held 2 p. m. Tuesday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. John McClelland officiating. Burial will be in Hawley Cemetery, Blessing.

Mr. Williams was born Feb. 5, 1918, in Midway, Texas, to Charlie Jesse and Ruby Mozelle Wells Williams and died March 12, 1989, at Leisure Lodge Nursing Home, Palacios.

A resident of Collegeport for 40 years, he was a member of the Blessing American Legion and the Presbyterian church. He was a veteran of World War II.

Survivors include his wife, Elsie Kopecky Williams of Collegeport; three sons, Emil Sliva, Joe G. Sliva and Kenneth Sliva, all of Blessing; a sister, Jeanette Angelo of Houston; a brother, Seth Williams of San Antonio; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers include Joe G. Sliva Jr., Jim Bob Murry, Elmo Duke, Gus Franzen, Julius Ledwig, Louis Jones and Johnny Lee Thompson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Johnny and Bee Williams; and a sister, Dorothy Williams.

Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, March 13, 1989
 

Funeral services for Earnest Lee Williams, Jr. “Snoop”, of Bay City, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 30, 2008 at First Sacred Memorial Christian Church, Bay City, with the Rev. DeAndre’ Barnes, pastor, and Dr. Louis Dixon, eulogist. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2 until 8 p.m. Friday at the chapel.

He was born in Bay City, Texas, June 18, 1969, to Earnest Lee Williams, Sr. and Erma Jean Bonner Williams, and passed away August 23, 2008, in Bay City, Texas.

Survivors include his parents, Earnest Lee Williams, Sr. (and Opal) of Crockett, and Erma Jean Ceasar of Bay City; and two daughters, Ashley Williams of Freeport, and Cassandra Williams of Houston. Also four sisters, Cheryl Williams Hunter and Chimetrias Williams both of Houston, Charlotte Calloway and Chimira Williams, both of Dallas, and one brother, Rodney Williams of Houston. Also a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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

Bay City Tribune, Published August 27, 2008

Edith Williams

Funeral services for Edith Williams, 73, of Markham, will be held 2 p. m. Sunday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home chapel with the Reverends Howard Harper and Joe Ramsey officiating. Burial will be at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.

Mrs. Williams was born March 24, 1920 in Matagorda County and died April 16, 1993 at her home.

She was a member of First Baptist Church in Markham. Mrs. Williams was a former resident of Houston who had lived in Markham for 17 years.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Jerry L. and Janet Simmons of Riverside, Calif.; six sisters, Hazel O’Briant of Van Vleck, Juanita Kellum and Esther Abdo of Santa Fe, Texas, Loretta Watson of Conroe, Shirley Moffett and Janice Mize of Cleveland, Texas; two brothers, Wayne Keith of Corpus Christi and E. J. Keith of Dayton, Texas; a grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Stacie Simmons of Trabuco Canyon, Calif.; and 26 nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Bobby Moffett, John Abdo, Kenny Evans, Glenn Crouch, Curtis Evans, Mose Kellum and John Evans.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, April 17, 1993                      Photo courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise

Elmer Loyd Williams

Funeral services for Elmer Loyd Williams, 89, of Markham were scheduled for 2 p. m. today at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Howard Harper and the Rev. Joe Ramsey officiating. Burial to follow in Hawley Cemetery, Blessing.

Mr. Williams was born Oct. 25, 1899, in Rusk, Texas, to Samuel E. and Addie Jane Moore Williams and died May 8, 1989, at Bay Villa Nursing Home, Bay City.

A resident of Markham for 12 years, he was formerly of Houston. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Markham.

Survivors include his wife, Edith Keith Williams of Markham; a son and daughter-in-law, Jerry L. and Janet Simmons of Riverside, Calif., a grandson, Jeffery Simmons of Riverside; and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers include Eddie Chine, Norman Krebs, Johnnie Semander, C. W. McDaniel, E. J. Keith and Bobby Moffitt.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, May, 1989
 

Elsie Sliva Williams

El Maton—Elsie Sliva Williams, 79, of El Maton, died Saturday, Jan. 3, 1998.

She was born March 13, 1918, in Holland, to the late John Frances Zurek Kopecky. She was a homemaker.

Survivors: sons, Emil Sliva, Joe Sliva and John Sliva, all of Blessing; sisters, Alice Vacek of Blessing and Mary Popek and Martha Thompson, both of El Maton; brother, Alfred Kopecky of El Maton; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: sister, Albian Vecrek.

Services will be 11 a. m. Monday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home chapel, the Rev. Pauline Harvey officiating.

Burial will be at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing. Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City, (409) 245-4613.

Victoria Advocate, January, 1998
 

Freda Elsie Louisa Williams

Funeral services for Freda Elsie Louisa Williams, 76, of Blessing will be held 2 p. m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Blessing with the Rev. Ron Lynn officiating. Burial will be at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.

Mrs. Williams was born May 6, 1916 in Sublime to Charles and Forona Selzar Fink and died July 11, 1992 at Matagorda General Hospital.

She was a member of the Baptist church and a cook for Tidehaven Independent School District from 1978 to 1992.

Survivors include a daughter, Freda Yvonne Pierce of Blessing; a sister, Rose Cantrell of Angleton; two grandchildren, Mike Pierce and Stacy Pierce Wolf and two great-grandchildren, Heather and Wendy Pierce.

Pallbearers will be John Graff, Claude Kilesby, Lee Hall Pierce, Frederick Pierce, Lee Edward Pierce and Brad Williams. Honorary pallbearers will be John Henry Pierce, Mike Tobola, Bill Richardson, Wayne Schultz and Ken Williams.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, July 13, 1992
 

George C. Williams

George C. Williams, 61, of Raymondville, died March 10, 1981 at his home in Raymondville. Williams moved to Raymondville from Bay City in 1948. He was a veteran of World War II. Survivors include: sisters, Mrs. Mary Lou Goble of Murphy’s Burrough, Ill., Mrs. Dorothy Mae Peterson of Pearland and Mrs. Mavis W. Richards of San Antonio; sister-in-law, Mrs. Fred Williams of Blessing; brothers, Don Williams of Port Lavaca and Joe T. Williams of Houston; numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 14, at 11 a. m. at Hawley Cemetery. Arrangements with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, March, 1981
 

On August 6, 1938, a baby girl was born to Amos Williams and Arie Hawkins in Sargent, Texas named Grace Ann.

Grace grew up in Cedar Lake and attended school in Van Vleck, Texas. She was a wonderful cook and helped rear two generations of children. She was a caring woman.

Grace confessed her love for God and was baptized, becoming a member of Bethlehem Christian Church. She was a loving and supportive and faithful member of Bethlehem.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother, Lexie Williams and his wife Carolyn and niece Paula Ann.

Grace's life came to a close on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston with family at her bedside. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

Left to cherish memories are: aunt, Crissela Washington; devoted cousins, Gene Higgins (Jerry) and Marie Woodard;nieces, Leslie Amos ( Howard Sr.), Brenda Jackson (Joe), Savannah Harkless, Rotonda Harkless, Bonita Murphy, Latoya Harkless, Antionette Harkless, Harmony, Rickesha, Reynaiya, Lexi Amos, Ariannah Amos, Ashlee Vallery, Miracle Smith, Damica Amos, Ashreal Thomas, Roshelle Bricoe, Paris Jackson; nephews, John Williams, Seautry Harkless Jr., Howard Amos Jr., Nathaniel Vallery Jr., Robert Alford, Jaylen Williams, Paul Martin Jr., Kdreyion Harkless, Bobby Smith, Rajae Harkless; godchildren, Alecia Harkless, Marlene Smith, Brittnee Brown and numerous others including cousins, playchildren, and many many other family and friends.

Visitation will be held at noon Sunday, August 30, 2009 at Bethlehem Christian Church. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m.

Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery in Cedar Lake, Texas.

Pallbearers are Eric Brown, Kendrick Daily, Tracy Higgins, Jerry Higgins Jr., Frank Petteway, Glenie Murray.

Honorary Pallbearers are Howard Amos Sr., Robert Alford, Bobby Smith, Wayne Daily, Phelp Brown, Seautry Harkless Jr.

Bay City Tribune, Published August 30, 2009
 

Funeral services for the Rev. Harold S. Williams, 74, a long time educator and former principal of the Van Vleck Independent School District will be held Tuesday, July 1, 2003 at 1 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, Bay City, Texas with the Rev. L.C. Cunningham, Jr., Pastor, the Rev. K.D. Green officiant. Burial will follow in Eastview Cemetery.

He is survived by: wife, Mrs. Veree Williams of Van Vleck; one daughter, Laverne (Timothy) Brown of Bay City; two granddaughters.

Arrangements are with Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home. A00014D2003JN29

The Bay City Tribune, Sunday, June 29, 2003
 

Funeral services for Mrs. Irene Moses Williams, 57, of Wharton will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at New Horizon Holiness Church, Bay City, Texas with the Rev. Charles Roberson officiating.

Burial will follow in Ashwood Union Baptist Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday 6-9 p.m. Friends may call after 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Mrs. Williams died at her home June 17, 2004. She was born September 6, 1946, in Wharton to Harbert and Nellie Davis Moses Sr.

Surviving are parents Harbert and Nellie Davis Moses Sr. of Egypt; son, Charles K. Williams Jr. of Houston; daughter, Chrisandra Williams of Wharton; brothers, Harbert Moses, Jr. of Egypt and Otis Moses of LaGurdria, California; sisters, Gloria Delcambre of Hitchcock, Nellie Abbott of Ashwood and Roberta Calhoun of Walnut, California; two grandchildren; with a host of other relatives and friends.

Arrangements are with Gooden-Hatton Funeral Home Inc. 110 North East Avenue, Wharton, Texas 77488. Phone 979-532-3602.

The Bay City Tribune, Wednesday, June 23, 2004
 

Jerry Hubert “Johnny” Williams

Jerry Hubert “Johnny” Williams, 51, of Collegeport died June 25 at the Gulf Coast Medical Center in Wharton. He had been a resident of Collegeport for 45 years, was a member of the American Legion and the Eagles, and was engaged in rice farming. Survivors include: wife, Mrs. Thelma Mae Williams of Collegeport; mother, Mrs. Mozelle Williams of Collegeport; two sons, Bobby Fowler of Himpell and Donn Fowler of Collegeport; two sisters, Mrs. Dorothy Sheldon and Mrs. Jeannette Angelo of Houston; two brothers, Seth Williams of San Antonio and Earl L. Williams of Bay City; one grandson, Timothy Fowler of Collegeport. Funeral services will be held June 27, Tuesday, at 10 a. m. at Taylor Bros. Chapel with Rev. Lloyd Nixon officiating. Interment will be at the Hawley Cemetery with pallbearers being: Julius Ledwig, Chester Corporon, Bobby Lomis, Gerald Wells Jr., J. R. Murry and Gus Franzen; honorary pallbearers will be: Carl Corporon and Verner Bowers. The family requests memorials be made to the American Heart Association. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, June, 1978                                 Photos courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise

Thelma Williams

Graveside services for Thelma Williams, 75, of Tyler, are scheduled for 2:30 p. m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, 1994, at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.

Visitation will be from 7 to 8:30 p. m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, 1994, at the Burks Walker Tippitt Funeral Home in Tyler.

Mrs. Williams was born Sept. 26, 1919, in Carthage, and died Dec. 12, 1994, in a Tyler hospital after a brief illness.

A resident of Tyler for 10 years, she moved there from Collegeport. She was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church of Bunkham near Carthage and was a housewife.

Survivors include two sons, Bob Fowler of Hemphill and Don Fowler of Ganado; two sisters, Gloria Belle Ritter of Carthage and Nelva Blount of Tyler; a grandson, Timothy Fowler and two great-grandchildren, Devin Fowler and Kacey Newman.

Arrangements are with Jackson’s Burks-Walker-Tippitt Funeral Home Inc. of Tyler.

The Daily Tribune, December 13, 1994
 

Funeral Services Held For John A. Williams In Bay City, Friday

Funeral services for John Alvin (Bounce) Williams, 71, were held at 4 p. m. Friday, August 31, at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay City with Rev. M. A. Marshall and Rev. James Eaves officiating.

Mr. Williams, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Williams, was born and raised in Matagorda County. He died Wednesday night in the Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City following an illness of long duration.

He began working for the Texas Gulf Sulphur Company about the time the company was formed at Old Gulf and after more than 30 years of service was retired.

He is survived by his wife Rose of Bay City; three sisters, Mrs. C. A. Newton of San Antonio, Mrs. George Walker of St. Louis and Mrs. R. C. Huddleston of Palacios and one brother, George of Bay City.

Palacios Beacon, September 6, 1956

[Burial Cedarvale Cemetery, Bay City, Matagorda County, Texas.]
 

 
Lonnie Roland Williams
(May 6, 1914 - July 8, 2011)

Lonnie Roland Williams was born May 6, 1914 in a dirt floor log cabin built by his parents, Robert Washington & Rosa Lee Wallace Williams in Bay City, Texas. He was the eleventh child. He passed away July 8, 2011 at the age of 97.

He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 50 years. He owned his own trucking business in Bay City until 1970 and retired from Parker Bros. in 1979.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years Rose Polensky Williams of Bay City; daughter Mary Jean Hawthorn of Wharton; son Johnny Robert Williams of Bay City; grandsons Paul Tenberg of Van Vleck & Keith Williams of Bay City; granddaughter Jill Suzanne Davis of Bay City; 6 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, nine sisters, one brother, one grandson and one great grandson.

A rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM Sunday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Monday, July 11, 2011 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Greg Korenek officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Taylor Bros. Funeral Home                     Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Funeral Services For Mrs. Mary Williams Are Held Here Sunday

Funeral services for Mrs. Mary M. Williams, 85, of Sandy Point were held Sunday morning at the Matchett-Newman Funeral Home with the Rev. R. E. Black of Markham officiating and burial in Hawley Cemetery.

Mrs. Williams died at her home in Sandy Point Saturday.

Survivors are a daughter, Mrs. Maude Hicks, of Ucha, Okla.; two sons, Roscoe Williams of Naravisa, N. M., and C. L. Williams of Sandy Point; a sister, Mrs. Cora Lietick of Kansas City, Mo.; two brothers, Bill Foley of Hobbs, N. M., and J. R. Foley Jr. of McAllen.

Matagorda County Tribune, January 20, 1949
 

Mary Christine Williams
(December 24, 1950 - June 16, 2007)

Mary Christine Williams, 56, of Clute, TX passed away June 16, 2007. She was born December 24, 1950 in Tyler, TX to Robert Lee Hunt, Jr. & Leslie Gray Chenault Hunt.

Survivors include her mother Leslie Hunt of College Station; son James Joseph Williams, Jr. “J. J.” of Angleton; sister Kathryne Hunt of College Station; brothers John Robert Hunt, Sr. of Mt. Pleasant, Les Lee Hunt and Robert Lee Hunt both of College Station and by seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father and one grandchild.

Graveside service will be 2:00 PM Saturday, June 23, 2007 at Pleasant Green Cemetery in Cedar Lane. The family will receive friends and relatives from 6PM to 8PM Friday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. 979-245-4613.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Mary L. Williams - Roselawn Memorial Park, Van Vleck, Texas
 

ROBERT WILLIAMS

Mr. Robert Williams, of Blessing, was born July 6, 1864, in Southwest City, Mo., and died August 7, 1932, at his home in Blessing.

He was married to Miss Mary Foley in Southwest City, in March, 1884.

Surviving are Mrs. Robert Williams and four children: one daughter, Mrs. J. L. Young of Adair, Okla.; three sons, Rosco of Hoyden, New Mex., Roy E. and C. P. Williams of Blessing, Texas.

Funeral services were held in the home near Blessing, Sunday afternoon with Rev. R. E. Black, Pastor of the Baptist Church at Markham, officiating. Burial was at Hawley Cemetery, in charge of Duffy and Rittenhouse

 Undertaking Company, of Palacios.

THE PALACIOS BEACON, August 11, 1932

Ronald Williams

Funeral services for Ronald Williams, 58, of Blessing, were held June 6, 1996 at the Palacios Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Doug Blanton officiating. Interment was at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.

Mr. Williams was born April 26, 1938 in Palacios to Margaret Lois Sanford Williams and the late Lance Everett Williams. He died June 4, 1996.

A lifelong resident of Blessing, he was an electrician and a former member of the Blessing Volunteer Fire Dept. He was a member of the Episcopal Church.

He is survived by his mother, Margaret S. Trull of Palacios; a sister, Barbara Kana of Kerrville, Tex.; and a brother, Robert Scott Trull of Austin. He was preceded in death by his father, Lance E. Williams.

Pallbearers were Dan Tucker, Mike Davant, Allan Janak, Frank Havel, Bill Richardson and Alfonse Rives.

Palacios Beacon, June 12, 1996                                             Photo courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise

Funeral services for Roosevelt “Boo” Williams, 81, of Cedar Lake, will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 24, 2008, at Bethlehem Christian Church, Cedar Lake, with the Pastor Kenneth Bree, eulogist. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday from 2 until 8 p.m. at the chapel.

He was born in Sargent, Texas, October 27, 1926, to Jim Williams, Jr. and Sophie Bess Williams, and passed away May 17, 2008, at his residence.

Survivors include: his wife of 56 years, Gertrude Mack Williams of Cedar Lake; seven daughters, Ola Mae Fisher (and Howard) of San Antonio, Valerie Woodard and Avon Williams, both of Sargeant, Opal Williams (and Earnest) of Crockett, Theresa Williams of Houston, Trina Paige (and Gary) of Brazoria, and Cheryl Woodard (and Marvin) of Cedar Lake; one son, Edwin Williams (and Elnora) of Houston; and mother-in-law, Maude Hawkins. Also one sister, Mary Smith of Sweeny; and one brother, Kary Williams, Sr. (and Hattie) of Houston; 20 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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

Bay City Tribune, Published May 21, 2008

Roy E. Williams

Roy E. Williams, 57, of Bay City, died in Libya North Africa July 9, 1978. He was born in Matagorda County Nov. 28, 1921. He is survived by his wife Mrs. Ethel Williams, mother, Ruth Williams, both of Bay City; daughters Sherry Richardson of Bryan and Linda Soli of Columbia Lakes; two grandchildren Kerin and Kreg Soli. He was employed by Marathon Oil Corporation. The funeral services will be held at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Chapel Sunday, July 16, 1978 at 3 p. m. with the Rev. Jack Lancaster of the First Presbyterian Church of Houston officiating. Interment will be at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing. Pallbearers will be Vernon Leissner, Fred Law, Walter Calhoon, L. E. Ryman, Burt Logan, Lee M. Pierce, William King, and Leslie Chiles. Arrangements are under the direction of Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, July 14, 1978                                 Photos courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise

Roy Edward Williams

Roy Edward Williams died at the family residence near La Ward August 20^th at 8 p. m. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Roy E. Williams, and three children; his mother, Mrs. Mary Williams of La Ward; two brothers, Chas. Williams of Collegeport and Doc Williams of Roswell, N. M., and one sister, Mrs. Maude Young of Oklahoma. Funeral services were held in Blessing, Texas, Thursday at 10 a. m., Rev. Geo. Gillespie of the Presbyterian church of Palacios, officiating. The pallbearers were Cecil Legg, Due Evans, Frank Miller, Percy Reed, John Vaclavick and Koy Roberts. Interment was in Hawley cemetery, following the service, with Taylor Bros. in charge.

Blessing

Mr. Roy (Slick) Williams passed away suddenly at his home near Seward [La Ward] on Tuesday, August 20^th. Mr. Williams died in his forty-third year. He was an ex-soldier and was loved by his many friends. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ruth Walker Williams; a son, Roy E. Williams, Jr.; his mother; two brothers, Charlie Williams of Collegeport and Doc Williams of New Mexico, and a sister, Mrs. Maude Young of Adair, Oklahoma.

Funeral services were held at the Blessing hotel. The pallbearers were all ex-soldiers. Mr. Williams was laid to rest in Hawley Cemetery.

Matagorda County Tribune, August 29, 1935                             Photos courtesy of Heather Serrill Janise

Ruth Faye Williams

Ruth Faye Williams, 93, of Bay City died Jan. 2, 1996 at Bay Villa Nursing Home.

She was born March 25, 1902 in Delia, Tx. to James Humble and Maggie D. Caskey Walker. Mrs. Williams was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, a resident of Bay City since 1947 and a former resident of Blessing where she was manager of the Blessing Hotel. After moving to Bay City she was a seamstress and sales person for Hurleys Ladies Wear for many years.

Graveside Services will be held at 3 p. m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, 1995 at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing with Rev. Todd Collier officiating.

Survivors include: sister and brother-in-law Grace and Taylor Wooten of Bandra, Tx.; a caring daughter-in-law, Ethel Williams of Bay City; two devoted granddaughters, Sherry and husband Don Richardson of Houston and Lynda and husband Don Gerken of Columbia Lakes, Tx.; two great grandchildren, Kerin Soli of Huntsville, Tx. and Kreg Soli of Columbia Lakes. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was proceeded in death by her parents, two brothers and five sisters, one of which was Esther her twin sister with whom she shared a home for many years, and was a devoted and loving twin sister.

Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, January 3, 1996
 

Ruby Mozelle Williams

Funeral services for Ruby Mozelle Williams, 89, of Collegeport will be held at 2 p. m. Sunday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. El Roy Weikel officiating. Burial will be in Hawley Cemetery, Blessing.

Mrs. Williams was born Nov. 24, 1896, in Madison County to Mark and Mary Arriola Wells and died Feb. 27, 1986, at Fort Bend General Hospital, Missouri City. She had resided in Collegeport since 1932.

She was a member of the Presbyterian church.

Survivors include a daughter, Jeanette Angelo of Missouri City; two sons, Seth F. Williams of San Antonio and Earl L. Williams of Collegeport; a brother, M. M. “Potsy” Wells of Bay City; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Pallbearers include G. W. Franzen, Mason Holsworth, Dean Merck, Russell Corporon, U. S. McMillan, Gus Franzen and honorary pallbearer R. L. Corporon.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, Sunday, March 2, 1986
 

Mrs. Williams Rites Thursday

Services will be a 2 p. m. Thursday for Mrs. Viola Williams, 72, who died Monday in Raymondville. Rev. James T. Gillis of United Pentecostal Church will officiate with the service planned in Taylor Brothers Funeral Chapel.

Interment will follow in Hawley Cemetery near Blessing.

A former resident of Matagorda County, Mrs. Williams is survived by three daughters, Mary Lou, Mavis and Dorothy Mae; four sons, Clyde, George, Marion and Joe; four sisters: Mrs. Jennie Melvin and Mrs. Ruby Williams, both of Collegeport, Mrs. Emma Bullington and Mrs. Dovie Bullington, both of Brazoria; three brothers, John Wells of Houston, M. M. Wells of Van Vleck and Robert L. Wells of Collegeport.

Pallbearers will be Mike Pierce, Johnny, Earl, Lee and Don Williams, Julian Blackwell and Donald Wells.

The Daily Tribune, November 30, 1966
 

W. C. “Doc” Williams

Funeral services for W. C. “Doc” Williams was held at the Palacios Funeral Home at 2:30 Tuesday afternoon, September 10, with the Rev. Rayford Harris officiating. Interment was in Hawley Cemetery.

Son of W. H. and Lutica J. Williams, he was born December 2, 1890 in Kosse, Texas. He had been a resident of Palacios for the past 15 years and prior to his death resided at 708 Johnson. He died Sunday, September 8, in Wagner General Hospital.

Survivors include his daughters, Alvina Kay, Lavada Nett of West Columbia; Eunice Bernice Ringo of Damon and step-daughter, Frankie June Shetton of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; two sons, Carlton Williams of West Columbia and Arthur Williams of Freeport.

Palacios Beacon, September 12, 1968
 

JOHN FRANK WILLIAMSON

BAY CITY - John Frank Williamson, 57, of Bay City, passed away July 29, 2009. He was born Feb. 3, 1952 in Zellumsee, Austria to Joe and Paula Put Williamson. He was a former employee of Brazco Development and Columbia Ranch. John was an avid motorcyclist and car enthusiast and former member of the Brazosport Harley Owner's Group.

His father preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 16 years, Marilyn Williamson of Bay City; his mother, Paula and husband Dean Huntley of San Antonio; his children, Stephanie Kelley of Clute and Brandon Kelley of Freeport; mother-in-law, Helen Holt of Clear Lake City; six wonderful grandchildren who are each unique in their own way; and a host of extended family and friends.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the employees and customers of Alamo Lumber Co.; Dr. Dane Simons and Dr. James Rorig and their staff members; the medical staff at UTMB Galveston and Memorial Hermann Houston; and a special love and thanks to Houston Hospice-El Campo for providing care and comfort to John and his family during his final days.

A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2009 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City.

The family asks that memorials in his name be given to Houston Hospice-El Campo, P.O. Box 1417, El Campo, TX 77437.

Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.taylorbros.net.

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

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 7/30/2009
 

Osmond Grady Williamson
June 30, 1912 – Nov. 23, 2010

Osmond Grady Williamson, 98, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2010, at the Legacy Retirement Community in Bay City, Texas.

Williamson, a World War II veteran, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He was the eighth of 13 children born June 30, 1912, to Henry and Emma Williamson in Hobucken, North Carolina.

After graduating from Hobucken High School, he attended the University of North Carolina and received his law degree in Washington DC.

Williamson had an esteemed career in public service, working for the Washington D.C. Police Department, serving as a Secret Service guard for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and was a commissioned officer with the Navy during World War II.

He retired from the Navy in 1972 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. 

After retirement from the Navy he began teaching history at Van Vleck Junior High School and working as a local rancher on the 5X Ranch.

He was an active member of the Masons, the American Legion and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

Grady is predeceased by: his wife of nearly 60 years, Jane Glossen Williamson.

He is survived by: daughter, Janie Williamson McCormick and husband Mike; son, Raleigh Sanborn Williamson and wife Connie; granddaughter, Lauren Williamson Price and husband Michael; and grandson Chad Williamson and wife Nikki and beloved great-grandson Holden Doyle Price.

He is also survived by his brother, Harry Williamson and wife Jill, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 29, 2010, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Bay City, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Grady Williamson to the VFW Post 2412 in Sargent, TX, in care of Sloan Sheldon P. O. Box 4006, Sargent, Texas 77404.

Bay City Tribune, Monday, November 29, 2010
 

William Newton Willis, Jr.
(March 6, 1923 - July 31, 2007)

William Newton Willis, Jr., 84, of League City, passed away Tuesday, July 31, 2007. He was born March 6, 1923 in Smithville, TX to Maude Vivian Dunlap Willis and William N. Willis, Sr. He was a long time resident of Bay City, and was a retired Math and Science teacher from the Bay City ISD. He was a member of the Methodist Church and a World War II veteran of the US Navy.

He is survived by his daughters: Cheryl Lynn Willis and Denise Willis-Raup and husband E. A. Raup, all of Houston; and by one sister: Shirley Carmichael of Buffalo. He was preceded in death by his wife: Lillian C. Willis; his parents; by his sisters: Susie Mae Huebel, Clarise Huhn, Evelyn George, and Minnie Lee Willis; and by his brothers: Gordon Willis and Forrest Ray Willis.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, August 3, 2007 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Chris Harrison officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

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

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

www.taylorbros.net                                    Lillian K. Willis                           Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Alice Louise Wilson
(December 6, 1921 - May 26, 2006)

Alice L. Wilson, 84, of Palacios, passed away on Friday, May 26, 2006 following a lengthy illness. She was born December 6, 1921 in Houston, TX and was the only child of Ira A. and Victoria Turnage Murphy.

Alice graduated from Sam Houston High School in 1937 and from the University of Texas at Austin in 1941. While at the University, she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. On December 20,1940, she married S. Woodrow Wilson of San Saba, TX. Alice was a Past Matron of the Palacios Chapter of the Eastern Star, an organizer and Past Mother Advisor of the Palacios Order of Rainbow Girls, and an Honorary Member of the Palacios Harmonie Club. She was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Palacios.

She was an avid card player, and enjoyed playing bridge with the Wednesday Afternoon Bridge Club for many years. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles and drinking coffee with family and friends at the family-owned business, the Palacios Pharmacy, until the business closed in 1996.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, “Woodie” Wilson, a daughter, Marion Holcomb of East Wenatchee, WA, and a daughter-in-law, Neva Wilson of Palacios. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Kimberley Cooper, of El Campo, Rhonda Huitt of Palacios, Steven Wilson of Danevang, Lori Armatta of Wadsworth, Jay Holcomb of Phoenix, AZ, Dwight Holcomb of Los Angeles, CA, and Amy Holcomb of East Wenatchee, WA. In addition, she had 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Roger D. Wilson.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 28, between 6 and 8 p.m. at the Palacios Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at the Palacios First United Methodist Church on Monday, May 29 at 2:00 p.m. with Revs. Ray Wells and Charlie Parker officiating. Burial will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church, 209 Lucas, Palacios, TX 77465 or the Palacios Recreation Association, PO Box 515, Palacios, TX 77465. On line condolences may be sent by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements with Palacios Funeral Home (361) 972 - 2012.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Alma Jo Wilson
(November 3, 1929 - October 9, 2006)

Alma Jo Wilson, 76, of Palacios, passed away, Monday, October 9, 2006 at the Palacios Community Medical Center. She was born November 3, 1929 in Van Alstyne, TX to Clyde Tippett and Frances Ella Casey Tippett. She was a long time resident of Palacios and Victoria, a member of the Nazarene Church and was the owner of Wilson’s Grocery Store in Palacios.

She is survived by her daughters: Pam Seaman & husband Garry Seaman, Sr. of Palacios and Alma Ruth Dody & husband Ray of Austin; by her sister: Mozel Long of Goldthwaite; her brother: Clyde B. Tippett of Odessa; by 3 grandchildren: Michelle Atkinson, James Seaman, & Garry Seaman, Jr.; and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband: J. R. “Jim” Wilson; a son: James R. Wilson, Jr.; and her parents: Clyde & Frances Ella Tippett.

The family will receive visitors from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Wednesday, October 11, 2006 at the Palacios Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, October 12, 2006 at the Palacios Funeral Home with Rev. Gary Wilson officiating. Interment will follow at the Palacios Cemetery.

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

Arrangements with Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, TX (361) 972-2012.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Barry Lynn Wilson
(November 21, 1964 - February 15, 2007)

Barry Lynn Wilson, 42 of Van Vleck, passed away Thursday, February 15, 2007. He was born November 21, 1964 in Bay City. He was a life long resident of Matagorda County and a member of the Baptist Church.

He is survived by his mother: Jackie Crowe and her husband Mark of Van Vleck; by his father: Dale Wilson and his wife Janice of Sweeny; by his twin daughters: Makenzie and Madison Wilson of El Campo; a brother: Dalwane Wilson and wife Kim of El Campo; and by his grandmother: Pearl Wilson of Emory, TX. He is also survived by two nieces: Jennifer and Courtney Wilson; a nephew: Rowdy Wilson; by a step-sister: Sherry Criswell of Houston; two step-brothers: Doug Walter of West Columbia and Burrell Walters of Houston; and by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 5 PM to 7 PM Saturday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, February 18, 2007 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jerl Watkins officiating. Entombment will follow at the Good Shepherd Mausoleum at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck, TX. Pallbearers will be Brett Hutson, Doug Walters, Mike Hammar, Ken Ballinger, Kevin Wilson, and Danny Fenter.

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

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

www.taylorbros.net

Bessie Sue Wilson

Graveside services for Bessie Sue Wilson, 92, of Palacios will be held 4 p. m. Saturday at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing with the Rev. John McClelland officiating.

Mrs. Wilson was born Jan. 1, 1898, to Baulser and Sadie Moore Merck in Independence, Okla., and died Dec. 27, 1990, at Leisure Lodge Nursing Home in Palacios.

In 1909, she came with her pioneering parents to Collegeport where she attended school. She also studied at the Palacios Normal School. Later she taught school in Matagorda County. She moved to Houston and married Ernest Wilson. A resident of Dallas with her sister Jessie Kilpatrick since 1950, she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Dallas. She had been in Leisure Lodge Nursing Home in Palacios since August 1990.

Survivors include her two sisters, Theora McRee of Houston and Elve Martin of Houston; a brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Dorothy Merck of Collegeport; a niece, Sadie Snell of Houston; and five nephews, Henry Legg of Houston, Jerry Martin of New Hampshire, W. J. Merck of San Antonio, Dean F. Merck of League City and John Merck Jr. of Bay City.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Wilson; two sisters, Viola Legg and Jessie Kilpatrick; and two brothers, John and Gerald Merck.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, December, 1990
 

Ellen Jane Dickerson Wilson
(December 26, 1919 - February 6, 2006)

Ellen Jane Dickerson Wilson, 86, of Bay City died February 6, 2006 in New Braunfels, TX. She was born December 26, 1919 in Houston, TX to the late John Carlton and Susie Matthews Dickerson. Ellen Jane graduated from Bay City High School in 1937, and then married Raymond Carl Wilson in New York City on April 13, 1942. Raymond and Ellen Jane lived in numerous locales due to Raymond’s military career. In 1980 they moved to Bay City where Ellen Jane was active in the Pink Ladies Organization, was a member of the First Christian Church, United Daughters of the Confederacy, and the Eastern Star. Survivors include: daughter & son-in-law: Sue Ellen & Gary Walske of New Braunfels, TX; sons: Raymond Carl Wilson, Jr. of Mountain View, CA; grandson: Jonathan Walske, and granddaughter: Katy Walske both of New Braunfels, TX; 2 brothers & sisters-in-law: John & Joan Dickerson and Scotty & Pat Dickerson all of Bay City; nephew: John C. Dickerson, III of Bay City; nieces: Jane Dickerson of Mineral Wells, TX, Susan Dickerson of Baton Rouge, LA, and Mary Anne Johnson & husband Mike of League City, TX; She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Carl Wilson, Sr and by her niece Shane Dickerson Carter. A Graveside Funeral Service will be held 10:00 AM Thursday, February 9, 2006 at Cedarvale Cemetery with Rev. James Meurer officiating. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church, Bay City Public Library, or to the charity of choice. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX (979)245-4613

www.taylorbros.net
 

James Robert Wilson, Sr.
(March 28, 1929 - November 11, 2005)

James Robert Wilson, Sr., 79 of Palacios, passed away Friday, November 11, 2005. He was born March 28, 1929 in Calvert, TX to Theodore William Wilson and Naoma McNeally Wilson. He was a long time resident of Palacios and Victorian. He retired as Chief of Police of the City of Palacios Police Dept. and was a member of the Nazarene Church.

He is survived by his wife: Alma Jo Tippett Wilson of Palacios; by his daughters: Pam Seaman & husband Garry of Palacios and Ruth Dody and husband Ray of Austin; by his brothers: Tom and Eugene Wilson of Victoria; and by 3 grandchildren: James Seaman, Garry Seaman, Jr. and Michelle Janise Atkinson. He was preceded in death by his parents: Theodore W. & Naoma Wilson; and by his son: James Robert Wilson, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, November 14, 2005 at the Palacios Funeral Home with Rev. Gary Wilson officiating. Interment will follow at the Palacios Cemetery. Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, TX (361) 972-2012.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Marilyn Wilson
(March 4, 1942 - August 10, 2005)

Our beloved mother Marilyn “Ash” Wilson, 63, of Palacios died August 10, 2005 at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, TX. She was born March 4, 1942 in Baytown, TX to the late Herman and Ruth Marie Burns Ash. Mrs. Wilson was a member of the First Baptist Church in Palacios, a resident of Palacios the past 2-1/2 years and a former longtime resident of Dallas.

Mrs. Wilson was a member of the Palacios Chamber of Commerce, Palacios Area Historical Association member; and was a Board member beginning in 2005; Athena Club member; in-coming president; Century Club Member of Friends of the Palacios Library; organized the Red Hat Ladies, a Volunteer at Palacios Community Medical Center; and was a school mentor.

Survivors include 3 daughters and 2 sons-in-law: Ranelle Fowler of Dallas, TX, Eve & John Watson of Woodstock, GA, and Sarentha & Rob Kessler of Palacios; step-son: Greg Wilson of Austin & step-daughter Amy Wilson both of Austin, TX; brother: Paul Ash of Baytown, TX; and 6 grandchildren: Jake Wilson of Takoma Park, MD, Audry, Timothy, & Daisy Kessler all of Palacios, and Matthew, & Hanna Watson of Woodstock, GA. She was preceded in death by her husband: Donald E. Wilson.

Funeral Service were 11:00 AM Monday, August 15, 2005 at the First Baptist Church in Palacios with Rev. Hollas Hoffman officiating. Graveside Funeral Service were 4:00 PM Monday at the Gonzales Masonic Cemetery in Gonzales, TX. Pallbearers were David Harrup, Boogie Davis, Wayne Dodd, Charles Bailey, Don Landry, Rodney Girndt, Jake Wilson, & Dale Seaman. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, Palacios, TX 77465.

Arrangements with Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, TX.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Roger D. Wilson

Roger D. Wilson, 53, of Palacios, died March 24, 1997 at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Wharton.

Mr. Wilson was born Jan. 14, 1944 in Houston to S. Woodrow and Alice Murphy Wilson and moved with his family to Palacios in August 1951. He graduated from Palacios High School in 1961, then attended Wharton Co. Junior College, University of Texas and University of Houston. On June 12, 1964 he married Geneva Kay Bram. He then worked at Bank of Southwest Houston, as Internal Audit Specialist from 1964-1969 at which time he moved back to Palacios. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Palacios, of which he was Treasurer from 1970 to 1986. He served on the Board of Directors of the Palacios Library, and was a member of the Board of Trustees of Palacios Independent School District from 1981 to 1990 and served three years on the Legislative Network for Texas Association of School Boards. He was a member of the Board of Directors for the Palacios Recreation Association from 1987 to present and was on their Building Committee. In 1994, he was voted Man of the Year by the Palacios Chamber of Commerce and also was FFA Honorary Chapter Farmer in 1994. He was currently serving on the Distribution Committee for the Palacios Area Fund.

Survivors include: wife Geneva Bram Wilson of Palacios, Parents S. Woodrow and Alice Wilson of Palacios; three daughters and sons-in-law: Kimberly and Steve Cooper of El Campo, Rhonda and Hank Huitt of Palacios, Lori and John Armatta of Wadsworth, one son and daughter-in-law: Steven and Gina Wilson of Palacios, one Sister and Brother-in-law: Marion and James Holcomb of Wenatchee, Washington, four grandchildren: Alexis and Shelby Cooper of El Campo, Bryson Slone Huitt of Palacios, and Sydney Lynn Armatta of Wadsworth.

Funeral Services will be 2 p. m. Friday, March 28, 1997, at the First United Methodist Church in Palacios with Rev. Ross Taylor and Rev. Hollas Hoffman officiating. Interment will be at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.

Pallbearers will be James Allen, Hensley Weaver, Pat Walker, W. A. “Bill” Stuhrenberg, Dan Tucker, Mason Holsworth.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Myra Bhrlik, Cara Herlin, Teresa Shimek, Ernett Sanford, Dorothy Ramsey, Lynda Richter, W. C. “Chipper” Holt, Roberts Ripke and The Board of Directors of The Palacios Recreation Association. The Family will receive friends at the Palacios Funeral Home from 7 to 9 p. m. Thursday.

In lieu of the usual contributions, donations may be made to the Palacios Recreation Association, P. O. Box 515, Palacios, Tx. 77465.

Arrangements with Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios.

The Daily Tribune, March 27, 1997
 

Samuel Woodrow Wilson, 89, passed away on Monday, October 15, 2007. He was born January 16, 1918 in San Saba, Texas, and was the seventh child of Gertrude Speegle and San Saba District Attorney, Arthur Bryson Wilson. Following graduation from San Saba High School, he attended the University of Texas in Austin to follow in his father’s footsteps and studied law. Due to the early death of his father, Woodie supported himself by soda-jerking at Meyer’s Drug in Austin, Texas There, he met the love of his life, Alice Louise. On December 20, 1940, he married Alice Louise Murphy of Houston, Texas. With the rumblings of World War II, the couple moved to Houston where Woodie worked for Todd Shipyard. Having a strong desire to “do my duty for my country”, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving as a pharmacist mate/X-Ray Technician on the USS Medea. After the war ended, he returned to the University of Texas to study pharmacy. Upon graduation, he was employed for 4 years in La Grange, Texas before buying into the Palacios Pharmacy in 1951. Upon the death of his partner, C.O. Waring in 1958, he became the sole owner until he retired in 1996.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his devoted wife, Alice Louise, his son, Roger D. Wilson and his son-in-law, Dr. James L. Holcomb. He is also preceded in death by his brother and 5 sisters including Mary Frances Lang and Marguerite Kelley.

He is survived by a daughter, Marion Holcomb of East Wenatchee, WA; a daughter-in-law, Geneva K. Wilson of Palacios, 7 grandchildren: Kimberley Cooper and husband Steve of El Campo; Rhonda Huitt and husband Hank of Palacios; Steven Wilson and wife Gina of Danevang; Lori Armatta and husband John of Wadsworth; Jay Holcomb and wife Cindy of Phoenix, AZ; Dwight Holcomb and wife Yana of Los Angeles, CA; and Amy Holcomb of East Wenatchee, WA. He also leaves behind 16 great-grandchildren, two nieces and four nephews including A. B. ”Art” Lang of Palacios. Woodie will be remembered by all who knew him as a kind, good man with a tremendous servant’s heart. He was devoted to his faith, his family, and his community. When Woodie moved to Palacios, he immediately became active in area activities, having served as Master of the Palacios Masonic Lodge, a member of Arabia Temple Shrine, a charter member of the Bay City Country Club, a member of the Texas Pharmaceutical Association, the National Association of Retail Druggists, and served as a pharmacist consultant for the local hospital and nursing home. He is a former president of the Palacios Chamber of Commerce, and was chosen as Man of the Year in 1991 and as Business of the Year in 1983. He was a member of the Palacios Rotary Club, served on the March of Dimes Board and was treasurer of the Salvation Army for many, many years. He served as president of the Palacios School Board, and gave actively of his time and talents to help everyone around him. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and served on the Board of Directors for over 40 years.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Palacios.

Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing. Pastor June White will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Palacios Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church 209 Lucas.
 

Helen Winfrey

Graveside services for Helen Winfrey, 64, of Palacios are pending for Sunday with the Rev. Ron Lynn officiating. Burial will be Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.

Mrs. Winfrey was born Sept. 17, 1928 in Altus, Okla. To Edwin and Rachel Virginia Greer and she died Sept. 26, 1992 at Matagorda General Hospital.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Blessing. Mrs. Winfrey was a resident of the Palacios area for the past five years.

Survivors include her daughter, Niki Hughston of Gig Harbor, Wash.; two sons, Joe Winfrey of Blessing and John Winfrey of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; and five grandchildren, Cory Joe Hughston, Nicolas Travis Winfrey, Joleen Winfrey, Chance Josef Winfrey and Marie Winfrey.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, September 27, 1992
 

Ruth Wingate
(May 9, 1940 - January 15, 2006)

Ruth Wingate, 65, of Palacios died January 15, 2006. She was born May 9, 1940 in Giddings, Texas to Charles and Irene Martha Daniels Redkey. She had been a resident of Palacios since 1967.

She is survived by three daughters, Ana Wingate of Hewitt, TX, Autumn Brand and Melissa Hart both of Lake Jackson; one brother, Malcomb Redkey of Austin; and six grandchildren.

Graveside service 2:00 PM Thursday, January 19, 2006 at the Palacios Cemetery. Arrangements with Palacios Funeral Home. 361-972-2012.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Joyce B. Winnett
(January 18, 1927 - April 28, 2007)

Joyce B. Winnett, 80, of Bay City passed away April 28, 2007. She was born January 18, 1927 in Beaumont, TX to Joseph and Lottie Heimann Davis. She married Donald Nathan Winnett on April 16, 1949 and he preceded her in death on August 29, 2002. She was a member of the Matagorda United Methodist Church and a charter member of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 4459 in Matagorda.

She is survived by two sons Alan Winnett of Houston and Joe Winnett and wife Terri of Kingsland, TX and by two grandsons Jace Winnett and wife Stephanie and Jonathan Winnett all of Stephenville, TX.

Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Thursday, May 3, 2007 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Chapel with Rev. Pauline Harvey officiating. Interment will be 2:00 PM Thursday at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston. The family will greet friends and relatives from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Wednesday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. 979-245-4613.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Jane Winston

Advocate News Service

Blessing—Jane Lacy Heffelfinger Winston, 78, of Colombia, S. C., died Sunday in Columbia.

She was born Jan. 21, 1908, in Minneapolis, Minn. to the late W. W. “Pudge” and Grace Pierce Heffelfinger.

Her grandfather was J. E. Pierce and early pioneer settler in Matagorda County, who, with his brother, Abel H. “Shanghai” Pierce, accumulated considerable land in Matagorda and Wharton counties.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Columbia.

… p. m. Sunday at Hawley Cemetery near Blessing with the Rev. Herbert A. Willkie officiating.

Pallbearers will be Steven Heffelfinger, Richard Rasberry, Teddy Smith, Andy Friend, Charles Kutchka, Lee M. Pierce and M. L. Null.

Arrangements are under the direction of Taylor Brothers Funeral Home of Bay City.

Surviving are her husband, Peter Bickerton Winston of Columbia, S. C.; two daughters, Lacy Winston Rasberry of Eastover, S. C., and Nancy Winston Swindler of Columbia, S. C.; and three grandchildren.

The Victoria Advocate, February, 1986
 

Peter Bickerton Winston

Peter Bickerton Winston, 86, of Columbia, South Carolina passed away April 3, 1995 at the Life Care Center in Columbia, South Carolina. He was born in Minneapolis, MN to Phillip & Katherine Wheaton Bickerton Winston. He was a Navy Veteran of WWII, a member of Forest Lake Club, and St. John’s Episcopal Church in Columbia. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Heffelfinger Winston in 1986. He is survived by two daughters, Nancy Winston-Swindler and Lacy Winston-Rasberry both of Columbia, South Carolina, a brother, John Winston of Minneapolis and three grandchildren. Grave Side Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, 1995 at the Hawley Cemetery in Blessing. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, April 11, 1995
 

Funeral services for Wendal Winson, 16, of Bay City, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John Baptist Church in Van Vleck.

Arrangements are with Duncan Robert Funeral Home, Bay City, Texas (979) 245-5197.

Bay City Tribune, Published August 12, 2009
 

B. T. [Billington Taylor] Winters Taken In Death at Home in Markham Thursday

Mr. B. T. Winters, 47, died Thursday night at 9:05, at his home in Markham.

He is survived by his wife; three sons, Leo, Tommy and Carleton, all of Markham; four sisters, Mrs. Oma Langley, Corning Arkansas, Mrs. Eliza Witter, Somerset, Mrs. John Robin, Markham and Mrs. H. C. Ray, Freer; one brother, Carl A. Winters of Kansas City, Mo.

Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 3 o’clock with burial in Hawley Cemetery. Matchett-Newman Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Palacios Beacon, March 24, 1950
 

Florentine “Flossie” Winters

Florentine “Flossie” Winters, 86, of Decatur, died May 29, 1994, in Decatur.

Mrs. Winter was born July 6, 1907, in Castroville, to Eugene and Bertha Hahns Jungman.

Formerly of Markham, she resided in Decatur for the past two years. She was a member of the Markham Baptist Church in Markham.

Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Leo and Faye Winters of Boyd, Thomas E. and Delores Winters of Arizona and Carlton and Kay Winters of Markham; a sister, Gertrude Jungman of Castroville; two sisters-in-law, Irene Jungman and Laura Jungman, both of Castroville; nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Bertha Jungman; her husband, Billington Taylor Winters; three brothers, Wilford, Leo and Eugene Jungman and a grandson, Philip Bryan Winters.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home of Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, May 31, 1994
 

Phillip Bryan Winters

Funeral services for Phillip Bryan Winters, 28, of Blessing, were scheduled for 1 p. m. today at the First Baptist Church in Blessing with the Rev. Ron Lynn officiating. Burial will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.

A prayer service was scheduled for 5:30 p. m. Sunday at the Taylor Brothers Funeral Home chapel.

Mr. Winters was born Sept. 22, 1962, to Thomas E. and Elizabeth Ann Rickaway Winters in Sherman and died Dec. 29, 1990, in Blessing.

A former resident of Fort Worth, he had been a resident of Blessing for the past five years. He was a member of the Baptist church.

He is survived by his wife, Tina Carillo Winters of Blessing; daughter, Brandi Nacole Winters of Fort Worth; son, Michael Bryan Winters of Blessing; father, Thomas A. Winters of Arizona; mother, Ann Bartosh of Blessing; sister, Theresa L. Cartwright of Bay City; brother, Jeff Winters of Freeport; maternal grandmother, Vivian Rickaway of Blessing; and paternal grandmother, Flossie Winters of Markham.

Pallbearers are Joe Galvan, Rodney Tucker Jr., Nick Carillo III, Robert Burnett, Eugene Cartwright and David Equivel.

Honorary pallbearer is Johnny Galvan.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, December, 1990
 

Angeline Wintterle

Funeral services for Mrs. Angeline Wintterle, 78, were held at the First Baptist Church of Palacios Sunday at 3 p. m. with the Rev. Leon Maxwell officiating.

Burial was in the Hawley Cemetery in Blessing with Palacios Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Wintterle was born Oct. 2, 1897, in Elkhorn, Nebraska. She lived on the family farm until she moved to Omaha in 1912 with her family. She completed her education there, graduating from South Omaha High School and Boyle’s Business College.

With her late husband, Theries Delos Wintterle, she lived on their farm in Kalamazoo, Michigan, until the late 30s when they moved to Oregon. Later in the early 1950s she and her husband were active in a Salvation Army camp for boys in the Hawaiian Islands.

After coming to Palacios in 1956, Mrs. Wintterle traveled extensively in both Europe and the United States. In Palacios, she involved herself in both church and community activities, at the time of her death belonging to several organizations.

Mr. Wintterle died in 1956. Surviving the death of their parents are Robert Wintterle of Palacios, James Wintterle and Dr. John Wintterle, both of San Jose, Calif.

Also surviving at the time of Mrs. Wintterle’s death are her brothers, Dr. George McArdle, Dr. Leroy McArdle, Mr. Emmit McArdle and a sister, Mrs. Anna Nouns, 7 grand children and 1 great grandchild.

Palacios Beacon, August 12, 1976
 

Mrs. Wintterle Rites Wednesday

Mrs. Inez Wintterle, 38, passed away at her home at 3002 South Bay Blvd. in Palacios Monday night.

There will be a graveside service at 10 a. m. Wednesday at Hawley Cemetery, Rev. Rayford Harris of the Palacios First Baptist Church officiating.

She is survived by her husband, Robert E. Wintterle of Palacios and twin daughters, Helenmarie and Annamarie of Palacios; and six sisters, Mrs. Charity Speninthal of Pasadena, Mrs. Alice Hoight of Grants Pass, Ore., Mrs. Genevieve Risch of Anchorage, Alaska; and Mrs. Barbara Ferns, Mrs. Lola Wilson, and Mrs. Charlene Bauchter, all of Medford, Ore.

Services are under the direction of Palacios Funeral Home.

Palacios Beacon, September 7, 1965
 

Margaret "Maudie" Rigby Wirth
(June 14, 1919 - July 16, 2007)

Margaret "Maudie" Rigby Wirth, 88, of Bay City passed away July 16, 2007. She was born June 14, 1919 in Port Lavaca, Texas to the late Murray Dallas Rigby and Esther Robbie Polka Rigby. She had been a resident of Bay City since 1945, was a member of First Presbyterian Church, past president of The Women’s Golf Association, past president of The Women of the Church, former Presbyterian Woman of the Year, and volunteered for the Pink Ladies Auxiliary at Matagorda General Hospital for many years.

Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law Nancy & Richard Knapik of Bay City and Susan & Prentice Owen of Damon; one granddaughter Haley Owen of Damon; nieces Ella Marie Duncan of Victoria and Karen Rigby of La Porte and nephew Louis R. Rigby, Jr. of La Porte. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry E. Wirth in 1987.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Thursday, July 19, 2007 at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. John-Nelson Pope officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be James M. Allen, Louis Rigby, Jr., Gaylan Duncan, Jack Conner, Frank Seaman, John Reinke, Crayden Dennard, Rick Johnson and Mark Seaman. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in her memory. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. 979-245-4613.

www.taylorbros.net               Photo courtesy of Faye Cunningham

Frances Mae Witham

Frances Mae Witham, 68, of Houston, passed away Friday, April 1, 2005 at her residence.

She was born February 6, 1937 in Bay City to May Bump and Henry Edward Powell. She was a resident of Houston for the past 40 years and a member of St. Martin's Episcopal Church of Houston.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law: Walter Powell Witham and Michell Witham of Katy, TX; by her mother: Mae B. Coffman of Blessing, TX; and by her grandson: William Mason Witham of Katy, TX.

 She was preceded in death by her father: Henry Edward Powell.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday, April 4, 2005. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Tuesday, April 5, 2005 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jim Ely, officiating.

Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX (979) 245 - 4613.

The Victoria Advocate, Monday, April 4th, 2005

[A. H.] Pierce Withers Dies in Chicago

Mr. Pierce Withers, 53, former Wharton county rancher and Houston oil man, died Sunday afternoon in Chicago where he had been living for the past two years.

A native of Kansas City, Mr. Withers had made his home in Texas for several years, moving to Chicago because of ill health.

Mr. Withers, a grandson of A. H. Pierce, is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Lawrence Armour and Mrs. Clive Runnells, and three nephews of Chicago.

Palacios Beacon?, September 13, 1948
 

Henry M. Withers - Hawley Cemetery
 

Mrs. Henry Malcolm Withers, a daughter of A. H. Pierce, one of Texas' most famous pioneers and cattlemen, died at her apartment in Chicago Sunday night after a prolonged illness, a dispatch to the Chronicle stated Monday.

A. H. Pierce, who was known throughout the Southwest as "Shanghai" Pierce, came to Texas in 1853. He died 22 years ago. His home was at Pierce, Texas, founded by him, a short distance west of Wharton.

Mrs. Wither's maiden name was Mamie Frances Pierce and she was born at Demingsbridge, Texas, July 19, 1867. She was married in Texas and later moved to Kansas City with her husband, who died in 1909.

She is survived by her daughters, Mrs. Laurence H. Armour and Mrs. Olive Runnells, and her sons, Pierce Withers and Picket Withers all of whom reside in Chicago.

The funeral was to have been held Monday from St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Kansas City.

THE MATAGORDA COUNTY TRIBUNE, Thursday, January 12, 1923
 

MARGARET WOBBE

PLEDGER - Mrs. Margaret Wobbe, age 83, of Pledger died Friday, March 26, 2010 in Richmond following an extended illness.

Friends may call for visitation starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 30, 2010, with a rosary at 7 p.m., at the chapel of the Wharton Funeral Home.

A funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Wharton and burial will follow in the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Wharton.

Mrs. Wobbe was the owner of Wobbe's in Pledger for over 30 years until her retirement.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Adolph Alvin Wobbe in 2005.

Survivors include her sons, Bernie Wobbe and wife Louise of Richmond and Lloyd Wobbe of Pledger; sister, Shirley Wright of Baytown; five grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are under the direction of the Wharton Funeral Home.

Published in Victoria Advocate on March 29, 2010
 

Amy Wolfe

Advocate News Service

Bay City—Mrs. Amy Wolfe, 73, of Markham, died Friday in Bay City.

She was born Nov. 22, 1913, in Dayton, to the late Olaf A. and Augusta Ellen Thompson Ulland. Mrs. Wolfe had been employed as a teacher with the Bay City Independent School District before her retirement.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Sunday at the Taylor Brothers Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. William Haskell officiating.

Burial will follow the services in Hawley Cemetery under the direction of Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Percy Carroll, Loy Sneary, Scott Dickerson, Stanley Genzer Sr., Willie Bohuslar Sr. and Henry Heller.

Surviving are her husband, Leon A. Wolfe of Markham; two sons, Jim Cornett of Needville, John Cornett of Houston; a sister, Gladys V. Tuley of Markham; a brother, Andrew Bert Ulland of Clifton; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The Victoria Advocate, July, 1987
 

Bessie Adair Wood

Bessie Adair Wood, 71, passed away Friday, September 27, 1991. Survivors: Walsa Hoover of San Marcos, CA., William A. and Donna Wood of King Fisher, OK., Emma Jane and Bill Dubose of Houston, Lois Charlene and Richard Lingelbach of Rockford, IL., Louis W. and Robert Davis of New Caney, TX; 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Funeral Service 11:00 A. M. Tuesday, October 1, 1991 in the Brookside Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. George Elledge officiating. Interment Hawley Cemetery at 3:00 P. M. Tuesday, October 1, 1991 in Markham, TX.

Newspaper and date unknown
 

Dorothy M. Wood

TRES PALACIOS [Matagorda County, Texas] -- Dorothy Myrleen Wood, 73, of Tres Palacios, died Thursday, Dec. 6, 2001.

She was born Dec. 6, 2001, in El Campo, to the late Boulden Oliver and Elsie Frances Henderson. She was a homemaker.

Survivors: husband, Thomas Gene Wood; daughter, Barbara Fenske of Houston; sister, Wynell Monte of Lafayette, La.; brother, Gerald Henderson of Blessing; and three grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: parents; and brother, Weldon Henderson.

Graveside services will be 4 p.m. Saturday at Hawley Cemetery, with Wayne Fenske officiating. Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City, 979-245-4613.

THE VICTORIA ADVOCATE, Friday, December 07, 2001

THOMAS GENE WOOD

Thomas Gene Wood, 79, of Tres Palacios Oaks, was buried at Hawley Cemetery Dec. 29, 2003.

He was born Aug. 19, 1924 in Port Lavaca, the second of four sons born to Warren and Lora Smith Wood. He died on Dec. 23, 2003.

Mr. Wood served with the United States Marine Corps in World War II from 1942-1945 in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. Three months before his discharge, he married the love of his life, Myrleen Henderson, who died in Dec. 2001 after 56-1/2 years of marriage.

Gene and Myrleen lived in Houston for 28 years before returning to the coast they loved so much. They loved to fish as a couple with Gene catching the fish and Myrleen cleaning and cooking the fish.

Mr. Wood is survived by one daughter, Barbara and her husband, Wayne Fenske; three grandchildren, Michelle Meneely, who served as his tireless caregiver for the past year; Jeffrey Fenske and his wife Brenda, and Jennifer Fenske; four great-grandchildren, Darryn, Amber, Devon and Kaitlin; one brother, Maurice Wood and his wife Polly and their family; as well as numerous other family members and friends.

The Palacios Beacon, December 31, 2003

Wooster Glover Wood, 83, formerly of Markham passed away August 1, 2011. He was born June 25, 1928 in Ballinger, TX to the late E. H. Wood and Lorena Bagwell Wood.

His wife Edna Inez Wood preceded him in death. Survivors include daughter Connie Byers & husband David Byers, Sr. of Cleveland; sister Jo Engbrock of New Caney; brother Doyle Wood of Ft. Worth; grandchildren Timothy Cheary, Crystall Cavin, Michael Cheary, Angela Byers and David Byers, Jr. and great grandchildren Virgil & Garrett Cavin and Susanna Cheary.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Friday, August 5, 2011 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 9:00AM Friday at continue until service time. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City. Pallbearers will be Bobby Engbrock, Charlie Engbrock, Wain Glass, Rick Staples, David Byers, Jr. and David Byers, Sr

www.taylorbros.net
 

Funeral services for Brenda Woodard, 48 of Cedar Lake will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 22, 2009 at Jerusalem Baptist Church in Brazoria with the Pastor Larry Jackson, eulogizing and the Rev. Andrew Floyd officiating.

Burial will follow at Jerusalem Cemetery in Brazoria, Texas.

She is survived by: her husband, Hollis Woodard, Sr., Cedar Lake; mother, Eva Mae Holmes, Brazoria; son, Hollis Woodard, Jr., Cedar Lake; daughters, Patricia Holmes (Randy Haynes), Cedar Lake and LaTonya Holmes (Michael Boulden), Brazoria; three brothers, five sisters; grandchildren, Patrick Haynes, Breanna Holmes, Jalen Austin, Treylon Austin, Mikel Bolden and Aduarian Haynes, godchildren, LaShay Edwards, Cedar Lake and Taneshia Johnson, Lake Jackson and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2009 at Dixon Funeral Home in Brazoria. There will be viewing at the church from 10 until 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2009. There will be no viewing afterward.

Send online condolences to www.dixonfuneralhome.com

Final arrangements entrusted to Dixon Funeral Home of Brazoria at 979.798.9113.

Bay City Tribune, Published August 19, 2009
 

FRANKIE WOODARD-BROWN

BAY CITY - Funeral services for Frankie Woodard-Brown, 51, of Bay City, who passed away July 17, 2010, will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 22, at the Duncan-Roberts Funeral Home chapel. Cremation will follow.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. today at the chapel.

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

Published in Victoria Advocate on July 21, 2010
 

Theoplis Woodard (TH) departed this life peacefully at home in Brazoria on March 4, 2009, with his family by his side.

Theoplis (TH) Woodard was born to Henry and Lueretta Woodard on February 11, 1954. He grew up in Cedar Lane, Texas. TH confessed Christ at an early age, and joined Berean Baptist Church. He attended Van Vleck High School, graduating with the Class of 1973. He served in the United States Army from 1975 to 1978, and worked for J&S Contractors until his illness.

TH was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Mary and Anna Lisa Woodard.

His memories will be dearly cherished by: his two sons, Richard Jones (Callistra) of Angleton, Texas, Brian Franklin of Bay City, Texas; his daughter, Tamesha Franklin of Bay City, Texas; his grandchildren, Lacourtney Jones, Richaveya Jones, Kavaysia Campbell, Kadyine Monroe and Leireon Hodges, Jr.

He also leaves to cherish his memory three brothers, Henry A. Woodard, Jr. of Brazoria, Texas, Gary Woodard (Terra) of Brazoria, Glendale Woodard (Elsa) of Clute, Texas; four sisters, Paula Edwards (Henry) of Hitchcock, Texas, Annie Lunford of Clute, Texas, Janice McGregor (Kenneth) of Sweeny, Texas, Rhonda Woodard of Lake Jackson; two aunts, Wilma Carrel (James), Diane Austin; five uncles, Thomas Hawkins (Dorothy), Clyde Austin (Joeann), Robert Austin (Grace), Roosevelt Austin (Mary), Perry Higgins; great aunt, Luella Hawkins, great uncle, Willie Edison, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

The family would like to thank the Lake Jackson Hospice Care Team and Ella Williams, who helped care for TH during his illness and in his final days on this Earth.

Active Pallbearers are Jessie Austin, Kenneth Edison, Terry Groves, Elmer Hawkins, Johnnie Higgins, Mike Simmons, Harrison Woodard, Herman Wright.

Honorary Pallbearers are Brian Franklin, Richard Jones, Henry A. Woodard, Gary Woodard, Glendale Woodard and Uncles.

Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. at Greens Mortuary, 2702 Avenue C in Bay City on Friday, March 13, 2009. Services will be held Saturday, March 14, at 11 a.m. at First Berean Baptist Church in Cedar Lane, Texas with the Pastor Gilbert Franklin officiating.

Burial will be at Edison Cemetery following the service.

Bay City Tribune, Published March 11, 2009
 

Stanley G. Woods of Sargent died last Friday, October 3 in Bay City, Texas.

He was born on January 11, 1922, in Melrose, New Mexico to Zelia and Grover Lee Woods and graduated from Chilocco Indian School in 1939.

Stanley served with the Air Force during World War II and was stationed in Guam. Following his discharge, he moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where two of his sisters lived. After two years in Tulsa, Stanley moved to Lake Jackson, Texas, where he met his future wife, Sybil. Together, they ran a restaurant there. Later, they moved to Sargent, Texas where they opened a small cafe.

Stanley is preceded in death by: his wife, two brothers, two sisters, and his parents. He is survived by two sisters, Helen Woods Henry and Patsy J. Magrin, both of Tulsa.

Stanley was active in the local VFW, and will certainly be missed by his friends at the VFW and his many friends who frequented the cafe.

A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, October 11, 2008 at the Sargent VFW hall on FM457.

Bay City Tribune, Published October 8, 2008

Funeral Services Are Held For Elei [Elile] A. Woodson

Funeral services were held for Elei [Elile] A. Woodson, 88, who died at his home near Midfield Wednesday morning, October 22, at 11:30 o’clock. Mr. Woodson has been a resident of Midfield for 27 years.

Surviving are his wife; five daughters, Mrs. H. H. Derrough of Bennington, Okla., Mrs. Esker Smith of Bonham, Mrs. A. E. Harter of Blessing, Mrs. B. F. Warren of Blessing, Mrs. Mary Gatlin of Bailey; three sons, D. B. Woodson of Gober, J. M. and R. R. of Midfield.

Burial was in the Hawley Cemetery with the Rev. Metcalfe officiating. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Walker-Matchett.

The Herald (Bay City), October 30, 1941
 

Eva Jewell Woodson

Funeral services for Eva Jewell Woodson, 90, of Midfield, will be held 2 p. m. Thursday at Sixth Street Church of Christ, Bay City, with James Davis officiating. Burial will be Hawley Cemetery, Blessing.

Mrs. Woodson was born Oct. 27, 1894, to Knox M. and Hannah Loretta Jewell Aiken in Loveland, Colo., and died at 5:35 a. m. Sept. 24, 1985, at her residence.

She was a member of Sixth Street Church of Christ.

Survivors include two daughters, Elsie G. Kirn of El Paso and Marie Rickaway of Midfield; two sisters, Violet Brhlik of Palacios and Grace Hale of Midfield; a sister-in-law, Enis Warn of Palacios; and three grandsons and one granddaughter.

Pallbearers include R. Q. Lusk, Oscar Sneed, Bill Beavers, Roy Kite, Pete Ashworth and Damon Rutherford.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Manuel Woodson, in 1965.

Services are under the direction of Dick R. Elkins, Bay City Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, September, 1985
 

Midfield Man, J. M. Woodson Buried Today

Services were held at 2 p. m. today at the Church of Christ in Bay City for James Manuel Woodson, 71, of Midfield. Woodson passed away suddenly Friday morning.

Interment followed in Hawley Cemetery. Mr. Leon Meek of the Church of Christ will officiate.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Eva Jewell Woodson of Midfield; two daughters, Mrs. Elsie C Keller of Sierra Vista, Ariz., and Mrs. June Marie Rickaway of Port Lavaca; two sisters, Ina Mae Shaw of San Antonio and Mrs. Enis Anitta Warn of Palacios; and one brothers, R. R. Woodson of Midfield.

Born Nov. 10, 1895 in Gober, Texas, Woodson had lived in Matagorda County for the past 52 years. He was still active as a farmer in the Midfield area and was a member of the Church of Christ.

Pallbearers were A. C. Harter, Charles Warn, Eugene Woodson, Jack Woodson, Arl Hunt, and Wayne Cook.

Services were under the direction of Taylor Brothers Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, December 26, 1966
 

Mrs. Sarah Woodson To Be Buried Saturday Afternoon

Mrs. Sarah Emma Woodson passed away at the home near Midfield this morning at 2 o’clock after an illness of some duration.

She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. B. F. Warn, Midfield, Mrs. A. E. Harter, Blessing and two sons, J. M. and R. R. Woodson of Midfield, Nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Funeral services will be held from the Church at Midfield, Texas, Saturday, afternoon at 3 p. m. with Rev. Ed Bryant of Bay City officiating. Burial in Hawley cemetery under the direction of Matchett-Newman Funeral Home.

Palacios Beacon, March 14, 1947
 

JOSEPH "JOE" WRAPE SR.
 

FLINTSTONE, Ga. - Bro. Joseph "Joe" Wrape Sr., 67, of Flintstone, Ga., passed away Wednesday April 16, 2008 in Bay City. He was born June 11, 1940, in Summerville, Ga., to the late John Alfred Wrape and Annie Lee Pettyjohn Wrape. Bro. Joe had lived in Flintstone, Ga. for the past nine months. Before moving to Georgia he resided in Bay City for many years where he lead the congregation of the Nichols St. Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife: Helen Lenora Madaris Wrape of Flintstone, Ga.; four daughters and sons-in-law: Camille and David Dodd of Eagleville, Tenn., Crystal and Nolan Gibson of Rossville Ga., Cindy and Andy Peters of Louise, and Felicia and Eric Flores of Richmond; son: Joseph Earl Wrape Jr. and wife Andrea of Rowlett; three sisters: Nellie Godfrey of Summerville, Ga., Frances Parton of Chickamauga, Ga., and Faye Thomison of Chickamauga, Ga.; brother: Parks Wrape of Rossville; and his grandchildren: Joshua Dodd, Jonathan Dodd, Ricky Mincy, Joy Peters, Laura Peters, Rebecca Peters, Trey Wrape III and Jordyn Wrape.

Bro. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his brother: Bill Wrape; and his granddaughter: Emily Newman.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. today at The Nichols St. Church of Christ with Bro. Joseph E. Wrape Jr. officiating. Interment will be at the Lakewood Memory Garden South in Rossville, Ga.

Pallbearers will be David Dodd, Nolan Gibson, Andy Peters, Eric Flores, Joshua Dodd, Jonathan Dodd, Ricky Mincy, and Trey Wrape III.

Donations may be made to the Nichols St. Church of Christ or The Ministerial Alliance in Bay City.

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

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

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 4/19/2008.

Amie Wright
(February 15, 1918 - February 3, 2008)

Amie Wright, 89, of Palacios passed away Sunday February 3, 2008 in Houston. She was born February 15, 1918 in Poteet, Texas to the Late Albert V. McGraw & Betty Gonzales McGraw Buckley. Mrs. Wright was a long time resident of Palacios and a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Palacios.

She is survived by brother: Alex Buckley of Palacios; 3 nephews: Darrell Buckley, Bobby Buckley, and Fred Buckley all of Palacios; Friend: Mickey Kruse of Palacios; and Many more nieces, nephews, and friends. Mrs. Wright was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Lester Wright; and 2 brothers: Tony Buckley and Felix McGraw.

A Funeral Service will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday February 6, 2008 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Palacios with Rev. Robert LeBlanc Officiating. Interment will follow at Palacios Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home (361) 972-2012.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Claudie E. Wright

Funeral services for Claudie E. Wright, 70, of Bay City will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Joe Ramsey officiating. Burial will be in Hawley Cemetery, Blessing.

Mrs. Wright was born April 26, 1919, in Cumby, Texas, to Festus Luke and Sally Bowen Wright and died Aug. 6, 1989, at Memorial Southwest Hospital, Houston.

She was a life member and former officer of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and a member of First Baptist Church, Markham.

Survivors include two sons, Bobby L. and Billy G. Wright, both of Bay City; and a sister, Artie B. Latham of Cumby.

Pallbearers include S. T. Eidson, Bill Cordes, Dale Withrow, Arnold Vargas, Ken Thames and R. M. Mayhew.

Honorary pallbearers include Ted Henning, W. E. Coston, W. D. Webb and Harold Hawkins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hercell Lee Wright in 1984.

Arrangements are with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, August, 1989
 

Herman "Hogman" Wright, Jr.
 

Hurchell Lee Wright

Bay City—Hurchell Lee Wright, 68, of Bay City, died Wednesday at a Sweeny hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. Friday at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Joe Ramsey officiating.

Burial will follow in the Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.

Born May 2, 1916, in Brashier, he was a retired Bay City cab driver. A Baptist, Mr. Wright was a veteran of the U. S. Army during World War II, and was a member of Bay City Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2438.

Surviving are his wife, Claudie Wright of Bay City; two sons, Billie G. Wright of Van Vleck, and Bobbie Lee Wright of Bay City; two sisters, Ola Smith of Carrollton and Pearl O’Neal of Lubbock; four brothers, Olan Wright of Lancaster, and Lawrence Wright, J. E. Wright and Milton Wright, all of Dallas.

Newspaper unknown
 

Johnnie E. Wright

Funeral services for Johnnie E. Wright, 86, of Markham were scheduled for 10 a.m. today at Markham First Baptist Church with the Rev. Howard Harper, Joe Ramsey and Randy McDonald officiating. Burial was to follow at Hawley Cemetery.

Mr. Wright was born Aug. 23, 1905, in Dublin, Texas, and died Nov. 20, 1991, at his home.

He retired from Marathon Oil after 41 years of service, and he was a member of the Markham First Baptist Church.

Survivors include a son, Floyd E. Wright of Houston; a daughter, Lynda Bradley of McAllen; two sisters, Maple Scraton of Downey, Calif., and Edna Mae of Lovington , N. M.; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, who died in 1982.

Pallbearers will be David Bradley, Dwight Vavra, William Jackson, C. W. Rush, Kenneth McKissick and Charlie Crouch.

Honorary pallbearers will be Christine James, Joe Ocanas, Wayne Tomlinson, Billy McWilliams, Elmer Denbow, W. V. Bonds, Jerome Hickel and Clinton Burchfield.

Memorials may be given to the Youth Fund of Markham Baptist Church.

Services are under the direction of Dick R. Elkins of Bay City Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, date unknown
 

Final Services Held Here Monday For Lizzie Ann Wright

Funeral services were held at the Palacios Funeral Home Monday, January 31 at 2 p. m. for Mrs. Lizzie Ann Wright with Rev. Rayford Harris conducting.

Mrs. Wright, a former resident of Palacios, passed away in Galveston January 28 after a lingering illness. She had attained the age of 82 years, 4 months and 21 days.

Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Ruby Pletz, Neward, New Jersey, Mrs. Viola Kinard, Baytown, Mrs. Lenora Paulk, Palacios and Mrs. Olive Blazier, Enid, Okla.; four sisters, Mrs. Edith Foster, Mrs. Pearl Ashford, Torrance, Calif., Mrs. Louella Robinson, Carmen, Okla., and Mrs. Nannie Sandusky, Baytown; also 10 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

Interment was in the Palacios Cemetery.

The Palacios Beacon, Thursday, February 3, 1955

Roy “Pete” Wright

White, Roy “Pete,” age 61, passed away at Matagorda General Hospital Friday morning. Funeral services were held Sunday at 2 p. m. Taylor Brothers Chapel, Rev. Don Meador of the First Methodist Church officiated. Interment was at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Myra L. Gilson of Houston and one son, Roy White, Jr., of Dallas. Pallbearers were Harvey, Burrel, Randy and Paul White, Garland Watson and Jack Spurgeon.

The Daily Tribune, April 6, 1970
 

Ruth A. Wright

Services will be held for Ruth Wright, 72, of Markham, 2 p. m. Tuesday at the Sixth Street Church of Christ.

Officiating at the services will be Bro. Sam Kitching and Bro. Joe Ramsey.

Wright died December 12, 1982 at Matagorda General Hospital.

Survivors include husband, J. E. Wright of Markham; Son, Floyd E. Wright of Houston; daughter, Lynda Bradley of Mission; grandchildren, Teresa Lang and Randy Wright of Houston, Lance and Scott Bradley of Mission.

Wright was a member of the Sixth Street Church of Christ.

Burial will follow services at Hawley Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Jerome Hickl, David Bradley, C. W. Rush, Dwight Vavra, Kenneth McKissick and James Jackson.

Honorary pallbearers include W. L. Hemphill and Elmer Denbow.

Services under the direction of Dick R. Elkins Bay City Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, December, 1982
 

WESLEY VERNON WRIGHT

PORT LAVACA - Wesley Vernon Wright, 89, of Port Lavaca, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009 at Port Lavaca Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. He was born Feb. 24, 1920 in Jackson County to Minnie (Stevens) and Benjamin Buel Wright. He married Alice Johs Schuelke on June 19, 1953 in Palacios. They lived in Palacios until 2005.

Vernon enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1938 and was discharged in 1945. He was a staff sergeant during WWII while he served in Central Europe. He retired from Alcoa Aluminum and was a member of the 25-year club. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Palacios.
Vernon will be remembered for his love of outdoors, gardening, fishing and dancing. He was known for always having a witty humor.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Alice Wright; son, Larry Schuelke and wife Melissa; daughters, Barbara Woods, and Verna Kay Brown and husband Leslie; by grandchildren, Stacy and Wendy Schuelke, Nicholas Jost, Kristi and Tyler Jackson, Jennifer Herrera and Keith Brown and wife Bridgett; and by five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jack and Lester Wright; and sisters, Tressie and Effie Smith and Faye Walton.
The family will receive visitors from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009 at the Palacios Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Dec. 21, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church of Palacios with the Rev. June White officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.

Memorials may be made to the First Methodist Church of Palacios.

Arrangements with Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, 361-972-2012.

Published in Victoria Advocate on December 20, 2009
 

HAROLD WUTHRICH

PALACIOS - Mr. Harold Wuthrich, age 78, of Palacios, formerly of Wharton, passed away at his home on Saturday, July 4, 2009, following a sudden illness. He was born on Aug. 4, 1930, in Wharton, the son of the late Jonathan Frederick Wuthrich and Martha Elizabeth Schoeneberg Wuthrich.

Mr. Wuthrich lived in the Crescent and Wharton area all of his life until he and his wife moved to Palacios in 1993. He was a devout member of the Lutheran church both here in Wharton at St. John's Lutheran Church and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Palacios.

He graduated high school from Crescent High School. He graduated with a B.S. degree after the Air Force from Baylor University. He served in the U.S. Air Force and joined the Air Force in 1948 and was stationed stateside and in Europe, training medics during the Korean War. He worked for over 59 years as a medical technologist for many hospitals including Caney Valley Hospital, Outlar and Blair Clinic, and recently at Palacios Community Hospital.

Besides being very active with his church, Harold also enjoyed fishing and mowing his yard and neighbor's yards. He was the past president of the American Legion in El Campo and a past member of the American Society of Medical Technologists.

Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by brothers, Albert Wuthrich, Edward Wuthrich, and Norbert Wuthrich; and son-in-law, Dr. Benjamin Harrison Walker.

Friends may call for visitation on Tuesday, July 7, from 2 until 8 p.m. at the Wharton Funeral Home and funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 8, 2009, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Wharton with the Rev. Robert LeBlanc officiating. Graveside services will follow at the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Wharton with military honors provided by El Campo American Legion Post 251.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Wuthrich of Palacios; daughter, Dr. Susan Walker of Portsmith, R.I.; son, Harold Wayne Wuthrich and wife Jynell of Palacios; two grandsons; two step-grandsons; and five great-step-granddaughters.

If desiring, the family requests memorials to the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1206 4th Street (Box 943), Palacios, Texas 77465.

Funeral services are under the direction of the Wharton Funeral Home.

Published in the Victoria Advocate on 7/7/2009
 

James Paul Wyatt, Jr.
(March 31, 1947 - July 2, 2007)

James Paul Wyatt, Jr., 60 of Palacios, passed away Monday, July 2, 2007 in Houston, TX. He was born March 31, 1947 in El Campo, TX to James Paul Wyatt, Sr. and Daisy Hortense Langston Wyatt. He was a lifelong resident of Palacios. He was a veteran of the US Army during the Vietnam Era and a Life Member of VFW Post 2467 in Palacios. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He is survived by his wife: Paula Wyatt of Palacios; his sons: John Wyatt of Collegeport, James Wyatt & wife Christina of Clute and Devin Wyatt of Palacios; and by 4 grandsons. He was preceded in death by his parents: Hortense and James P. Wyatt, Sr.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, July 7, 2007 in the Palacios Funeral Home with Rev. Don Kopecky officiating. Interment will be at Palacios Cemetery with Military Honors provided by VFW Post 2467.

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

Arrangements with Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, TX (361) 972-2012.

www.taylorbros.net
 

Jesse E. Wyatt

Memorial services for Jesse E. Wyatt, 81, of Richmond, Texas, were scheduled for 1 p. m. today at Graeber Road Church of Christ, Rosenberg, with Allen Hahn officiating.

Graveside services were scheduled for 4 p. m. today at Hawley Cemetery, Blessing, with Norris Neeley officiating.

Mr. Wyatt was born June 19, 1906, in Brooklin, Texas, to William Walton and Minnie Etta Howard Wyatt and died May 9, 1988, at Avalon Place Nursing Home, Wharton.

A former long-time resident of Palacios, he was a member of Church of Christ.

Survivors include two daughters, Mary E. Neeley of Pleasanton, Texas, and Margie Huffman of Richmond, Texas; a sister, Faye Hickey of Jennings, La.; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Arrangements were with Taylor Brothers Funeral Home, Bay City.

The Daily Tribune, May, 1988
 

Lora Irene Wyatt

Lora Irene Wyatt, 58, of 206 Elizabeth, Palacios, died Thursday at Wagner General Hospital. Born March 19, 1919 in Brautus, Tex., she was a resident of Palacios 32 years and a member of the Church of Christ. Survivors include husband, J. E. Wyatt of Palacios; two daughters, Margie Huffman of San Antonio, Mary Neeley of Sinton; two sisters, Elida Johnson of Palacios and Velma Tillman of Los Angeles; three brothers, E. T. Miller of Palacios, Coy Miller of Houston and Willis Miller of Longview; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Services are pending with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.

The Daily Tribune, September, 1977
 

Adele Elizabeth Wynn

Funeral services for Mrs. Adele Elizabeth Wynn were held Thursday, May 8, at 2 p. m. at the Palacios Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. J. R. Gwin and Rev. Tom Connolly officiating. Interment was in Hawley Cemetery.

A life-long resident of Palacios, she was born February 9, 1909, the daughter of the late Charles and Cora Morris. She passed away May 6 at Wagner General Hospital.

She is survived by her husband, Felix C. Wynn of Palacios, one daughter, Mrs. Jessie Ellis of Houston; one son, John Noble White of Dallas; two sisters, Mrs. Lucille Terry of Palacios and Mrs. Myrtle Walden of Dallas and six grandchildren.

The Daily Tribune, April, 1975
 

Oscar Ziegenhals
 

Hershel L. Zumalt
 

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