Rev. Tommy Joe Remmers, 82 of Gillett, Texas was born in Runge, Texas on June 19th, 1942 to the late Walter and Iva Mae Remmers. Tommy was one of eight children, five brothers and two sisters. Tommy spent his youth and teenage years learning and perfecting the lead guitar playing in his first band called the Texas Rebels at the of 16, and later professionally for Al Dean & The All Stars, the band that made the Cotton Eyed Joe famous. During those years, he also worked as a meat butcher for John Smolik Meat Market in Kenedy. On August 7th, 1964 Tommy married the love of his life Barbara Jean Marbach, at the Choate Baptist Church. A few years later, in August of 1967 they welcomed their first child, Troy William Remmers. That same year Tommy and Barbara made the most significant life changing decision when they rededicated their lives to the Lord, and answered the call into the ministry. Only a few months later they packed up a u-haul and moved from Kenedy to Dallas where Tommy began his ministry serving as youth pastor at the First Assembly of God in Richardson. In August of 1970 they welcomed their daughter, Krista Faith Remmers completing their family. Over the next decade Tommy would be ordained by the Assemblies of God and serve on the North Dallas Section of the Assemblies of God Youth Board. He served as youth pastor at Casa View Assembly of God in Dallas, as senior pastor at Flatwood Assembly of God in Edom, as senior pastor at Glad Tidings Assembly of God in Dallas, and as youth pastor and bus ministry pastor under his beloved mentor Ps. Hulon Hood at the Mesquite Assembly of God. In 1982 the family moved back to South, Texas where Tommy continued as a bi-vocational minister. During the early 80’s he pastored the Nixon Assembly of God Church and worked as a butcher for various grocery stores. In the late 80’s Tommy became a bus driver for the Karnes City Independent School District and retired after 20 years of service. On August 12th 1990, Tommy and Barbara drove through downtown Yorktown and noticed a church on the corner and decided to stop for service. This impromptu visit resulted in them pastoring Faith Christian Fellowship Assembly of God Church for over 30 years. At the age of 53, while pastoring at Faith Christian Fellowship, he earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in Ministry from Southwestern Assembly of God University, in Waxahachie. Tommy answered the call of God on his life and never looked back, and because he answered the call many lives were changed. He shared the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the message of salvation and forgiveness that can be found in Him. He remained faithful to his Lord and Savior, his family, friends, and members of the church. He was a loving helpmate of 60 years to his wife Barbara fulfilling his vow to love, honor, and cherish her. He was a Godly example to his children and grandchildren. He was a loyal friend, and a living example of the fruits of the spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Tommy was a blessing to all who knew him. Tommy loved the Lord with all his heart, and loved reading the word of God. He was also a man of prayer and spent hours praying and studying the word. The bible says in Mark 12:30 to love the Lord your God with all your whole heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength, and Tommy did. His over 50 year legacy of faithfulness and service to the Lord led to the great honor of pastoring hundreds of people, and discipling many of them in their walk with the Lord. He had the honor of marrying his children, many nieces, and other family and friends. He had the honor of dedicating many children, including his own grandchildren and baptizing them into the Kingdom of God. Tommy was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Iva Mae Remmers, his brothers, Elvin Raymond”Buddy”, Walter Junior, Frank, Bobby, and Kenneth. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Rev. Barbara Remmers, of Gillett and their children, Troy Remmers and wife Micaela of El Paso, Krista Remmers-Morgan and husband Everett of La Vernia, and seven grandchildren, Asher, Emilee, Jude, Gifton, Netanel, Asael, and Ezri. He is also survived by his two sisters Norma Atkinson of Kenedy, and Alma Pullen, of Jourdanton, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Tommy entered his eternal rest and reward on September 15th, 2024 and is now in the presence of his savior Jesus Christ and the fellowship of family and friends that have gone on before him.
The Pallbearers will be Everett Morgan, Scott Atkinson, Kody Kanak, Patrick Janysek, Chris Chaffin, and Marlin Marbach.
Honorary Pallbearer will be Clarence Yanta.
Visitation will be held from 6 -8 pm, Friday, September 20th, and the funeral service will be at 10 am on Saturday, September 21st at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas. Burial will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.
Juanita Sanchez,82, of Kenedy, passed away on Monday September 30th 2024. Juanita was born on Aug. 21st, 1942, to Anita and Senon Martinez in Nell, Tx. She spent her whole life as a farmers daughter then a farmers wife times 2. She was around cows her entire life so it was always weird for us to realize she was afraid of them. Juanita had known Ernesto almost her entire life when sparks flew; they went on to get married in 1966 and have 4 children, Sylvia, Joe, Sandra and Amanda. Ernesto passed in Aug 1986 due to a heart attack. After Ernesto passed; she ended up in a relationship with Gabriel Lino. They have been together over 35 years and they have lived mostly in the same place the entire time. Juanita was a stay-at-home mom most of her life with a few exceptions thrown in to help a friend. She enjoyed watching Price Is Right, Lets Make a Deal, Walker Texas Ranger and any other western that is on TV. She LOVED to dance; there wasn’t any cumbia she wouldn’t dance and there was no beat that she wouldn’t tap her fingers or feet to even a little Shoop by Salt N Pepa. She also loved washing dishes- this is a habit we would have like to have but sadly we did not inherit. She was a beloved mother, spouse, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, cousin, mother-in-law and friend. Juanita was predeceased by husband Ernesto Sanchez, Parents, Anita & Senon Martinez, Brother, Atilano Martinez, and stepchildren, Ernesto Jr. and Mary Luera. She is survived by Gabriel (spouse), children, Sylvia (Luis), Joe (Sandra), Sandra (Royce), Amanda (Anthony), Stepchildren, John Lino (Amy), Robert, Sel, and Israel Sanchez, Lala Dykes and Alice Ramos, Sister, Marty (Bob) Kimbrell. She also leaves behind a lot of grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, in laws, and friends.
