Kay Pitts, Age 72 of Mineral, TX passed away on December 27, 2012. She was born on January 26, 1940 to the late Victor Carl and Naomi Doris Burk Caldwell in Hereford.

She is survived by her husband of 51 yrs. John R. Pitts of Mineral; her sons Patrick Myron Pitts of Navasota; Casey Scott Pitts and wife Yvonne of Navasota, Michael Ray Pitts and wife Corinna of Boerne; and her grandchildren Austin Pitts, Cameron Pitts, Raylynn Pitts, Christina Pitts, and Courtney Pitts.

Visitation was held Sunday, December 30, 2012 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services were Monday, December 31, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Mineral Baptist Church with interment following in the Mineral Cemetery.

Merle Ables Brown, a longtime resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away peacefully, Sunday, December 23, 2012, at 8:15 P.M., in the John Paul II Nursing Home, in Kenedy, Texas, at the age of 81 years, 5 months and 6 days.

Merle was born July 17, 1931 in Kenedy, Texas, the daughter of Leonard Ables, Sr. and Effie Pullin Ables. On July 3, 1948, Merle married Earle B. Brown, in Karnes City, Texas. After over 55 years of marriage, Earle preceded Merle in death on December 8, 2003. Merle was an active member of the First Baptist Church Kenedy where she faithfully served the Lord.

Merle is survived by her daughters, Karen Segovia and husband Manuel of Beeville, Texas, Christy Rowley and husband Craig of Las Vegas, Nevada and Grace Hammack and husband Kevin of Victoria, Texas; her sons, Kelly Brown and wife Christine of Phoenix, Arizona and James Brown and wife Jody of Kenedy, Texas. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; her sister, Catherine Braun and husband Charlie of Victoria, Texas and her brother, Leonard Ables, Jr., and wife Ruth of Kenedy, Texas. Ms. Brown is preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation was held, Wednesday, December 26, 2012, from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services began at 3:00 P.M., Thursday, December 27, 2012, at First Baptist Church Kenedy, with Rev. Tim Williams officiating. Interment followed in the Kenedy Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were, Aaron Brown, Matthew Brown, J.B. Self, Pierce Hammack, Kevin Hammack and Craig Rowley.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the First Baptist Church Kenedy, Texas or the John Paul II Nursing Home.

Vernon Lee Clanton, a longtime resident of Kenedy, Texas, entered eternal rest, Friday, December 21, 2012, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 84 years and 14 days.

Vernon was born, December 7, 1928 in Wink, Texas the son of Joseph Franklin Clanton and Maggie Ann Hull Clanton.  On March 20, 1950, Vernon married Marie Smith in Swamp City, Texas. Marie preceded Vernon in death, April 16, 2007.

Vernon is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Ann Beall and husband William of San Antonio, Texas; his grandchildren, Jordon Christopher Krueger, Windi Marie Landrum and husband Kent Bradley both of San Antonio, Texas and Lacey Nicole Phillips and husband Matthew Seth of Los Angeles, Texas. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Bradley Christopher, Emersyn Marie and Charlotte Elizabeth Landrum, all of San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Clanton is preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service was held, Thursday, December 27, 2012, at 2:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas, with T.J. Burris officiating.

Jack Henry DeSalme, a resident of Castroville, Texas, passed away, Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 1:20 P.M., at the Medina Valley Health and Rehab, at the age of 81 years, 11 month and 30 days.

Jack was born, December 17, 1930 in San Antonio, Texas, the son of Jack Jacob DeSalme and Ora Louise McDonald DeSalme. He proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard. On February 23, 2009, Jack married Mary Rodriguez in Castroville, Texas.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Mary Rodriguez DeSalme; his daughters, Mary Louise Jordan and Candace Marie Odom; his sons Jack Henry DeSalme, Jr., Michael DeSalme and David DeSalme; his sisters, Mary Louise Owen, Linda Hurweck, Barbara Zeinert, Carolyn Peoples and Marilyn Zemman and his brother, Billy DeSalme. Jack is also survived by his 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Mr. DeSalme is preceded in death by his parents; his sons, Thomas DeSalme and Robert DeSalme and his brother, Charles DeSalme.

Visitation began at 1:00 P.M., and funeral services began at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, December 19, 2012 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Following the services, Mr. DeSalme was cremated.

Refugia Barrientos, a lifelong resident on Runge, Texas, entered eternal rest, Wednesday, December 12, 2012, at 1:37 A.M., at the DeTar Hospital Navarro in Victoria, Texas at the age of 65 years, 5 months and 8 days.

Refugia was born, July 4, 1947 in Beeville, Texas, the daughter of Lorenzo Arenas and Ramona Flores Arenas. She grew up in and around the Runge area and after losing her mother at a very young age, was raised by her great-aunt; who she considered as a mother, Santitos Arenas. Refugia met Daniel Barrientos and the two were married in Karnes City, Texas, in October 1974. They began a life and family of their own in Runge, Texas. Refugia loved children, her joy came in not only raising her own children but in babysitting and caring for many of the other children throughout the community. When Refugia wasn’t at home babysitting, she loved to spend time shopping.

Refugia is survived by her beloved husband of over 38 years, Daniel Barrientos, Sr.; her daughters, Dianna Barrientos and Kurt Tollefson of Runge and Donna Barrientos and Joe Reyes of Kenedy; her sons, Daniel Barrientos, Jr., and wife Jolene of Victoria, Texas and Juan Barrientos and wife Lolita of Marble Falls, Texas; and her 7 precious grandchildren, Danela and Alanea Tollefson, Elianna Rosales, Isabella Reyes, Ava and Myla Barrientos and Carlos Barrientos. She is also survived by her 3 sisters, Janie Rodriguez, Virginia DeLeon and Linda Wright. Mrs. Barrientos is preceded in death by her parents; her great-aunt, Santitos Arenas and her sister, Estella Alvarado.

Visitation was held, Friday, December 14, 2012, and a rosary was recited, Friday, at 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral mass was celebrated, 10:00 A.M., Saturday, December 15, 2012, at Our lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Kenedy, Texas, with Rev. Norbert Herman officiating. Interment followed in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Kenedy, Texas. Serving as pallbearers were, Joe Reyes, Hank Trevino, Angel Sanchez, John Rodriguez, Ryan Rodriguez and Jacob Lincon.

Baby Lacy Love Farias, passed away, December 7, 2012, in Victoria, Texas, after just a short time here on earth. She was born to Jesse Joe “J.J.” & Ruby Hernandez Farias.

She is survived by her parents and brothers, E.J. Lopez, Carlos Farias and Jezai Farias.  She is preceded in death by Eliseo Lopez and David Eliseo Lopez.

A family viewing was held, Wednesday, December 12, 2012, at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas at 2:00 P.M., with graveside services following at, Sacred Heart Cemetery, with the Rev. Hermann Norbert officiating.

Janice Porter, a lifelong resident of Kenedy, Texas, entered eternal rest, Wednesday, December 5, 2012, at 11:13 P.M., in the Methodist TexSan Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 82 years, 4 months and 6 days.

Janice was born in Palmer, Texas, on July 29, 1930, the daughter of Wilber C. Conder and Maggie Nancy Neal Conder.  Janice attended Kenedy Schools and was an avid reader; having learned how to read at the age of 5. On June 24, 1949, Janice married Louis Newton “Newt” Porter in Kenedy Texas. Newt and Janice spent most of their married lives in and around Kenedy, Texas, and recalled some of the happiest times they had being at the ranch just outside of Runge. Janice liked to tell about being the derrick man when Newt pulled a well. While in Runge, Janice was the resident of the Women’s Society of Christian Service, the Runge PTA President and served as the Sunday School Superintendent.

After she moved to Kenedy, she held the same set of offices altogether. She continued to teach Sunday school, where she proudly did so for 25 years. Janice was of the Methodist faith and an active member of the Pawnee First United Methodist Church. She loved everything about Pawnee, especially her dear friends, the church building and the Breakfast Club.

Janice is survived by her son, Tom Porter and wife Terri of Kenedy, Texas; her grandchildren, Samantha Porter of Cedar Park, Texas, John Wesley Porter of Karnes City, Texas, Rebecca Porter of Alpine, Texas, and Jesse Hunter of Round Rock, Texas. Ms. Porter is preceded in death by her parents, W.C. and Maggie Conder; and Newt Porter, her beloved husband of over 56 years.

Visitation wiwas held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M., Saturday, December 8, 2012, in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services were held, Sunday, December 9, 2012, at 2:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ken Norton and Rev. Sue Huntsman, officiating. Interment followed in the Kenedy Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pawnee First United Methodist Church or the Kenedy Public Library. 

August L. “Sonny” Hahn, Jr., a resident of Kenedy, Texas, peacefully passed away, Wednesday, December 5, 2012, at 6:20 A.M., in the Bluebonnet Nursing and Rehab Center in Karnes City, Texas, at the age of 80 years and 9 days.

Sonny was born, November 26, 1932, in Floresville, Texas, the son of August Hahn and Julia Schmidt Hahn. After graduating from High School, Sonny went on to join the United States Army where he proudly served his country. During his time in the Army, Sonny was stationed in Germany where many discovered how good of a welder he was. Welding was his trade and after serving in the Army, Sonny made it his career, and opened his own welding shop in Kenedy, Texas. On August 29, 1987, Sonny married Gay Gisler in Leesville, Texas. Sonny shared not only his love with Gay and those around him, but also with his Lord. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church Kenedy. Among many other hobbies, one that Sonny enjoyed most, when he wasn’t busy at the shop was being outdoors fishing.

Sonny is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Gay Gisler Hahn of Kenedy, Texas; his children, Teresa Hyde and husband Bill of Amarillo, Texas, Ronny Hahn of Kenedy, Texas, Jeff Hahn and wife Rhonda of Three Rivers, Texas, Kenny Hahn and wife Shari of San Antonio, Texas and Suzy Hartman of Portland, Texas; his step-children, Laura Gordon and husband Dale of Pandora, Texas, Nancy Everett and husband Michael of Converse, Texas, Susan Wilkerson and husband John of Gonzales, Texas, Mary Jane Allen of Palestine, Texas and Russell Schnitz of Gonzales, Texas; and his sister, Tillie Maguire of Victoria, Texas. Sonny is also survived by his grandchildren; James Hyde, Julie Smith, Austen Hahn, Tabitha Hahn, Katie Hahn, Matthew Hahn, Levi Rogers, Brian Hartman and Savannah Hartman; his great-grandchildren, Luke and Grant Hyde; eight step-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren. Mr. Hahn is preceded in death by his parents; his sister Martha Maxwell and husband Ross; his half-sister, Edna Nesolney and husband Bill and his half-brother, Christian Hahn. 

Visitation will be held, Friday, December 7, 2012, from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, December 8, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Kenedy, Texas with T.J. Burris, officiating. Interment will follow in the Karnes City Cemetery, Karnes City, Texas. Serving as pallbearers will be, James Hyde, Austen Hahn, Matthew Hahn, Brian Hartman, Levi Rogers, John Maxwell, Glenn Maxwell and Mike Merritt. Honorary pallbearers will be, Otto Thiele, Franklin Knocke, Stanley Tegge, Bobby Williams, Vince Linney, Stick McBroom, Wade Slane and Punch Humphries.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the First Baptist Church Kenedy, 209 E. School Street, Kenedy, Texas 78119; The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090; or The American Cancer Society, 4101 S. Alameda, Corpus Christi, Texas 78411.

Ofelia Cruz Cortez, passed away, Sunday, December 2, 2012, in Kenedy, Texas at the age of 68 years, 4 months and 18 days.

Ofelia was born, July 14, 1944, in Elsa, Texas the daughter of Jose Angel Cruz and Amelia Flores Cruz. Ofelia was of the Catholic faith.

Ofelia is survived by her beloved husband, Zacarias Cortez; her daughters, Esmeralda Cano and husband Joseph of Beeville, Texas, and Irene Vega and husband Ramiro of Kenedy, Texas; her sons, Armando Cortez and wife Dora of Beeville, Texas, Rudy Cortez and wife Denise of Kenedy, Texas, and Rickey Cortez and wife Belinda of Beeville, Texas. Ofelia is also survived by her 16 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Mrs. Cortez is preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation was held, Monday, December 10, 2012, and a rosary was recited Monday, at 7:30 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral mass was celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, December 11, 2012, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Kenedy, Texas, with Rev. Norbert Herman officiating. Interment followed in the Runge Cemetery with, Irene Vasquez, Jaime Cortez, Armando Cortez, Jr., Zacarias Cortez, Christopher Cortez and Rickey Cortez, Jr., serving as pallbearers.

John T. “J.T.” Grubbs, a former resident of Kenedy, Texas, entered eternal rest, Friday, November 23, 2012, at 5:45 P.M., at Christus Spohn Hospital in Alice, Texas at the age of 71 years, 9 months and 1 day.

J.T. was born February 22, 1941, in Kenedy, Texas, the son of John Hollis Grubbs and Velma Hazel Moore.

J.T. is survived by his daughter, Elaine Montgomery; his son, Donny Grubbs and his sisters, Shirley Costilow of Kenedy, Texas, Janie Graham and Marie Lawless, both of San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Grubbs is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Sandy Grubbs.

A memorial graveside service was held, Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 2:00 P.M., in the Kenedy Cemetery, Kenedy, Texas, with Malcolm Gulley officiating.