He was born on July 22, 1952, in Schenectady, New York to Benjamin Carpenter Cruickshanks and Edith Coiner Cruickshanks. At the age of seven, he moved to Riverview Road in Apalachin, New York. He spoke fondly of his childhood, telling stories of roaming the neighborhood and playing sports with his friends until the sun went down.

  He and his father shared a love of steam engine trains and photography. They traveled the country many times over the years ‘‘chasing trains” and documented their travels with pictures.  They later published a book titled “D&H Memories” with photographs of the Delaware and Hudson Railroad.

He earned his Bachelor and Master of Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, in 1974 and 1976. While there, he made lifelong friends at Clarkson who were by his side not only at Clarkson reunions and hockey games, but also in his final days. 

After graduating from college, he joined Raytheon’s Missile Systems Division in Bedford, Massachusetts, where he worked on the Patriot Missile System. He left Raytheon to work as a consultant for McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis before entering the MIT Sloan School of Management in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he received his Master of Science in Management in 1982. After graduation, he got a call to come to Texas to work for ROLM Corporation as a QA Manager. He later became the Manufacturing Manager of the Austin plant, a major hub of manufacturing of internal phone systems for large organizations. ROLM was eventually acquired by IBM and then Siemens.

Soon after moving to Texas, he met Linda Keller on a blind date at Dan’s Hamburgers, arranged by a mutual friend. They talked so long that the restaurant eventually had to ask them to leave for closing. Six weeks later, he proposed on Mount Bonnell, and they were married on October 6, 1984, at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church.

In 1996, Allan served as a founding member of the school board for Hill Country Christian School of Austin. Alongside the elder board of Hill Country Bible Church and a dedicated team of staff and church members, he helped shape a vision for a Christ-centered, classical, college-preparatory school. For the past 30 years, the school has been equipping students to become Christ-like leaders in their families and communities. Allan and Linda also worked with a small group of Hill Country Bible Church members to plant a church in southwest Austin, hosting the initial planning meetings at their house. Allan served for years at HCBC Southwest, especially by setting up each Sunday morning and packing up afterward while the church met in temporary facilities. 

Allan had a great love for the game of hockey. In 2011, Allan wrote to the president of Clarkson University with a comprehensive plan to revitalize the men’s hockey program, which he felt had been in decline for years. He began regular correspondence with the president and a board member, who implemented many of Allan’s ideas and launched a $40 million renovation to make the arena competitive with other programs. He spent the next several years offering advice and discussing his analysis with the president, athletic director, and coach, as Clarkson Hockey went on in 2013-14 to have their first winning season in six years and in 2018 to make the NCAA Tournament for only the third time since the 1990s. Clarkson returned to the tournament in 2019 and won the ECAC Championship for the sixth time in program history. The Clarkson Women’s Hockey team has been successful with three national championships in 2014, 2017 and 2018, and Allan was thrilled to attend the 2017 championship in St. Louis.

Allan and his friends have many happy memories attending games together.   Allan often spoke about how God’s plans for your life are far greater than any you could come up with on your own. He liked to tell the story about how he – a New York boy – ended up on a ranch in South Texas.  It was something he never envisioned. The family spent many weekends on Linda’s parents’ ranch in Mineral, Texas. In the mid 90s, Allan and Linda purchased the neighboring property where they relocated to in 2006 and began raising Angus cattle and eventually goats. He considered it a true privilege to care for his beloved in-laws, Mary and Tom Keller, as they grew older. He was deeply devoted to his wife, children, and grandchildren. At every ball game, his children knew exactly where to look to find him in the stands. His wisdom guided them through many of life’s decisions from college to career and beyond. Blessed with six grandchildren, in recent years he could often be found rocking a baby, reading bedtime stories, attending band concerts and sporting events, or sitting at the beach as children played around him. His presence at the dinner table will be profoundly missed. 

Allan was a man of great faith in Jesus Christ and was confident of his eternal destiny in Heaven. The impact he had on his family’s faith will last for generations. 

He is survived by his wife of 41 years Linda Keller Cruickshanks, Mineral, Texas, sister Laurie Recharte (Carlos), son Brian Thomas Cruickshanks (Kate), daughter Karen Elizabeth Cruickshanks, grandchildren Caleb, Jacob, and Lydia Cruickshanks and Lucy, Charlie, and James Fassetta. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Carpenter Cruickshanks and Edith Coiner Cruickshanks and in-laws, Thomas Walter Keller and Mary Frances Keller. 

The service to celebrate his life will be held at Mineral Baptist Church in Mineral, Texas on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 1:30pm, followed by a graveside service at the Mineral Cemetery. A reception will be held in the Mineral Baptist Church community room immediately after the graveside service.  The visitation will be at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas on Friday, April 10 from 4:30-6:40pm. 

Flowers are welcome; however, those who wish may honor Allan’s memory with a donation to the Parkinson Voice Project or Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas.

Flowers can be sent to Eckols Funeral Home (420 West Liveoak Street, Kenedy, Texas 78119). Find Mineral Baptist Church on Google Maps or Apple Maps. 

With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we announce the passing of Timothy Craig Wishert, affectionately known to many as “Timmy,” who left this world peacefully on March 22, 2026, at the age of 59, surrounded by the love and warmth of his family. Born on March 9, 1967, in Karnes City, Texas, Timmy’s life was a testament to love, laughter, and selfless giving.  Timmy was the beloved son of Wayne and Beverly Wishert, who were his constant companions and steadfast source of encouragement throughout his life. He was a devoted brother to Jeff, wife Tonya, Matt his wife Cindy, with whom he shared countless adventures and joyful moments. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clyde and Beatrice Wishert, Marvin and Beatrice Dabbs, whose memories he held dear.  A graduate of Kenedy High School’s Class of 1985, Timmy became a local legend during his school years, known as “the Blur”, for his remarkable speed and agility. He showcased his athletic prowess in the Special Olympics, where he earned seven medals in track and field events, bringing pride to his family and schoolmates. Timmy’s life was a tapestry woven with humor and kindness. Known for his playful spirit, he delighted in pulling practical jokes on his brothers and friends, whether it was filling hats with bugs or cleverly hiding items they mentioned needing. His laughter was infectious, and his joy for life was boundless.  A member of the First Baptist Church of Karnes City, Timmy’s faith was a guiding light in his life. He was always willing to share his favorite bible verses with anyone who visited.  He found great pleasure in walking the streets of his hometown with his father, Wayne, collecting loose change along the way. In a testament to his generous heart, Timmy amassed $500 in coins, which he donated to the Karnes City Volunteer Fire Department, a gesture that exemplified his spirit of giving. Timmy’s love for stories knew no bounds; he relished reading and having stories read to him, finding wonder and joy in the written word. His life was a story of kindness, humor, and love, and all those who knew him were blessed to be part of his journey.  In accordance with his family’s wishes, a private ceremony will be held to honor Timmy’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Timmy’s memory to the Karnes City Public Library, or the Karnes City Volunteer Fire Department, ensuring that his love for community service continues to inspire others. As we bid farewell to Timmy, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with laughter, love, and a legacy of generosity. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace, Timmy; your spirit will forever light our hearts.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Saturday April, 18, 2026 at the First Baptist Church in Karnes City, TX at 10:00 A:M.  Inurnment will follow in the Karnes City Cemetery, in Karnes City, TX.

Francisco D. “Frank” Hernandez, Age80 of Kenedy, TX passed away on March 18, 2026 in San Antonio, Tx surrounded by his loving family.  Frank was born on May 18, 1945 in Karnes County, TX to the late Ismael and Martina Garcia.  He married Martha Gonzalez who precedes him death, was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, retired from Ford Miller Well Service and was of the Catholic Faith.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Ismael and Martina Garcia, wife Martha Gonzalez Hernandez, son, Christopher Hernandez, siblings, Ray Hernandez, Cindy Hernandez and Gloria Hernandez.  He is survived by his children, David Hernandez of Pawnee, Jerry Hernandez of Pawnee, Fidencio (Amy) Hernandez of Pawnee, Danny Hernandez of Pawnee, Jeffery Hernandez of Pawnee, siblings, Rene Garcia of Seguin, Ismael Garcia of Universal City, Alice Garcia of Seguin, 19 Grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and many extended family members and dear friends who will greatly miss “Frank”

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 9AM to 11AM with Services at 11AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon Guadalupe Cantu officiating.  Interment will follow in the Nell Cemetery in Nell, TX.

Serving as Pallbearer: Nathan Hernandez, Matthew Hernandez, Cody Hernandez, J.D. Hernandez, Mike Gonzalez, Jesse Gonzalez and Dominique Hernandez.

Tommie Lou Edwards departed this world on March 16, 2026, at home, surrounded by love and family, at the age of 93. She was born on November 4, 1932, to John Julian Winfield and Sophie Elizabeth Winfield (White). Along with her ten siblings, she grew up in Hebbronville, Texas.  Young and spirited, Tommie Lou married her sweetheart, R.L. Edwards, on June 10, 1948, and was blessed with five children. With a house full of children to raise, feed, and clothe, she became a true domestic goddess—perfecting her skills as an incredible cook and expert seamstress. She made clothes by hand with love, often sketching designs inspired by the latest fashions she admired in shop windows. A proud homemaker, she taught through both her heart and her hands, whether in the kitchen or at the sewing table.  She generously shared her talents, even creating a personal cookbook for each of her children filled with some of her very best recipes. Among the most memorable meals were her Winfield Spaghetti, chicken and dumplings, and tuna casserole. She always said, “You measure with your heart,” and she lived by those words.  While raising her five beloved children, the family traveled often, as she believed life’s greatest lessons came from experience rather than books. She loved sitting quietly and watching her birds—especially her favorite, the red bird. An avid reader, she could often be found in her glider chair, completely immersed in her latest novel.  As the years passed and she became “Grandma and Mimi” she cherished time with her grandchildren, often getting down on the floor to play with them, nurturing both love and creativity. Though she loved deeply, she also believed in “the wooden spoon,” something her grandchildren quickly learned they did not appreciate—so much so that a few mysteriously disappeared into the burning barrel.  To know Tommie Lou was to love her—and to be loved by her. She welcomed everyone into her home and her heart, making it clear they always had a place there. Her laughter brought joy, her words carried warmth and wisdom, and her smile could light up any room—especially when her great-grandchildren came to visit.  Tommie Lou was preceded in death by her loving husband, R.L. Edwards; her daughter, Rhonda Nyquist; and her granddaughter, Melese Class—all of whom we know joyfully welcomed her at heaven’s gates. She is survived by her children: Karen Reynolds (Jim), Robert Edwards (Jessica), Tracy Edwards (Moon), and Loretta Thiele (Dale); her nine beloved grandchildren; and twelve adored great-grandchildren, with a thirteenth on the way—one of two great-granddaughters who will carry on her namesake. Each of them carries her wit and spunk in their own way.

We invite all who knew Tommie Lou to join us on Saturday, March 21, 2026, to celebrate her life. Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas, followed by a service at 10:00 a.m., with burial at Pawnee Cemetery shortly thereafter.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to her caregivers, whom she referred to as “her girls,” for the love and kindness they showed her.

We hold tightly to our memories, the love we shared, and the comfort of knowing she will be waiting for us at heaven’s gate—with the best meal and the biggest smile. As we close this chapter in the book of our lives, we will look for her in the beauty of every sunset in the days to come.

Dianna Monson, age 79, of Kenedy, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026.  She was born on March 15, 1947, in Kenedy, Texas, where she spent much of her life surrounded by family and community.   Dianna was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and Nana who treasured her family deeply.  She had a kind heart, a strong spirit, and found joy in the simple things in life, especially the companionship of her beloved pet, Punky, who brought her great comfort and happiness. Dianna was preceded in death by her beloved husband Mauritz Monson, her parents August and Elsie Ziese, her brother Russell Don Ziese and her granddaughters Emily Monson and Shaylene Monson. She is survived by her loving children, Donna (Maurice) Diaz and Philip Monson.  She also leaves behind her sisters, Anna Karen Krawietz and Vickie Herbert.  Dianna is fondly remembered by her nieces, Stacy (Jim) Tapscott, Patricia (Randy) Morgan, and Marie (Liz) Hahler-Kirk; and her nephew, Preston Dale Herbert. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Kyrsten Monson, Miranda Monson, and Tiffany (Joey) Hinojosa; her great-grandchildren, Rhyleigh McCan, Payton McCan, Mariah Hinojosa, and Nylah Hinojosa.  She was also joyfully anticipating the arrival of her first great-grandson later this year. Dianna was a loving wife, devoted mother, and proud Nana who cherished her family deeply.  She spent many years raising her children and, alongside her husband, devoted countless hours supporting them in 4-H activities.  Together they farmed and ranched, building a life rooted in hard work, dedication, and family values. Throughout her life, Dianna worked as a legal secretary and also served with Karnes/Wilson Juvenile Probation, where she contributed her time and compassion to helping others. She loved to travel and found her greatest joy in spending time with her family.  Road trips north to the mountains were her favorite getaway along with the occasional casino.  She enjoyed riding through the country to view the wildflowers in bloom and trips to the coast.  Dianna lived her life with unconditional love, kindness, and a deep appreciation for the people around her.   Her warmth, strength, and devotion to family will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 18, 2026 from 10AM to 11AM with Services at 11AM at The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Pastor Wally Schievelbein officiating.  Interment will follow in the Elim Lutheran Church Cemetery in Elim, TX.

Pallbearers are Maurice Diaz, Philip Monson, Joey Hinojosa, Benjamin Hranicky, Justin McCan, and Marcel Cuellar.  Honorary Pallbearers are Jim Tapscott, T.C. Elliott, Nicholas Elliott, Kaitlin Morgan, Carl Hahler-Kirk, David Hahler-Kirk, and Preston Dale Herbert..  Donations can be made to Elim Cemetery Foundation and/or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Dee Ann Zerfass Ruthenberg, age 79 of Kenedy, Texas, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026 surrounded by her family.  Dee was born on October 16, 1946 in Armada, MI to the late Woodrow and Donna Baird Zerfass. She fell in love with James “Jim” Ruthenberg and married on April 30, 1966 in Richmond, MI. They welcomed their only child in October the following year.  In 1980, the family of three moved to Gatesville Texas to be closer to her parents. Like most things in her life, she was never far from her best friend.  Both Dee and Jim worked at Olan Mills for many years until the digital age forced Olan Mills to close their doors.  A blessing in disguise, as this encouraged their decision to move to Kenedy Texas to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren.  Dee enjoyed crocheting, reading, playing cards, and she really treasured spending time with those she loved the most.  Dee was a loving wife, a proud mom, a Nana to five grandchildren, a great-Nana to eleven, and a member of the First Baptist Church in Kenedy.  Dee is preceded in death by her parents, Woodrow and Donna Baird Zerfass; her wonderful husband Jim; and a great-grandson, James David Ferron.  Dee is survived by her daughter, Lisa Lynn Atkinson and husband Scott of Kenedy; 5 grandchildren, David Ferron III and wife Renee of Beeville, TX;  Alleasha Lunsford and husband Justin of Niceville FL; Katlyn Martin and husband Sterling of Comfort, Tx; Taylor Garcia and husband Justin of Kenedy, TX;  and Jacob Atkinson of Comfort, Tx; 10 great-grandchildren, Sadie, Daisy and Davy Ferron, Jett and Logan Smith, Brody and Kynlee Martin, Addison, Stetson and Emerson Garcia.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 10 o’clock in the morning at Eckols Funeral Home 420 W Live Oak St, Kenedy, TX with Son in Law, Scott Atkinson, leading the service.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church 209 E School St Kenedy, TX 78119.

Ricardo L. Vasquez, Age 65 of Kenedy, TX passed away on March 7, 2026 in San Antonio, TX surrounded by his loving family.  Ricardo was born on January 12, 1961 in Kenedy, TX to the late Guillermo, Sr. and Amelia Lopez Vasquez.  He was a loving husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, married Debra K. Mauch on October 26, 1987, retired as Manager from HEB Store#693 after 42 years of service to the Karnes County Community, the Proudest Texas Dallas Cowboys Fan and was of the Catholic Faith.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Guillermo, Sr. and Amelia Lopez Vasquez, sisters, Susie Sandoval, Janie Apaleta and a brother, Robert “Bob” Vasquez.  He is survived by his loving wife, Debra K. Mauch Vasquez of Kenedy, children, Douglas Rose, Jr. and wife Debra of Kenedy, Kristy Rose of Kenedy, Wacey Rose of Weatherford, siblings, Lupe Munoz and Richard Sauceda of Kenedy, Raul Vasquez of Victoria, Guillermo Vasquez, Jr. of Austin, 7 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and dear friends who will greatly miss him.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 11AM to 1PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Services at 1PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Cliff Archer officiating.  Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Leisa Eileen Kridler Engeling, Age 66 of Beeville, TX passed away on January 29, 2026 in Portland, TX.  Leisa was born on October 8, 1959 in Corpus Christi, TX to the late Carol and Dorothy Gueken Kridler.  She graduated from Kenedy High School in 1978, was a licensed hairdresser and cosmetologist and instructed many cosmetology students at Coastal Bend College in Beeville before her retirement and was of the Catholic Faith.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Carol and Dorothy Gueken Kridler and husband, Glen Engeling.  She is survived by her sons, Nicholas Shane Graumann and wife Becky of Leander, TX, Travis J Madsen and Kimberly Saunders of Boerne, TX, brothers, Carol Wayne Kridler of Houston, TX, Mike Kridler of Lakeway, TX, grandchildren, Nicole Graumann, Shane Graumann, Sadie Olenoski, Cameron Saunders; great-grandchildren, Analiea Olenoski, Cruize Graumann and Oaklynn Graumann.

Betty Lou Rodriguez, beloved mother of seven sons, passed away peacefully at the age of 66 on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.  Betty was born on May 3, 1959 in Kenedy, Texas to Saturnino Sr. and Adelina Rodriguez. She was proceeded in death by her husband Guadalupe Rodriguez, both of her parents, along with siblings Ernest Rodriguez, Reynaldo Rodriguez, Adelina Kern, and Raul Rodriguez. Betty is survived by seven children, Lucio (Carrol) Rodriguez, Joe (Kimberly) Rodriguez, Martin (Carol) Rodriguez, David (Alice) Rodriguez, Mikey (Amanda) Rodriguez, Paul (Amanda) Rodriguez, Abel (Debra) Rodriguez. She is also survived by nine siblings, Yolanda Rodriguez, Lupe Torres, Saturnino (Joanne) Rodriguez Jr, Frances Prieto, Connie Aguero, Josie (Demetrio) Sosa, Geneva Rodriguez, Reymundo Rodriguez, 18 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren with one on the way.  Betty shared her life with her best friend and husband, Guadalupe, and loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly. When she watched TV, everyone knew it would be Gunsmoke or any western show. She loved to cook for her family while listening to music and nobody can make tamales like her. She attended many bus trips to casinos and loved going to bingo with her sisters or her sons.

Visitation will be held Monday, March 9, 2026 from 9 am to 10 am with a Rosary and Service at 10am at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Tx. Internment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kenedy.

Pallbearers include Cruzito Medina, Michael Rodriguez, Miklo Medina, Paul Rodriguez Jr., Jayden Rodriguez, Xavier Rodriguez, Kaison Rodriguez and Emmitt Rodriguez.

Honorary Pallbearers include Elliott Rodriguez, and all grand and great-grandchildren.