James A. Johnson, a longtime resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away at 3:30 A.M., Monday, July 9, 2012 at the Frank M. Tejeda Texas State Veterans Home in Floresville, Texas at the age of 87 years, 7 months and 5 days.

James was born December 4, 1924 in Kenedy, Texas the son of James Walter Johnson and Ruth Byars Johnson. He attended Kenedy schools and went to work for General Mills.

James proudly served his country in the United States Army having fought in World War II. On August 27, 1947, James married Mildred Schultz in Kenedy. The two of them raised their two children in Kenedy and attended the First Methodist Church.

James is survived by his daughter, Trudy Smothers and husband Ken of Columbus, Texas; his son, James Johnson of Moore, Oklahoma; his sister, Shirley White and husband Roy of Texas City, Texas; his brothers, Larry Johnson and wife Carol of Dickinson, Texas and Jack Johnson and wife Penny of San Antonio, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Andrew, Phillip and wife Rachel and Mandy Johnson and Jason, Chris and Kendra Smothers; and his great-grandson, Joshua Johnson. Preceding Mr. Johnson in death are his wife, Mildred Johnson; and his parents, James Walter and Ruth Byars Johnson.

Visitation was held, Wednesday, July 11, 2012 from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel in Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services were held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, July 12, 2012 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. George Bradley officiating. Interment with Military Honors followed in the Karnes City Memorial Park Cemetery in Kenedy, Texas. Serving as pallbearers were, Andrew Johnson, Phillip Johnson, Chris Smothers, Clay Pace, Larry Johnson and Paul May. Honorary pallbearers were, Jason Smothers, Mandy Johnson, Kendra Smothers and Joshua Johnson.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the Methodist Building Fund or the Kenedy Library.

Kenneth Cleone Wishert Sanders, went to be with the Lord at the Grove Nursing Center, Grove Oklahoma, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

In 2003, Kenneth moved to Fairland, Oklahoma to live with her daughter Carole and husband Troy. Kenny was born April 12, 1919, to the loving arms of her parents, Devasco and Dovie Wishert in Karnes County, Texas. Kenny was of the Baptist faith and loved the Lord.

After a meeting at the community barn dance, Kenny met and married Norman Leon Sanders, their entire married life was spent in Texas; of that union came four children. Kenny’s greatest love was her family and spending time with them, she enjoyed gardening, music, and homemaking. Kenny was preceded in death by her parents, husband Norman, a second husband Archie Rogers, brothers Clyde and Pete, a beloved son Roger, granddaughter Pam and grandson Roger Dale Jr.

Survivors include her son, Norman Sanders and wife Billie of Frisco, Texas; her daughters, Carole Selsor and husband Troy of Fairland, Oklahoma and Roxay Sanders of Crowley, Texas. Kenny is leaving a legacy of ten grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren along with hoards of family and friends.

A simple service was held at, The Assembly of God Church in Fairland, Oklahoma, officiated by Rev. Jackie Crafton,  June 5, 2012, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. She was then taken to be laid to rest at Karnes City Cemetery in Karnes City, Texas, June 7, 2012 at 2:00 P.M.

Kenneth’s family would like to extend thanks to her care givers of the Grove Nursing Center, Dr. Chouteau, Karen and staff, Good Shepard Hospice as well as all her friends that caller on her and the family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090.

John Ray Harris, a longtime resident of Tuleta, Texas, went to rest with Jesus beside his wife, Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 1:19 A.M., at LifeCare Hospital in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 72 years, 8 months, 8 days.

John was born September 21, 1939 in Green, Texas, the son of John L. Harris and Euodias Bownds Harris. He graduated Karnes City High School and went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree from Texas A&I University in Kingsville. He later went on to receive his Master’s Degree from Texas A & M University. John was an educator for many years having taught at, AC Jones Beeville, Del Valle Austin, Texas A & M Extension Services, Southwest Texas State University and Pettus ISD. John retired from teaching with the Kenedy Independent School District.

On June 17, 1961, John married his beloved wife, Carol Berniece Williamson in Port Lavaca, Texas. In 2011, John and Carol celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage. The two of them were blessed and together they shared their faith and were active members in the Tuleta First Baptist Church, where John was Song Director.  John and Carol spent much time together having both been very active in Gideon’s International and the Karnes County Retired Teachers Association. Carol preceded John in death on April 25, 2012.

John is survived by his mother, Euodias Bownds Harris of Marshall; his sons, John Quentin Harris and wife Martha of La Vernia and Gerard Barton Harris and wife Geniene of Tuleta; sisters, Barbara Atkinson and husband Franklin of Marshall, Norma Noah and Husband Don of Corpus Christi and his precious grandchildren, Stephanie, Jake, Danielle and Seth Harris. Mr. Harris is preceded in death by his father, J.L. Harris and his beloved wife, Carol.

Visitation was held, Monday, June 4, 2012 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services were held, Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church Kenedy, with Rev. Jack Allen and Rev. Vernon Andrews, officiating. Interment followed in the Kenedy Cemetery with Dr. Franklin Atkinson officiating. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to; Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 88, Beeville, Texas 78104; or donor’s choice.

Paityn Angel Skau, our angel passed away, May 24, 2012, at the age of 4 years, 3 month, 22 days.

Paityn was born on February 2, 2008, in Beeville, Texas, the daughter of Andrew Skau and Jasmine Medina. Paityn played in the Kenedy Little League where she played T-Ball.

Paityn leaves behind her parents, Andrew Skau and Jasmine Medina; her older brother, Jaiandric Kalan; her grandparents, Joe and Lisa Garcia and Danny and Diana Villarreal and her great-grandparents, Pedro and Maria Villarreal. She is preceded in death by her great-grandmother, Josie Jackson.

A rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas. Funeral mass was celebrated, Wednesday, May 30, 2012, at 10:00 A.M., at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy with Rev. Norbert Herman officiating. Interment followed at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Kenedy, Texas.

Andren Jakob Skau, our precious child passed away, May 24, 2012, at the age of 6 years, 1 month, 17 days.

Andren was born on April 7, 2006, in Beeville, Texas, the son of Andrew Skau and Jasmine Medina. Andren was enrolled in Kindergarten at Kenedy ISD and actively played in the Kenedy Little League where he played Coach Pitch for the “Black Team”.

Andren leaves behind his parents, Andrew Skau and Jasmine Medina; his older brother, Jaiandric Kalan; his grandparents, Joe and Lisa Garcia and Danny and Diana Villarreal and his great-grandparents, Pedro and Maria Villarreal. He is preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Josie Jackson.

A rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas. Funeral mass was celebrated, Wednesday, May 30, 2012, at 10:00 A.M., at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy with Rev. Norbert Herman officiating. Interment followed at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Kenedy, Texas.

Elroy Arthur Fenner, resident of Kenedy, Texas, entered eternal rest, Saturday, May 19, 2012, at 5:00 P.M., at the age of 88 years, 5 months and 3 days at Bluebonnet Nursing and Rehab in Karnes City, Texas.

Elroy was born December 16, 1923, in Karnes City, Texas, the son of Carl Fenner and Ida Rippstein Fenner. On August 2, 1947 Elroy married Ardanella Blaschke Fenner in Karnes City, Texas. Elroy worked as a Rural Route Mailman for over 67 years.

Elroy is survived by his beloved wife, Ardanella; his sons, Dennis Ray Fenner and wife, Linda, Roy Lee Fenner and wife Terry and Pat Glenn Fenner and wife, Mariann; his sister, Elline Schmidt; his 6 grandchildren and his 10 great-grandchildren. Mr. Fenner is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Ida Fenner.

Visitation was held Tuesday, May 22, 2012 from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services were at 2:00 P.M., at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Kenedy, officiated by Rev. Wally Schievelbein. Interment followed in the Pawnee Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Kevin Fenner, Roy Fenner, Jr., H.R. Buehring, Robbie Busselman, Jerry Clark and Donnie Fenner.

Edmond “Ray” Doreck, “…and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13. He was a longtime resident of Gillette, Texas passed away at his residence on, Friday, May 18, 2012 at 10:35 A.M., at the age of 80 years, 4 months and 10 days.

Ray was born January 8, 1932 to Walter Rudolph and Alice Atkinson Doreck, in Union Leader, Texas. He grew up in the Choate area earning the values and rewards of hard work. He completed up to the middle of 9^th grade and began working on the farm to help support the family. He learned to operate a bulldozer around the age of 17 and worked of most his life in the oil field driving a “Cat”. The term “sick day” was not in Ray’s vocabulary. He pulled many an oil rig to a location, rain or shine, hot or cold, day or night.

Spare time in his younger years was spent racing his greyhounds or horses. He loved to ride and rope and was quite the local cowboy. He taught the older daughters to ride and enjoy horseback riding. Later in life he enjoyed bay fishing and many a redfish was caught with his in-laws the “Rusty Reeses” and “Dutch Stahl’s”. Ray also loved dancing, especially with his “Fraulein”.

He married Pansy Joan Gisler, November 15, 1952 and to this union was born two daughters; Donna Rae and Lois Joann. She preceded him in death, March 18, 1965.

He then married Lois Senf Ray, September 28, 1965 and she brought with her two daughters; Dorlen Dayne and Jodi Sue. Together Ray and Lois created the “Little Ones”, Leslie Ray and Heidi Alice.

Mr. Doreck is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Faye Doreck Stockton. He is survived by his wife of over 46 years, Lois L. Doreck; his son, Leslie Ray Doreck and wife Leslie of Longview, Texas; his daughters, Donna R. Hunt, Joann Lincke and husband James, both of Victoria, Texas, Dorlen Kelly and husband Frank of Port Lavaca, Texas, Jodi Lerma and husband Henry of Austwell, Texas and Heidi Meiers and husband Jay of Port Lavaca, Texas; his brothers, Joe B. Doreck and Wesley Doreck and his sisters Lavern Simmons, Ida Ruth O’Neill and Bea Murdoch. Ray is also survived by his 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held, Sunday, May 20, 2012 from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services were held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, May 21, 2012 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Ray Walthall and Pastor Marcus Tankersley, officiating. Interment followed in the Choate Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were Leslie Doreck, Troy Doreck, Wayne Stockton, Kenneth Reese, Gary Rauschuber, Colin Rangnow, Corey Doreck, Zachari Meiers, Gary Reese and Gerad Lenhart. Honorary pallbearers were be, Ray’s son-in-laws, Britton Ray grandson, his grandchildren, his great grandchildren, his nephews, Dr. Cook Patton, Dr. William Campbell, Dr. Khiem Vu, Dr. John White, Dale Gordon, Mark Raddicke, Jess Hyatt and Accolade Homecare and Hospice.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Accolade Homecare and Hospice, Yoakum, Texas, the American Heart Association or the Gillette Baptist Church.

Frank Felix Krisch, a longtime resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away, Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at University Hospital in San Antonio, from complications following a tractor accident, at the age of 88 years, 8 months and 14 days.

Frank was born August 18, 1923, in Hobson, Texas the son of Felix F. Krisch and Sophie Opiela Krisch. He was a retired Veteran of the United States Air Force having served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. After a life in the service, Frank went to work for Ashland in Kenedy. Frank was a farmer and rancher. Frank was also a director of the Escondido water shed.

On June 11, 1946, Frank married Valerie Tam Krisch. Frank and Valerie were married for over 58 years, and raised four sons. Valerie preceded Frank in death on May 2, 2005.

Mr. Krisch is preceded in death by his beloved wife; his parents Felix and Sophie Krisch; his brother and sister; two granddaughters and one great-granddaughter. He is survived by his four sons, Garry Krisch and wife Cindy, Richard Krisch and wife Sharon, Donald Krisch and David Krisch; his grandchildren, Valerie Griffin and husband Patrick, Stefan Krisch and wife Roxanne, Jennifer Krisch, Miranda Arnold and husband Brendan, April Davidson and husband Jason, Kimberly Miller and husband Billy, Kelly Field and husband Cody, Sarah Hamilton and husband Brad, Sydney Van Meter and husband Chris and Ben Krisch; 15 great-grandchildren; his sister, Helen Kueller and husband Willard; his sister-in-law, Lorraine Maley; his faithful companions, Ken and Kelsey; numerous special family members and a host of friends.

A rosary was recited, 7:00 P.M., Sunday, May 6, 2012, in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral mass was celebrated, Monday, May 7, 2012 at 10:00 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, with Rev. Norbert Herman, officiating. Interment followed in the Kenedy Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Austin Griffin, Terry Tam, Paul Maley, Mark Maley, Pat Tam, Stefan Krisch and Ben Krisch.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

Carol Berniece Harris, entered into the gates of Heaven, Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at the age of 69 years, 8 months and 19 days.

Carol was born August 6, 1942 in Mercedes, Texas, the daughter of Leo Dell Williamson and Agnes Raybourn Williamson. After graduating high school, Carol went on to Sam Houston State University where she obtained her degree in teaching. Teaching children was Carol’s passion and she did so for 20 years in the Kenedy and Pawnee area. After her retirement, Carol was very active in the Texas Retired Teachers Association and Gideon’s International.

On June 17, 1961, Carol married her beloved husband John Ray Harris in Port Lavaca, Texas. In 2011, John and Carol celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage. The two of them were blessed and together they shared their faith and were active members in the Tuleta First Baptist Church. A bible verse that Carol held very close to her heart was Romans 10:13; “For whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Carol is survived by her beloved husband, John Ray Harris; her sons, John Quentin Harris and wife Martha of La Vernia and Gerard Barton Harris and wife Geniene of Tuleta; her father, Leo Dell Williamson of Tuleta; her brother, Gary Williamson and wife Catherine of Sealy; and her precious grandchildren, Stephanie, Jake, Danielle and Seth Harris. Mrs. Harris is preceded in death by her mother.

Visitation was held, Sunday, April 29, 2012 from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services were held 11:00 A.M., Monday, April 30, 2012 at the First Baptist Church Kenedy, with Rev Jack Allen, Rev. Vernon Andrews and Rev. David Silva, officiating. Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery with Dr. Franklin Atkinson, officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be, Scott Noah, Chandler Williamson, Duane Merrill, Lynn Broadway, Gene Early, Seth Harris and Jake Harris.

Lela Ruth Riggs Hollman, a longtime resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away, Monday, April 23, 2012 in her home at the age of 93 years, 3 months and 4 days.

Ruth was born on January 19, 1919, in Nopal, Texas the daughter of William Patrick Riggs and Johnie Terry Riggs. She was a World War II Veteran having served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army Air Corps. Ruth went on to teach for the Kenedy Independent School District. She was a member of OES, Delta Kappa Gama, The Red Hat Society and numerous other organizations and clubs.

On November 2, 1944, Ruth married, Henry Albert “Boy” Hollman in Casper, Wyoming. Henry preceded Ruth in death on July 6, 1992.

Ruth is survived by her sons; William Albert Hollman and wife Janet of Houston, Texas and John Hollman of Inez, Texas; her daughter-in-law, Marilyn and Alton Williams of Luling, Texas; her grandchildren, Henry Wade Hollman and wife Angie, Wendy Yanta and husband Brian, Billy Don Hollman and Robert Hollman and her great-grandchildren, Bailey, Riley, Colby Hollman, Brooke, Abby Yanta and Lacey Hollman. Mrs. Hollman is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Pat Hollman; her sister, Janice Bergstrom and her great-grandson, Lance Yanta.

Visitation was held from 6:00-8:00 P.M., Thursday, April 26, 2012 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel in Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services were at 11:00 A.M., Friday, April 27, 2012 in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. John Wheat officiating. Interment followed in the Kenedy Cemetery with Wade Hollman, Bobby Hollman, Billy Don Hollman, Alton Williams, Brian Yanta, Bailey Hollman and Riley Hollman, serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully asks that donations be made to the First Baptist Church Kenedy or the South Texas Children Home or to the charity of donor’s choice.