John Henry Fransen

John Henry Fransen, Age 85 of Kenedy, Texas, passed away in his home on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.  He was born in Kenedy, Texas to Henry and Lillie Fransen on May 9, 1936 and attended school in Kenedy while helping on the family farm.  John married Joyce Elaine Haner on June 20, 1959 at St. Matthews Lutheran church in Kenedy and they were married for 61 years before her passing in May 2021. John and Joyce spent time in Washington and California while he was in the Army.  After the service they returned to Texas to continue farming, ranching, and raising a family.  He said that he preferred driving a tractor to the cattle business.  He didn’t have hobbies but at one time read four daily newspapers and followed the stock market.  He channel surfed TV but stopped for Western movies, Gunsmoke reruns & the Discovery Channel documentaries.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Lillie Fransen, sisters, Ruth J. Jones, Freda Grisham, brother, Eric Fransen, Sr. two baby brothers, Paul and Robert, sister-in-law, Ann Fransen and Uncle Carl Fransen.

He is survived by his daughter, Sharon (Gary) Wegner of Kenedy, sons, Kevin Fransen of Kenedy, Keith (Lee Ann) Fransen of Karnes City, Grandson, Jonathan (Becky) Fransen of Kenedy and sister Linda Fransen of Sweden and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The Family would like to thank all the medical staff that cared for our father: Texas Home Health Hospice Staff, Dr. Dan Dugi, Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital & Kaiser Home Health and a heartfelt thank you to our father’s caregivers, Grace Hope, Mary & Sandy for their support and love.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 9, 2022 from 5:00pm to 7:00 pm at the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel in Kenedy.  Private Family Graveside Services will be Monday, January 10, 2022 at 11:00 am at the New Bremen Cemetery, Lenz, TX with Pastor Kelly Tankersley officiating.

Pallbearers: Kevin Fransen, Keith Fransen, Jonathan Fransen, Eric Fransen, Jr., Henry Jansen & Gary Wegner.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to organization of their choice.

Christopher Alaniz Benavides, Jr. (Mr. B)

Christopher Alaniz Benavides, Jr. (Mr. B)

A teacher to hundreds, a mentor to many, and a friend to all, Chris Benavides was called home on December 30, 2021 with his loving wife by his side.  He was 76 years old.

He was born August 27, 1945 in Corpus Christi, Texas to the late Christopher A. Benavides, Sr and Olivia Alaniz Benavides.  He was a long-time resident of Kenedy, Texas where he was an educator, coach, loved the outdoors and spending time with his family and his wife, Irma Benavides, who he married on August 19, 1967.  They were blessed with 54 years of marriage.  He is remembered for his sense of humor, fast cars, antique trucks and great story telling abilities.  Chris was a devoted Dallas Cowboys and University of Texas Longhorns fan.  He was a loyal Kenedy Lion, Spanish teacher and tennis coach.

Educated at W.B. Ray High school in Corpus Christi, Texas, he received his bachelor’s degree at Southwest Texas State University (Texas State University) and his master’s degree from Texas A & I University in Kingsville (Texas A&M Kingsville).  Chris was an educator and tennis coach at Kenedy High School for 35 years.  He taught college courses at Bee County College (Coastal Bend College) and worked for the JTPA program.

Chris was a devout member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy, Texas where he served as a communion minister and lector.

His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his wife and family.  Daughters – Melissa Ann Benavides (D. Diaz) of Richmond, Texas, Karissa Lynn Benavides (Bobby Quintanilla) of Karnes City, Texas and Kristie Marie Benavides (Ray Reyna) of San Antonio, Texas.  Grandchildren – Gage Reyna and Leylah Reyna of San Antonio, Texas.

Public visitation will be held on Friday, January 7, 2022 at Our Lady Queen of Peace at 10am followed by the Holy Rosary and Holy Mass at 11am.  Masks will be required at the services.