Pauline Esparza De Los Santos, Age 63 of Runge, TX passed away June 3, 2024 in San Antonio, TX.  Pauline was born on June 5, 1960 in Runge, TX to the late Santiago, Sr. and Manuela “Emma” Perez Esparza.  She was a health care provider, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Santiago, Sr. and Manuela “Emma” Perez Esparza; husband, Hector De Los Santos; brothers, Santiago Esparza, Jr., Juan Esparza and Ernesto Esparza.

She is survived by her children Alex Jae (Jacy) Altamirano of Karnes City, TX,  Anthony Lee (Dominica) De Los Santos of Runge, TX; sisters, Beatrice Oroczo of San Antonio, TX, Tina De La Garza of Runge, TX, Elaine Esparza (Brian) Sheeran of Yorktown, TX, Carmen (Paul) Wheat of England; brothers, Pablo (Magdalena) Esparza of Runge, TX, Martin Esparza of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Haven, Emma, Chasity, Charity, Serena, Nathan; great-grandchild, Micah; sister-in-law’s Jenny Esparza of Humphrey, NE, Josie Esparza of Lamesa, TX and numerous nieces, nephews, family members and dear friends.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM with Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM in the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Runge, TX with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Runge Latin Cemetery in Runge, TX.

Dwayne Everett Nutt, Age 71 of Choate, TX passed away on June 11, 2024.  Dwayne was born on March 28, 1953 in Karnes City, TX to the late Everett Nutt and Maurine Hagendorf Nutt-Gaskins. He was a retired I&E project manager for Lubrizol in Deer Park, TX; a loving father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend to many and of the Baptist Faith.

He is preceded in death by his father Everett Nutt; mother, Maurine Hagendorf Nutt-Gaskins; step-father, Archie Gaskins; sisters, Dianna Copeland and Lorie Schulte.

He is survived by his sons, Travis L. Nutt of Harwood, TX, Talon Ray Nutt of Clear Lake, TX; sister, Cheryl Smith and husband Marvin of Tuleta, TX and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A Graveside Services will be held Friday, June 21, 2024 at 10:30 AM in the Choate Cemetery with Pastor Bruce Irving officiating. 

Antonia Elizondo Aguirre passed away peacefully in a nursing home in Beeville, Texas surrounded by her loved ones on May 25, 2024 at the age of 92.

Antonia was born on May 11, 1932 in the outskirts of Kenedy, Texas to Jose and Santos Herrera Elizondo. Antonia’s mother passed away when she was a toddler and her family quickly rushed in to help her father raise her. Antonia’s uncle and aunt, Favian and Trini Elizondo helped raise her on the farm and she soon became an honorary sister to a growing family.

Antonia met the love of her life at a dance in Nell, Texas and she married Eliu Guerrero Aguirre on September 22, 1954. She resided in Pawnee for a large majority of her life with her family and was a devout member of El Manuel Iglesia Bautista in Pawnee, Texas.  She enjoyed cooking for family, baking pies for her neighbors, embroidering dish clothes until the wee hours of the night, worshiping at church, and listening and singing to her favorite mariachi music.

Antonia is preceded in death by her parents: Jose and Santos Elizondo, uncle and aunt: Favian and Trini Elizondo, her husband: Eliu Aguirre, her son: Leo Aguirre, one grandchild: Vincent “Trey” Rowe, and her siblings: Alex Elizondo, Luciano Elizondo, Yrenio Elizondo, Pauline Boyle, Isabel “Chavela” Cortez, Domingo Elizondo, and Rosa Molbe.

Antonia Aguirre is survived by three children: Sandra (late Guadalupe Jr.) Gonzales of Falls City, Texas, Estella (Ray) Escamilla of Pawnee, Texas, Ruth (Vincent) Rowe of Beeville, Texas, eight grandchildren: Ana Ramirez of Falls City, Texas, Adriana Gonzales of Nell, Texas, Guadalupe “LJ” Gonzales III of Poth, Texas, Lucas (Krystelle) Escamilla of College Station, Texas, Xavier Rowe of San Antonio, Texas, Travis (Tasha) Escamilla of Pawnee, Texas, Kandance Escamilla of Pawnee, Texas, Zachaus Rowe of San Antonio, Texas, six great-grandchildren: Diego Gonzales, Rowely Gonzales, Trae Gonzales, Sebastian Salinas, Lucas “Jr.” Escamilla, Lilliana Escamilla, and six siblings: Jose (Tilly) Elizondo of Dallas, Texas, Gilbert (Kim) Elizondo of Illinois, Amado Elizondo of Illinois, Frances (Oscar) Guerrero of Spring Branch, Texas, Bertha Cuevas of San Angelo, Texas, Concepcion “Connie” Gibson of San Antonio, Texas.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024 at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas. Visitation will be held from 2 pm to 7 pm with the prayer service beginning at 7 pm.  Church services will be held at the El Manuel Baptist Church in Pawnee, Texas on Saturday, June 1, 2024 starting at 10 am followed by the burial at Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery in Pawnee, Texas

Beverly Jeanette Mapes-Clark went to be with the Lord, Jesus on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at College Station, Texas.  Born to Freeman Chilton Mapes and Guidana Louise Hammonds Mapes, June 16, 1947 in Topeka, Kansas.

Beverly, was an avid Houston Astros fan, making her own statistic books to keep track of each player.  Her favorite T.V. show was Gunsmoke, Matt Dillon being her favorite actor.  Beverly’s talents included singing and writing music, and playing her guitar.  She loved working in her garden and cooking delicious meals.  She made beautiful quilts with love and gave them to family and friends.  Beverly resided in Brenham, Texas for over 25 years, enjoying the country rural life, with a great love for animals and nature.  Her profession as a hair stylist kept food on the table.  She attended Cowboy Church of Brenham, Texas.  She loved her family, friends and her Savior, Jesus Christ.  Beverly will be dearly missed. 

Survivors include her companion; Tom Davis and his daughters Mary Beth, Wanda, and Stepanie.  Sisters; Maria Mapes Dacus, Rose Mapes Rendon (Noland Rendon), and Valerie Mapes Arenal (Richard Arenal, Brother; John Robert Mapes, her dog Pepper, many nieces, nephews, cousins and a very special aunt Patsy Herrell.

Preceded in death by her parents, sisters; Patricia Louise Mapes, Betty Mapes Puckett, and Linda Mapes Dacus; and a brother Donad Freeman Mapes; and husbands, Roy (Cage) Clark and Chris Vasek.

Services will be Monday, May 27, 2024 at 2PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, 420 W. Live Oak Street, Kenedy, TX 78119 (830)583-2533.

Burial will follow at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Pallbearers will be: Wesley Dacus, Jr., Edward Rendon, Joe Arenal, Mike Rendon, Josh Dacus, Shane Rendon, and Philip Rendon

Maria Elena Leal Torres of Runge, Texas, passed away peacefully in the early hours on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.

She was born in Helena, Texas, on July 21, 1945, to Pedro and Paula Lopez Leal.

Maria graduated from Runge High School at the age of 16.

She was a beloved wife, the mother of seven children, grandmother of 17 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Maria was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Runge.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Guadalupe Moreno Salazar, Mickela Moreno Gonzales, Sulema Leal Barron, and Eulalia Leal Martinez.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Ramiro Torres, and their seven children:  Mary Rios (Fernando) of Runge, Ramiro Torres Jr. (Melissa) of Runge, Rudy Torres (Julie) of Pawnee, Irma Nail (Chuck Morris) of Poth, Gilbert Torres (Priscilla) of Pettus, Grace Rodriguez (Jaime) of Pettus, and Jimmy Torres (Presila) of Yorktown.

She is also survived by her sisters Sofia Leal Mendoza of Crawford, TX, and Janie Leal Miller of San Marcos, TX.

Maria was a beautiful soul. She will be dearly missed, but her memory and love will remain in the hearts of those she touched.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. with memorial services and the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 101 East Arenoso St., Runge, Texas.

The funeral mass will be Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Runge with Rev. Robert Ploch officiating assisted by Deacon Guadalupe Cantu.

Serving as Pallbearers:  Christopher Torres, Dylan Torres, Ramiro Torres III, Derek Torres, Kevin Torres, Johnathon Torres, Triston Torres, and Jacob Rodriguez.  Serving as Honorary Pallbearers:  Chase Torres, Landon Torres, and Andrew Rico Jr.

She will be laid to rest at the Runge Latin Cemetery with arrangements by Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas.

Jeanne Russell Ruhmann was born in Canaan, CT to James E. and Mabel Veale Russell on June 24, 1934. And died on April 25, 2024 in Floresville Nursing Home at the age of 89 .  She moved with her family to Kenedy, TX in 1936, and eventually settled in Floresville in 1936, and graduated from high school in Floresville in 1951, married Eddie Ruhmann in June, spent a few years in the army, and then settled back in Kenedy in 1953 where she raised their two sons, and called home for over 60 years.

Jeanne was a member of the First Baptist Church in Kenedy.  She owned and operated the Southern Office Supply with her husband for many years.  She was active in her church, school activites, and many civic organizations in the city.  In 2011 the Kenedy Chamber of Commerce honored Jeanne and Eddie as “Citizens of the Year”.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, James E. and Mable Veale Russell, her husband Eddie, and her son Paul, and her brother Jim.  She is survived by her son Russ (Yvonne), grandsons Zach (Lauren) and Trent (Breanna), and granddaughters Quinn and Sloane.  She is also survived by her sister Karen (Bob), and by several nieces and nephews.

Jeanne will be missed by many friends and people she touched throughout the years.  We would like to thank and acknowledge the staff and administrators for their care and friendship throughout her stay at New Haven in Floresville, Texas.

Family Visitation will be held Monday, April 29, 2024 from 12 Noon to 1PM with Services beginning at 1PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Richard Robinson officiating.  Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Zach Ruhmann, Trent Ruhmann, Jimmy Russell, Tony Garrant, Mike Newberry and Glen Kusak.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Laine Ewing, Brandon Blackburn, Bob Alexander and Mike Andrews.

Memorials may be made to the Kenedy Cemetery.

Adela Jew of San Antonio, Tx formerly of Kenedy Tx, was called home into the arms of God on April 11, 2024. She was brought into this world July 1, 1984, by her parents Maria G. (Reyna) Ramos and Daniel C. Ramos. From there forth she lived and brought joy to the hearts of her family in so many ways. She found the love of her life when she married her devoted husband of 14 years, Paul Daniel Jew Jr. on May 5, 2009. Together they raised their beloved fur child Oogie Jew. She is survived by her older sister Dolores Segura (Mando Segura) of San Antonio, and her nephews Esteban, Michael, Mario & Simon Hernandez and their children who all deeply cherished her. She was given the grace of being in the comfort of her home with those she loved in San Antonio Tx, when God called her home. She will be welcomed by the loved ones who preceded her in death, her mother Maria G. Ramos, her big brother Joe Simon Sandoval, father Daniel C. Ramos, and grandfather Simon T. Reyna. Her passionate personality of love for music and fun made her truly a memorable person. She will be missed so dearly but her memory and love will remain in the hearts of those of us whose lives she touched. Forever missed but never truly forgotten. Visitation will be Friday, April 26, 2024 from 4PM to 7PM  with Memorial Services and a Holy Rosary to begin at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Private Inurnment will take place at a later date.

Billy Allen Welkener of Pawnee, Texas was called to his heavenly home on Tuesday, April 17, 2024, at the age of 85 years.  He was residing at the LiveOak Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in George West at the time of his passing.

Billy was born on December 31, 1938, in Beeville Texas to William and Sally Welkener of Pawnee.    He attended school in Pawnee, graduating in 1957.  He participated in all sports and excelled in all sports according to one of his classmates.  The basketball team went to the State playoffs in 1956. 

He graduated from then Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) with Batchelor and Master of Education degrees.  He also achieved a Doctor of Education degree during his career as a School Administrator. 

Billy was a loyal member of the Pawnee Methodist Church, serving as Church Council Chair for a few years.  He loved singing “This Is The Day” at the beginning of services.

He began his long career in education, coaching and administration in the Skidmore-Tynan Schools.  He also served in the Gregory-Portland School District and served the majority of his school career in the Austwell-Tivoli School District, as the Principal and then served many years as the Superintendent of Schools there until his retirement. 

Billy grew up on the Welkener ranch helping his Dad with cattle and farming.  He kept raising cattle as a side career, and in the 1970’s began raising Beefmaster cattle.  He found his passion in the BEEFMASTER cattle.  He became a member of the national Beefmaster Breeders United organization.  He joined the Live Oak Beefmaster Association and was an active member of that association becoming the President for several terms, serving the LOBBA for over 28 years. 

Billy received the prestigious LIVE OAK LEGEND Award in 2013, Breeder of the Year in 2007, and Member of the Year in 2011.  He served on the BBU National Board of Directors, as well as several committees to help further the Beefmaster cattle industry.  He served on the BBU International Committee and was instrumental in bringing Beefmaster cattle to Mexico and other South American countries.  He enjoyed traveling to Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Canada and Australia promoting Beefmaster cattle and making lifelong friends in these countries. 

Next to cattle, Billy enjoyed hunting with his friends in Colorado, and fishing at Pt Mansfield with Beefmaster friends.   Billy and Marie married in 2002, and spent their time together serving BBU, attending BBU conventions, and other social events, and when there was dance music playing, they were out on the dance floor.  Billy learned to dance after meeting Marie and his favorite dance was the waltz.

Billy’s son, Bradley preceded him in going to Heaven, and they will have a reunion now.  Billy is survived by his wife, Marie, and sons that he gained through their marriage, Steve Doty, Jim Doty, and Mike Doty along with their spouses, former daughter in law, Michaela Doty.   He also welcomed Marie’s grandchildren as his own, Ashley Abbey, John Chance Doty, Patrick Doty, James Doty, Colton Doty, Matt Doty and Hadley Doty and great grandchildren, Brody, Baylee and Greyson Abbey, Kacie and Shelby Doty, Amelia Doty, and Cayson and Cayleigh Doty.  He is also survived by his sister Saundra and her husband Elton Lieke, and their children and grandchildren.  Several cousins also survive him.

Family Visitation will be Sunday, April 21, 2024 from 5PM to 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be held Monday, April 22, 2024 at 11AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Christi Crist officiating. Interment will follow in the Pawnee Cemetery in Pawnee, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers are his Grandsons: Chance Doty, Patrick Doty, James Doty, Colton Doty, Matthew Doty and Cody Abbey.

Honorary Pall Bearers: Live Oak Beefmaster Breeders Association Board Members and Pawnee Methodist Church Methodist Men.

Memorials may be made to the Pawnee United Methodist Church Building Fund.

Jim Tobe Atkinson, a resident of Kenedy, TX, passed away April 2, 2024. He was born in Kenedy on March 4, 1939, to Marion M. and Annie Wallace Atkinson. In 1958, he wed Jean Lois Milam Atkinson in San Antonio, and together they shared a love for horses, rodeo, hunting, and fishing – particularly in Alaska.

In partnership with his father, he was an owner/operator of the Texaco Distributorship in Kenedy and the M.M. Atkinson & Son Cattle Company. In addition to the family cattle business, he was the Manager for Hendrickson Cattle Co. and Vaquero Cattle Co. in Texas. An avid horseman during the 1960s, he focused on breeding and showing Appaloosas. As his daughter began riding and showing Quarter Horses, he became involved with the Alamo Quarter Horse Breeders Association serving in leadership positions both on and off the track.

Beginning in 1966, Jim Tobe dedicated many hours to the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc., in various roles as a volunteer, Life Member, Director, and Director Emeritus. In recognition of his contributions and support to the organization, he was inducted into the S.A.L.E. Hall of Fame in 2008. He also served his community as a Hondo Creek Watershed board member from 1981 until his passing. In “retirement”, he was a security guard at the Valero plant in Three Rivers, and he and Jean traveled annually to their favorite places – Ruidoso, NM and Las Vegas, NV.

Jim Tobe was preceded in death by his parents, wife Jean, and sister-in-law Mary Spreen. He is survived by his daughter Jamie and son-in-law Larry Brown of Kenedy, grandson Dusty Brown and his wife Julie of Kenedy, great-granddaughter Kate Brown of College Station, sister-in-law Ann Ransdell and husband Tom of Boerne, brother-in-law Louis Spreen and wife Mary Ann of San Antonio, as well as nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 27th, at 11 a.m. at the Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. or Pawnee United Methodist Church Building Fund are appreciated.

David Lerma, Jr., Age 49 of San Antonio, TX passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024.  David was born on May 1, 1974 in Floresville, TX to David, Sr. and Mary Jane Villanueva Lerma.  He was an Asset Protection Officer for Home Depot, a loving Father, Son a friend to all and of the Catholic Faith.

He is survived by his parents, David, Sr. and Mary Jane Villanueva Lerma of San Antonio; daughters, Davida Jane Lerma of San Antonio, Jada Lerma of San Antonio, step-daughter, Adlen Tamayo of San Antonio; grandson Leo Rodriguez of San Antonio; half-brother Paul Lerma of San Antonio; numerous aunts, uncles and extended family members and friends who will greatly miss him.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 8, 2024 from 11AM to 1:30PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Rosary Services will begin at 1:30PM Monday, April 8, 2024 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon Guadalupe Cantu officiating. Interment will follow in the Falls City Cemetery in Falls City, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Ebony Lerma, Paul Lerma, Alex Martinez, Jr., Eric Morin, Eli Silfuentes and Lupe Hernandez.