Amos H. Harden

Amos H. Harden, of Kenedy, TX passed away on October 26, 2022 at home at the age of 93.  Amos was born on August 14, 1929 in Leesville, TX to the late Clate Samuel and Hattie Rhodes Harden.  Amos married Imogene Dudley on September 16, 1950.  After serving in the Army, they made their home in Kenedy where he worked and retired from Central Power and Light Company.  He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He had many friends in Kenedy and was a long time member of First Baptist Church.  He will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his wife Imogene Dudley Harden; parents, Clate Samuel and Hattie Rhodes Harden and 12 deceased brothers and sisters.

He is survived by daughter, Karen (Billy) Brown of South Houston, TX, son Craig (Dixie) Harden of Houston, TX; son Larry (Mary) Harden of Hondo, TX; grandchildren Thomas “Tab” (Stephanie) Brown of Deer Park, TX, Amanda (Josh) Hill of Lytle, TX, Brittany (Matt) Calame of Devine, TX and Dustin (Chelsea) Harden of Hondo, TX; great grandchildren: Aaron and Kyle Brown, Mason Hill, Matthew and Tate Calame, brother-in-law Elton (Louise) Dudley of San Antonio, sisters, Velma Brown of Karnes City, TX and Shirley Bohanan of Luling, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 1, 2022 from 11:00 A.M to 1:00 P.M. with Services beginning at 1:00 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. O.E. Davidson officiating. Interment will follow in the Gillett Cemetery in Gillett, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Thomas “Tab” Brown, Dustin Harden, Josh Hill, Mason Hill, Matt Calame and Matthew Calame, Jr.

The family wants to express their appreciation to the following special people.  The 24 hour Caregivers – Janie Altamirano, Cassie McCoy, Celia Mendoza, Clara Cantu and Sylvia Mireles;  River City Hospice; previous Caregiver Brittany Simmons.

Memorials may be made to the Gillett Cemetery Association- C/O Charles Riedel P.O. Box 26, Gillett, TX 78116.

August Alvin Moy

August Alvin Moy passed away at his home on Oct. 25, 2022 into the loving arms of the Lord at the age of 85.  August (Gus) worked for many General Motors dealers in and around the San Antonio area.  He retired from General Motors Parts.  He married the love of his life Evelyn Gawlik Moy on June 1, 1957.  Together they raised three children Michael, Michelle, and Mark.  Gus loved to go hunting and fishing and raising his cattle.  His favorite time was spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Gus was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Susan Moy, daughter Michelle Moy Basham, Son-in-law Michael Basham, three brothers and three sisters. 

He is survived by his wife of 65 years Evelyn and will be greatly missed, sons Michael (Trish) and Mark (Janet).  Grandchildren Brian (Mary Rae) Moy, Amie Moy Moore (Shawn), Kristin Basham Bitsis (Chris), Cody Basham, Derek Moy (Alyson), Jordon Moy Rogers (Tyler) Great Grandchildren Lilly Jo, Aubrie, Lane, Evelyn, Margaret, Olivia, Melody and August.

Family Visitation and Viewing will be held Monday, October 31, 2022 from 10:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.; with a Holy Rosary at 11:30 A.M. followed by Funeral Mass being Celebrated Monday, October 31, 2022 at 12:00 P.M. at the Blessed Nativity of the Virgin Mary Church in Cestohowa, TX.  Interment will follow in the Cestohowa Cemetery, Cestohowa, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Nephews Ed Wiatrek, Gregory Wiatrek, Bruce Wiatrek, Nathan Moy, Grandsons Brian Moy, Derek Moy, Cody Basham.

Nora Reyna Del Bosque

Nora Reyna Del Bosque passed away peacefully beside her family on October 21, 2022. Nora was born in Kenedy, Texas on July 13, 1934.  After marring she moved to Beeville, Texas, where she raised her three daughters. It is here where she began her career with Southwestern Bell, also known as AT&T. She moved to Corpus Christi in 1978, where she continued working as a long distance telephone operator for AT&T. After 20 years she retired. She loved her job, she cherished her many longtime friends and colleagues.  One of Nora’s many joys in life was being an avid reader, reading the newspaper daily to stay informed on current events.  She also enjoyed gardening and board games. Playing Scrabble with the family were some of her happiest moments.  At the end of the day, family was Nora’s primary joy.  She was selfless in her devotion to her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Nora’s memory will remain forever in the hearts of all the friends and family she touched.   

Loving mother of Delma Del Bosque and her husband Ismael Izaguirre, Dena Bruni and her husband Ron Bruni, and Donna Del Bosque; beloved daughter of the late Jose and Emilia Reyna; dear sister of Rosita Barrera, and her late brothers Jose, Rufino and Ricky Reyna; cherished grandmother of Jacen Bruni, Meagan Taylor and her husband Anthony, Austin Izaguirre, and Marisa Izaguirre; adored great-grandmother of Brooke Nora Taylor and Caelen Taylor. 

The family will receive friends in Eckols Funeral Home Inc., 420 W Live Oak St, Kenedy, Texas 78119 on Friday, October 28, 2022 at 5pm. A rosary will be held for Nora at 7pm. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 605 Karnes St, Kenedy, Texas 78119 on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 10am. 

Inurnment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy, TX

Ralph Nelson Blaschke

Ralph Nelson Blaschke, age 78, died Wednesday evening, October 13, 2022 at his home in Kenedy, Texas. Born on November 29, 1943, he was the son of the late Edgar Blaschke and Nora (Huebner) Blaschke of Kenedy, Texas.
Ralph spent over 50 years working in the oil and gas industry in Fashing, Texas where he began as a “roust-a-bout” and retired as plant manager with Chevron. Although Ralph held a full-time job most of his life, he had many other work interests. He enjoyed doing paint and bodywork, did auto mechanics on cars or hot rods with friends, and constructed, built, and did woodwork or just about any other hands-on project you could think of (none of which he ever considered actual “work.”)
In his spare time, Ralph enjoyed fishing at Choke Canyon, watching car races, barbequing, and listening to music on his back porch with just about anyone who would stop by to visit and say “hello”. He was an avid Louis L’Amour fan, watched countless westerns, and swore he “should have been a cowboy.” Ralph loved to read about Texas History and always believed he would find buried treasure somewhere in the Karnes County area. Ralph was probably most known for his extravagant tales and stories which were enjoyed by many along with his perfectionism and dedication to hard work all of his life.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Janice (Salge) Blaschke, along with three children: David (Hilary) Blaschke of Round Rock, Texas, Kristi (Cecil) Boening of New Braunfels, Texas, and Kelli (Eloy) DeLeon of Pawnee, Texas. Grandchildren include Cailin and Brendan Glover, John Tomas (J.T) Blaschke, Cayson Boening, and Jacob and Hanna DeLeon. Surviving siblings are Darrell (Charlene) Blaschke, Royce (Donna) Blaschke, Edgar Jr. (Sally) Blaschke, Ruthie (Greg) Burk, and numerous nieces, nephews, and relatives. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Cynthia Blaschke, older sister Cathy Thau, and brother-in-law Stewart Thau.
A memorial service for Ralph Blaschke will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Friday, October 21, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a meal in the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. A private burial service will be held for the family Friday afternoon.
The family would like to thank the staff of Dr. Joel Saldana’s office, Kaiser Home Health, and the staff at Exclusive Home Health and Hospice in Beeville, Texas for their loving care and support over the past several years.

Byron Casper Dermody

Byron Casper Dermody left this world to be with his Heavenly Father on August 4, 2022. He was born on April 28, 1953, in Uvalde, Texas to Bernard Casper Dermody, Jr. and Faye Kolinek Dermody Irby. He graduated from Goliad High School in 1971 and went on to further his education at Texas Tech University.

After leaving Texas Tech, Byron was a logger in Oregon for a short time but moved back to Texas to do the things in life that he loved; calf and team roping. In the early 80’s, Bryon received his PRCA card and roped professionally alongside his brother, and many local ropers, even doing production roping. If you knew Byron, you know how deep his love for roping was. When he wasn’t on a horse, in the arena, he was doing anything that had to do with roping. After he became unable to participate in the events, you can be assured he was watching the NFR and the cowboy channel. Every year he made it a point to call his siblings and remind them that the NFR was starting. They will all miss getting those calls.

Byron was preceded in death by his mother Faye Irby, father Bernard Dermody, Jr., stepmother Raye Dermody, grandparents Albin and Rosalee Kolinek; and Bernard Dermody, Sr., and Ruby Dermody Goodwin.

He is survived by his two sons, Blayne Casper Dermody and Brett Colton Dermody, siblings Terry Brown (Glynn), Dixie Radicke (Herbert) and Dean Dermody (Donna), many nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces and one great great nephew.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Jessie Alexander family and Josie Peters, who took good care of Byron.

His celebration of life will be held at the Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers please donate in Byron’s name to your favorite college rodeo team or foundation.

Walter R. Long, Jr.

Walter Russell Long, Jr. passed away on September 30, 2022 in New Braunfels, Texas. Walter was born in San Angelo, Texas, on January 9, 1936.  He lived the first two years of his life in Sonora, Texas. After his father was injured while working, the family moved to Leon County, Texas, first living in Oakwood and then in Centerville.  Walter graduated from Centerville High School in 1953.  Following his brother’s path, Walter attended Tarleton Junior College, where he was the editor of the college yearbook, before heading to the University of Texas at Austin. After a year of attending UT, Walter was accepted into the University of Texas School of Law.  While in Law School, Walter met his future wife, Carolyn Wood Waller.  They were married in Austin, Texas, on May 31, 1958. Walter was able to attend college under the ROTC program.  Because of his commitment under the ROTC program, Walter had to serve in the army after his second year of law school. He served his two years in the army in Georgia and Colorado, before being honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant, which was quite an achievement since he hated other people telling him what to do. Walter and Carolyn had their first child, Susan Lyndal Long, while living in Colorado. After being discharged, Walter and family returned to Austin so he could complete Law School.  Wanting to raise his family in a small town, Walter accepted a position as an attorney in Kenedy, Texas, with the Scarborough and Roberts Law Firm.  A few years later he joined the Klingeman Law Firm. After Judge Klingeman was appointed to the bench, Walter became a single practitioner.  During these early years in legal practice, Walter and Carolyn had two more children, Walter Russell Long, III and Mitchell Andrew Long.  In 1969, Marian C. Whitehead partnered with Walter to form the law firm of Long & Whitehead.  Walter and Marian practiced law together for the next 42 years, until they both retired in 2011.  Bored in retirement, Walter ran for, and was elected, County Judge of Karnes County.  He served as County Judge from 2015 through 2018.  Walter loved living in a small town. He served multiple times on the Kenedy ISD school board and on the Karnes County National Bank board, as well as announcing the Kenedy High School Football games for more than 20 years. Walter was a member of Rotary and was a Mason. He collected many longtime friends from Karnes County and they had many adventures.  Walter loved outdoors activities (including shooting, hunting and fishing), collecting junk, cheering for the Longhorns, harassing and hanging out with friends and just generally stirring up s**t among friends and coworkers. 

Walter was predeceased by his parents, Walter Russell Long. Sr. and Reba Cundiff Long, as well as his wife, Carolyn Wood Waller Long. He is survived by his brother, Joe R. Long, his daughter Lyndal (Edwin) Wiatrek, and sons Russ (Carolyn Rydlund) Long and Mitch (LuAnn) Long. He had eight grandchildren: Lauren (Chris Housley) Wiatrek, Jillian (Anthony) Winn, Tucker (Kelli) Long, Kally (Parks) McNeil, Grace (Tony Torales) Long-Torales, Kathryn Wiatrek, Kassandra Long and Walter R. Long, IV. He also had three great grandchildren: Parker Olivia Winn, Nathaniel Elliott Winn, and Jet Walker McNeil. 

There will be no funeral service or viewing, but a memorial gathering of some type will likely take place in the near future. Lyndal, Russ and Mitch would like to thank the people of Karnes County for the love, support, friendship, and/or respect shown our father over the 60+ years that he called Karnes County home. Please do not send flowers or plants.  If you would like to honor Walter, please donate to a charity of your choice.   

Matilde Davila Estrada

Matilde Davila Estrada, Age 67 of Karnes City, TX passed away on October 1, 2022 in San Antonio, TX.  Matilde was born on June 25, 1955 in Kenedy, TX to the late Francisco and Josephina Vasquez Davila. Matilde was a dietary aide, homemaker loving MOM, grandmother, great-grandmother, a member of Gathering of Disciples Church in San Antonio and a friend to many who will be greatly missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Francisco, Sr. and Josephina Vasquez Davila; sister, Diana Luna; brothers, Rudy Davila and Jesse Davila.

She is survived by her fiancé, Richard Rodriguez of Karnes City, daughters, Ruth Gonzales of Karnes City, Dina Estrada of Kenedy, Haydee Estrada of Karnes City; sons, Israel Estrada, Jr. of Karnes City, Jesse Estrada of New Mexico, Elias Estrada of Karnes City; sisters, Dora Ann Alvear o Karnes City, Norma Zuniga of George West, Helen Hunco of San Antonio; brothers, David Santos of LaVernia, Johnny Santos of San Antonio, Ramon Salas, Jr of Killeen, 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

A Prayer Service will be held Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 7PM I the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Services will be Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 10AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Walter Hill, III officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers: Israel Estrada, Jesse Estrada, Elias Estrada, Elias Estrada, Jr., Jacob Estrada, David Santos and George Fuentes.