Fabian S. Leal, age 80, born on January 30, 1945, in Kenedy, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, surrounded by his daughters and the love of all his family.  Fabian was a man of quiet grit and deep roots. He spent much of his life in Victoria, Texas, where he made a living as an autopaint and body mechanic before owning his own auto body shop. In his retired years, he continued to restore vehicles—evenclassic cars—finding joy and passion in bringing old things back to life. He was a caring and loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather.   A lover of a good Texas storm, road trips, and time spent outdoors, Fabian lived with quiet resilience and determination—never one to be fazed by hurricanes, tornadoes, or even the whirlwind that came with having three daughters. He found pleasure in feeding ducks at Victoria Riverside Park, relaxing at Blue Waters, and simple roadside picnics.

He is survived by his daughters, Priscilla Leal, Melissa Leal Davila, and Rachel Leal Davis (Jonathan J. Davis). His grandchildren include Priscilla’s children: Robert Palacios, Jr., Alicia Palacios, and Savannah Anderson, Melissa’s son: Matthew Davila, Rachel’s children: Kevin Davis, Kenton Davis, and Kameron Davis. His great-grandchildren include Serenah, Sierra, Marquis, Robert III, Samuel, Elliot, Everett, and one more is expected soon.

Fabian is also survived by his sisters Mary Arguellez, Patricia Barnes, and Elena Hernandez, and brothers Paul, David, Felipe, and Tony Leal. He is preceded in death by his parents, Pablo and Eva Leal, and his brothers, Cleo, Benny, and Stephen.

Fabian’s family cherishes the memories, stories, courage, and tenacity he brought into their lives. To honor his enduring spirit, they invite you to embark on a road trip, cast a fishing line, or simply enjoy a good Texas storm – and remember him fondly.

To honor Fabian’s memory, the family kindly asks that instead of flowers, you consider a contribution to cancer research, helping others who may face similar health journeys.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Friday, June 20, 2025 at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass will be Celebrated Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 10AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating. May we find comfort in knowing he is with Jesus.

Carlos L. Morales, age 78, of Victoria, TX, formally from Kenedy, TX, passed away June 7, 2025.  He was born on February 28, 1947, in Beeville, TX to the late Ben C. and Petra Lopez Morales. He married Mary Jane Garza on July 20, 1991 in Kenedy, TX.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, retired from the oil field and was of the Catholic faith.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Ben C. and Petra Lopez Morales, son Karlos Morales and grandson Stephen Scott Guinn.  He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Morales; his daughters Cecilia Dedear of Victoria, TX, Gloria Leal of San Antonio, TX, Lucinda Bentura Perez of Houston, TX, Mary Helen Rodriguez of Victoria, TX, and Teresa Correas of Pettus, TX; his sons Raul Morales of Kenedy, TX, Eusebio Morales of Kenedy, TX, John Christopher Morales of Victoria, TX, Antonio Rodriguez, Jr. of Victoria, TX, Pedro Rodriguez of Victoria, TX, Julian Bentura, Jr. of Woodsboro, TX and Gilbert Bentura, Sr. of Alvin, TX; 33 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren; his brother Ray Morales of Victoria, TX.

The Holy Rosary will be recited Monday, June 16, 2025 at 7pm in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 10am at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating.  Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Ryan Morales, Eusebio Morales, John Christopher Morales, Pedro Rodriguez, Tony Rodriguez, Zeke Gonzales, Lee Rubio and Dakota Garza.

Josephine Lopez Duenes was born on September 18, 1943 in Pawnee, Texas to Daniel and Feliciana Duenes left this world peacefully on June 9, 2025.  She was a devoted mother to Barry Meza, Brenda Meza and Raymond Meza, Jr.  She was a life-long Baptist and was a member of the First Baptist Church, Seguin, TX and enjoyed being involved in missionary trips to Mexico, where she selflessly served as a translator and touched the lives of many.  Her dedication to serving others extended beyond her church, as she was always eager to help her family, friends and community.  Her legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched. She was preceded in death by her parents Daniel and Feliciana Lopez Duenes, brothers Daniel Duenes, Jr., Paul Duenes and Rev. Domingo Duenes, sisters Juana Hernandez and Lupe Noyola.  She is survived by her children Barry (Shannon) Meza, Austin, TX, Brenda Meza, Seguin, TX and Raymond Meza, Jr., Houston, TX; her siblings Willie Duenes, Frank (Ofilia) Duenes, Tony Duenes, Isabele (Adam) Zepeda, Freddy (Joann) Duenes, Eliseo Duenes and Linda (Ralph) Mata; her grandchildren Sarah Meza Sanchez and Jaden Meza of Austin, TX, Dirk Kramer, Jr. and David Kramer of Seguin, TX, Kaya Flores of Round Rock, TX, Mattie Bowman Flowers and Clayton of Colorado City, TX and Kenzie Bowman, Splendora, TX, Blake and Becky Masuccio ; great grandchildren Avery Flores, Light Flores, Dallie Flowers, and Baun Masuccio.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 13, 2025, from 6pm to 8pm in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Services will be Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 10am in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, with David Zepeda officiating.  Interment will follow in Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery in Pawnee, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Willie Hernandez, Daniel Baldaramos, David Kramer, David Zepeda, Rickie Duenes, and Robert Sczepanik

Honorary Pallbeares will be: Dirk Lance Kramer, Jr. and Jaden Paul Meza.

James “Bubba” Matthews

March 15, 1936 – June 1, 2025

James “Bubba” Matthews, age 89, passed away peacefully at his home on June 1, 2025.  Born on March 15, 1936, in San Antonio, TX, Bubba lived a long and fulfilling life devoted to his family, his community, and the land he loved.  A proud graduate of Kenedy High School, Bubba dedicated his career to agriculture, a field that reflected his strong work ethic and deep roots in Texas.  He was a respected member of the Kenedy Masonic Lodge and proudly served as Grand Master of the Shriners. Bubba was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Lucille Matthews.  They were high school sweethearts and in October they would have been married for 70 years.  He was a loving father to James Harold Matthews Jr. “Jimmy” who lived in Tennessee (deceased), Sandy Matthews Garcia from Victoria, Virginia Matthews Holt from San Antonio, Sharon Matthews Hendrix (Maverick Hendrix) from Marble Falls.  He was preceded in death by his son James Matthews Jr., his parents Elvin Matthews and Lillian Matthews, and his brother Kenneth Matthews. He leaves behind a large and loving legacy including 19 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren, who will cherish memories of camping and fishing trips spent with their Big Daddy.

Bubba’s life will be celebrated with a visitation service on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 6:00-8:00pm at Eckols Funeral Home, Kenedy, TX.  The funeral will also be held at Eckols Funeral Home on Thursday, June 5, at 10:00am with graveside service to follow at Kenedy Cemetery.

Bubba will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous heart, and unwavering love for his family.  In his honor, may we carry forward his example of hard work, devotion, and the simple joys of life spent outdoors with those we love.