Gregorio P. Cortez, of Kenedy, TX born on July 30, 1949 in Kenedy, TX to the late Victor Cortez Sr. and Juaquina Penilla Cortez passed away on June 25, 2019 at the age of 69. Gregorio is preceded in death by his siblings: Juan Cortez, Benny Cortez, Linda Rosales and Irma Chesser.  He is survived by his former spouse, Rosie Venecia, of Kenedy, TX; daughter, Nina( Joe)Escandon, of Kenedy, TX; son, Aaron(Bonnie) Cortez; grandchildren: Joe (Briana) Escandon III, of Kenedy, TX; Amanda (Charlie) Lobner, of Kenedy, TX, Maddie Cortez, Brandon Cortez, Vincent Cortez; great grandchildren: Isla Escandon and Scout and Blake  Lobner; sisters:  Sandra (Jimmy) Loya, of Karnes City, TX , Argentina Villarreal; brothers: Florentino (Gay) Cortez, of Pawnee, TX and Victor (Sarah) Cortez, Jr. of Karnes City, TX; special niece: Michelle Cortez ; nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 27, 2019 from 9:00a.m. to 9:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel with a Prayer Service to be recited at 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Services to conclude in chapel.

Larry Ray Barnes, Sr. of Kenedy,TX born on July 22, 1945 in Rio Grande City, TX to the late Thomas Alfred Barnes and Ruby Lee Vaughn Barnes Schultz passed away on June 23, 2019 at the age of 73. Mr. Barnes is preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Henry J. Schultz; his brothers: James Thomas Barnes Sr., Eddie Barnes Sr., Lloyd Barnes, Rodney Gill and baby sister, Katherine Schultz. Survivors include: daughters, Deborah (Clayton) Kay Broadway, of Seguin,TX, Christine Fay Sponable, of New Braunfels,TX; sons, Larry Ray Barnes Jr., of Seguin,TX;11 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; sisters: Cheryl Lynn Schultz, of Kenedy,TX and Lisa Marie (John) Fisher, of San Antonio,TX; brothers: Charles Alynn Shultz, of Berclaire, TX and Johnny (Saundra) Schultz, of Kenedy,TX; nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 28, 2019 from 4:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral Services Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 10:00a.m. at Eckols Chapel with interment following in Kenedy Cemetery. Pallbearers: James “BooBoo” Barnes, Michael “Mike” Barnes, Edward “Lil Eddie”Barnes Jr., John Thomas Barnes, Tony O’Brien,  Kevin Gustafson, Thomas Barnes, Bradley Johnson, Willie Desmond.  Honorary Pallbearers: Jay Schultz and Thomas Barnes.

Richard Allen Lucas, of Runge, TX born on December 6, 1954 in Ardmore, Ok to Raymond Martin Lucas and Anna Faye Griffith Lucas passed away on June 24, 2019 at the age of 64. Mr. Lucas was retired after 30 years of service with Conoco Phillips as a Production Supervisor. Mr. Lucas is preceded in death by his father: Raymond Martin Lucas and brothers: David and Eddie Lucas. He is survived by his wife of 43 years: Deborah “Elaine” Barnes Lucas; his mother, Faye Lucas, of Ardmore, OK; his daughter, Lori (Gabriel) Mendoza of Sutherland Springs,TX; sons, Randy (Stacey) Lucas, of Austin, TX; grandchildren: Kique Mendoza, Victoria Mendoza, Molly Matthew, Callie, and  Owen; brothers: Bob (Vera) Lucas, Fox, OK, Marty Lucas, Ardmore, OK, Jeff Lucas, Ardmore, OK; several numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Visitation Wednesday, June 26, 2019 from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Graveside service Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 11:00a.m. at Sutherland Springs Cemetery, Sutherland Springs,TX. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

Joyce Thigpen Smolik, of Kenedy, Texas passed away on June 21, 2019 at the age of 90 years and 7 months. Joyce was born on November 1, 1928 in Kenedy,Texas to the late parents, Leo K. Thigpen and Ivy Boultinghouse Thigpen. Joyce graduated from Kenedy High School in 1946 and subsequently attended the The University of Texas at Austin. She married Erwin John Smolik Sr. on September 30, 1948 at St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Karnes City,Texas.  Joyce and John resided in Karnes City for the next 46 years, where they raised their 6 children, moving to Kenedy, Texas in 1994 and remained active members of St. Cornelius Catholic Church. Joyce and John owned and operated Smolik’s City Market and Smolik’s Processing Plant in Kenedy for over 50 years. Joyce’s first 25 years of marriage were devoted to raising her six children then later worked along side her husband at both businesses until they retired. Joyce enjoyed gardening and always took pride in caring for her yard. She loved cooking and conversation, readily sharing her meals and opinions with family and friends. There was always room at her table for last minute guests… It would be difficult to count the “extra plates” set over the past 60 years or assess the impact of those engaging conversations that ensued… “Mom’s quick wit and not so subtle sarcasm will be truly be missed by all who knew and loved her”. Joyce is preceded in death by her husband of 62 1/2 years, Erwin John Smolik Sr., May 21, 2011 and her brother Jack Thigpen. Survivors include her daughters: Jan Smolik Millington and husband Nicholas of Karnes City,TX, Jamie Smolik McPhail and husband Jory of Dallas,TX: sons: Dr. John Smolik, Jr. of Austin, TX, Jerry Smolik and wife Pat of Rockport, TX, Jim Smolik and wife Debbie of Austin, TX and Jeff Smolik of Kenedy. Grandchildren: John Ross Smolik and wife Michelle, Dr. Kristen Smolik Denten and husband Sam, Kara Smolik Murrell and husband Mark, Dr. Jeremy Smolik and wife Analese, Jake Smolik and wife Allison, Chelsea Smolik Herr and husband Mitch, Kelly Smolik Contreras and husband Mark, Erica Smolik Wilson and husband Andrew, Brittany Smolik Brettschnieder and husband Josh, Tiffany Smolik Greene and husband Brandon, Dr. Ryan Millington and wife Riana, Patrick Millington and wife Bethany, Caitlyn Millington Kirk and husband Matthew, Taylor Millington, Joshua Smolik and wife Cassie, Lindsey Smolik, Corey Smolik, Lauren McPhail, Alyssa McPhail; 28 great grandchildren and more on the way. Special thanks to Joyce’s caregivers who provided her with generous compassion and care: Susie Adame, Janie Altamirano, Janie Perez, Gloria Puente, and Irma Reyes. A Rosary will be recited Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 11:00a.m. at St. Cornelius Catholic Church with Funeral Mass following at 11:30a.m. at St. Cornelius Catholic Church, Karnes City,TX. Interment to follow in Kenedy Cemetery, Kenedy,TX. Serving as pallbearers will be her grandsons: John Ross Smolik, Dr. Jeremy Smolik, Jake Smolik, Dr. Ryan Millington, Patrick Millington, Taylor Millington, Joshua Smolik, Corey Smolik. Memorial contributions may be made of the donor’s choice.

Gregorio “Goyo” Rodriguez, of Kenedy, Texas born February 9, 1937 in Karnes City, TX passed away on June 17, 2019 at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife: Carmelita Guevara of Kenedy,TX; daughters: Miranda (Jose) Rodriguez Solano, of Conroe, TX and Maria Rodriguez Burrow, of Katy,TX; sons, Nick Casarez, of Three Rivers, TX, Gregory Rodriguez, Junction City, KIS, Billy Joe (Hope) Guevara, of Beeville,TX; 17 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; sisters: Sara Zuniga, of Houston,TX and Angie Gonzalez, of Frostproof, FL; brothers: Paul (Rosa) Rodriguez and Ray Rodriguez of Kenedy,TX; Manuel Rodriguez, of Austin,TX and Melicio (Connie) Rodriguez, of Seguin,TX; nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Visitation Friday, June 21, 2019 from 1:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. with a Song Service at 6:30p.m. and a Prayer Service at 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral Service Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 11:00a.m.at Eckols Chapel with interment in Loma Alta Cemetery. Pallbearers: Billy Joe Guevara, Nick Casarez Mike Burtchell, Paul Rodriguez, Michael Casarez, Robert Rodriguez, Paul Anthony Rodriguez and Aaron Casarez.

Vicente Rico, of Kenedy, TX passed away at his residence on Sunday, June 9, 2019 surrounded by family. Vicente was born on April 5, 1953 in Runge, TX to the late Epimenio and Catarina Serrata Rico. He married Lupe Garza on September 11, 1977 who precedes him in death. Vicente was retired from Kenedy Independent School District, a devout member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, a loving husband, brother, uncle and friend to many. Vicente is preceded in death by his wife Lupe Garza Rico; parents, Epimenio and Catarina Serrata Rico and a brother Juan Rico. Vicente is survived by his sisters: Frances (Jesus) Rico of Charco, Maria Rico of Runge, Rosa (Felix) Navarro of La Pryor; brother, Ricardo ( Hazel) Rico of Greeley, CO and numerous nieces and nephews. A Rosary will be recited Thursday, June 13, 2019 at 7:00p.m. in Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, June 14, 2019 at 10:00a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers are Andrew Rico, Jesse Rios, Jr., Gilbert  Ventura, Steven Martinez Sr., Steven G. Martinez, Jr., Robert C. Llanas and Honorary Pallbearer: Andrew Rico Jr.

Beryl Ann Chace Keister was born on January 7, 1946 and died on June 3, 2019 at the age of 73. She was adopted as an infant by Wesley and Jessie Chace of Kenedy. She was a 1964 graduate of Kenedy High School and later worked as an LVN at the Kenedy Hospital operated by Dr. Quillan and Dr. Mills. in 1969, she met and married Dale Keister a chemical engineer, who was transferred by General Mills from Kankakee, Illinois to the Kenedy Plant. They had a son, Ross. Beryl retired from nursing to be a helpmate to her husband and to raise her son. She was a long-time member of the Order of the Eastern Satr and is a Past Worthy Matron of the Kenedy Chapter. She enjoyed reading, the beach, and collecting cook books and any clothing or furnishing with Coca Cola, Chicago Clubs, or San Antonio Spurs logos. Since Dale retired from Hercules Inc. in 1994, the family has enjoyed being winter Texans, spending winters in Kenedy and summers at Keister family cabin in the Town of Round Lake, Sawyer County Wisconsin. Beryl was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Bonita Neugent. She is survived by her husband Dale; son Ross, a nephew: Dr. Scott Harford of Alma Arkansas, and a niece, Roxy Harford of Barling, Arkansas.

Jason Eric Leal, 39, passed away Friday May 31, 2019. He was born on June 19, 1979 in Jacksonville, Arkansas to TSgt. Benny & Joyce (DeDear) Leal.   Jason served in the 3-7 Calvary in The United States Army as a Signal Support Systems Specialist and served in Operations Enduring/ Iraqi Freedom in 2003 where he earned a Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Lapel Button. He returned to South Texas in 2004 after being Honorably discharged where he re-joined his oilfield family until the day of his passing. Throughout the years he earned a bachelor’s degree in IT & a Bachelor of Science in Business Management that he later used to succeed in his career. Jason lived every day for his children and had no greater blessing than being a father. He loved God, his mother, brother, sister and friends and spoke about them daily (he LOVED talking for hours on the phone with them). He was a friend to everyone, loved and cherished his life. He had a passion for football, played from a young age throughout high school, moved on to college and eventually a semi-pro team. As an adult, he coached many youth throughout the years. He will be remembered as a bright shining light.  He was preceded in death by his father Benny S. Leal.   Jason is survived by his two children a son, Ashton C. Leal and daughter, Kailey E. Leal, his mother Joyce DeDear, brother Christopher (Gloria) Leal, sister Jessica Leal (Ruben) Salas, his ex-wife Annie Trevino Gonzales, three nieces Alyssa Hernandez, Brittny Leal, Ashley Leal and three nephews Devihn Salas, Camrihn Salas, Levi Salas, four great nieces and three great nephews.    #work#grind#father#friend#life

Family Visitation will be held Sunday, June 9, 2019 from 5PM t0 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with a Prayer Service at 7:30PM.  Services will be Monday, June 10, 2019 at 11AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mark Morales officiating.  Interment with Military Honors follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Ardanella JoAnna Fenner, born April 22, 1929 to Ernst Blaschke and Annaliese Meinen Blaschke passed away June 4, 2019 at the age of 90. Ardanella was retired from the U. S. Postal Service. She is preceded in death by her husband, Elroy Arthur Fenner; her daughter-in-law, Terry Lynn Fenner and Sister, Willoween Clark and brother, Arland Blaschke. Survivors include her sons: Dennis (Linda) Fenner, Kenedy, TX, Roy Lee Fenner, Kenedy,TX, and Pat Glenn (Mariann) Fenner, Sunnyville,TX; sister: LaAnna Johnson, Kenedy,TX; 6 grandchildren: Kevin Ray Fenner, Roy Lee Fenner, Jr., Julie Ann Justice, Melissa Ann Fenner, Annaliese Fenner, Brittany Nicole Fenner Waldron; 11 Great Grandchildren; 6 great great grandchildren; and other relatives. Visitation will be held Monday, June 10, 2019 from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at 2:00p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with interment following in Pawnee Cemetery. Pallbearers: Jeffrey Johnson, Terry Schmidt, Jerry Clark, Norman Clark, Chris Busselmann, Steven Green, Larry Clark and Robbie Busselmann. Honorary Pallbearer: Troy Clark.

Josephine “Josie” Ortiz Nunez, Age 68 of Kenedy, TX passed away on Monday June 3, 2019 in Kenedy, TX. She was born on Jan. 1, 1951 in Yorktown, TX to the late Joe, Sr. and Maria Garcia Ortiz.  She married Adam Nunez on Jan. 24, 1976 in Yorktown.  Josephine retired as a Medication Aide for Greens Nursing Home; was a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister and a devout member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.  Josephine is preceded in death by her parents, Joe, Sr. and Maria Garcia Ortiz.  Josephine is survived by her husband, Adam M. Nunez of Kenedy; daughters, Amy Nunez Lane and companion Luis Gonzalez of Kenedy, Ashley Nunez and companion Robert Garcia of Kenedy; son, Adam Joseph Nunez of Kenedy; sisters, Alicia Perez and Husband Rudy of Yorktown, Esther Corpus and Husband Tony of Yorktown, Irma Ortiz  of Yorktown, Yolanda Wollerman and husband Shaun of Alpine, TX; Half-sister Amber Ortiz of Kirby, TX; brothers, Pete Ortiz and wife Sylvia of Cuero, Johnny Ortiz of Yorktown, Joe Ortiz, Jr. and wife Esmeralda of Yorktown, Ricky Ortiz  and wife Cheryl of Yorktown, Michael Ortiz of Yorktown;  grandchildren, Daryan Moreno, Joseph Lane, Joslyn Lane, Daniel Gonzales, Nina Garcia, Hope Nunez, Adam Joseph Nunez, Jr., Faith Nunez, Miranda Nunez and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, June 7, 2019 at 10 AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating.  Interment will follow in the San Luis Cemetery in Yorktown, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Randy Corpus, Keary Perez, Russell Ortiz, J.R. Perez, Kalvin Corpus, Matthew Ortiz and Daryan Moreno.