A Loving Tribute to Robert L. Edwards

With hearts full of love and sorrow, we, the family of Robert L. Edwards, share the news of his passing on August 17, 2025, at the age of 97, in Kenedy, Texas.  Sometimes known as R.L., he was a tireless provider, a masterful craftsman, and a person who loved to travel. He filled our lives with lessons, stories, and unbreakable bonds. He was a man of unwavering dedication, working 37 years for Chevron Oil Company, where his strong hands and steadfast spirit built a foundation for our family. But it was in his workshop and on the open road where his heart truly shone. A gifted craftsman, he breathed new life into Model A Fords and Volvos, his fingers coaxing rusted frames into gleaming treasures. As a proud member of the Model A Club in Victoria, he’d spend hours in his shop, surrounded by the hum of tools and the laughter of grandchildren, teaching his family the  value of patience and precision. We’ll never forget the sparkle in his eye when he fired up a restored Model A, grinning as he said, “She’s ready to roll,” or the way he’d let a grandchild “help” polish a fender, their tiny hands guided by his steady ones.

Every summer, he and his wife, Tommie Lou, hitched up their Airstream for adventures with their children, weaving across the US creating memories that became our family’s heartbeat. We can still see him at the campsite, teaching us to build a fire, his voice steady as he shared tales of where we were going next. “The world’s bigger than you think,” he’d say, and with him, we believed it.

His farm and shop were his haven, where he worked on his old cars, or just sat with his thoughts in the beginnings of what he had built for a cabin. Grandchildren remember the afternoons when he’d gather them around an old tractor, recounting an adventure, real or imagined, with a twinkle in his eye, or the quiet lessons he taught to them sitting by an old potbellied stove. He taught us to work hard, to fix what’s broken, and to hold tight to family. Those moments—his calloused hand on ours, his laughter echoing through the barn—are etched in our souls.

Robert is preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Rhonda Nyquist, and beloved granddaughter, Meleese Class, and we find comfort knowing he’s reunited with them, perhaps tinkering on a heavenly Model A. He leaves behind his devoted wife of many years, Tommie Lou, whose love was his anchor; his children, Karen Reynolds (Jim), Robert Edwards (Jessica), Tracy Edwards (Moon), and Loretta Thiele (Dale); his nine treasured grandchildren; and twelve adored great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry his spirit in every adventure, and every quiet moment under the stars.

We extend our deepest gratitude to his caregivers—Eloisa Valdez, Ruby Villanueva, Cynthia Seals, Eva Morin, Jennifer Snyder, Veronica Serrano, Michaela Rodriguez, and Taelynn Sellers—whose compassion and care surrounded him with love in his final days.

We invite all who knew Robert to join us in celebrating his extraordinary life at a visitation from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas, followed by graveside services at Pawnee Cemetery.

Dad, Grandpa, you were our compass, our storyteller, our home. We see you in every gleaming chrome bumper, every open road, every campfire’s glow. You taught us to work hard, to love fiercely, and to live with a heart wide open. We love you always, and we’ll carry you with us until we meet again, cruising in an Airstream across the heavens.

Forever yours,

Your Loving Children and Grandchildren

Clarence Eugene Bell went to be with his lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on August 13, 2025 after a brief illness.  He was born on August 27, 1933, a few weeks short of his 92^nd birthday.  Clarence was an avid researcher of geneology information on his family he could trace his roots to England and Scotland 400 years back.  He was a longtime member of the San Antonio Geneological Society.  Clarence was a generous man who contributed to many non-profit organizations.  He was a U.S. Army Veteran and retired from Kelly Air Force base as a sheet metal fabricator on B-52 bombers and C-5A cargo planes.  His hobby was photography and he photographed many sites around the San Antonio area.  Clarence is preceded in death by his parents; Thomas Clifford and Latta Aldine Manlove Bell; sisters, Tera De Alva Bell Hill (Ben Hill), Jimmie Lucille Bell, Eddy Dewlen (Irving Eddy, Sr and Robert Dewlen Sr.), Anna Estelle Bell Everett (Albert Everett), Eula Fay Bell VanDevender (George VanDevender), Luda Mae Bell; brother, John Taylor Bell; he is survived by his brother,  Richard Dale Bell (Susan Bell); sister, Dorothy Merle Bell Chamberlain Klostermann (Dan Klostermann) and many nieces and nephews, all whom he loved dearly.  Clarence had a great sense of humor and could tell a story like no else.  He was a loving and caring person who never met a stranger.  The family wishes to thank the staff of Frank M. Tejeda Texas Veteran Home for their kind and compassionate care of Uncle Clarence throughout his stay there.

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 12:00PM to 12:30PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Services starting at 12:30PM Saturday, August 16, 2025 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jeremy Pritchett officiating.  Interment with Military Honors will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Angela Munoz, age 54 of Kenedy, TX passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025 at home surrounded by her loving family.  Angela was born on October 7, 1970 in Karnes City, TX to the late Rudolfo, Jr. “Rudy” and Mary Ann Zaiontz Munoz.  She was a loving sister, daughter, aunt and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.  Angela is preceded in death by her parents, Rudolfo, Jr. “Rudy” and Mary Ann Zaiontz Munoz.  Angela is survived by beloved fur baby “Pepe”, sisters, Valeria Price of Kenedy, Christina Padron of Kenedy, Denise Cortez of Kenedy, Ruby Munoz of Kenedy, Margaret Munoz of Kenedy, Rudi Munoz of Houston; brother, Joseph Henry Munoz of Beeville and many dear nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Monday, August 11, 2025 from 10AM to 12:30 PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. A Holy Rosary will recited Monday, August 11, 2025 at 1PM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the celebration of Funeral Mass at 1:30PM with the Rev. Allen Menino Tavares officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers will be: Armando Cortez, Jr., Zacharias Cortez, Robert Semlinger, Maragret Munoz, Michael Munoz and Jospeh Munoz.

Honorary Pallbearers are Christian Padron and Jeremy Paul Garcia

Wendel Ernest “Russell” Black, Age 60 of Kenedy, TX went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 27, 2025.  Russell was born on July 6, 1965 in Valdosta, GA to the late Russell Lamar and Dorothy Black.  Russell was the owner operator of TK’s restaurant, a loving husband, father, a member of The Word Fellowship and will be greatly missed.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Russell Lamar and Dorothy Black.   He is survived by his loving wife, Tammie King Black; sons, Dustin Wendel Black, Hunter Lamar Black all of Kenedy, 3 sisters, 1 brother and the many dear friends Russell has made in the Karnes County Community.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 11AM to 2PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Services Starting at 2PM with the Rev. Walter Hill, III officiating.  Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.