Manuela Ruiz Perales, Age 96 of Kenedy, TX passed away on July 18, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.  Manuela was born on November 6, 1927 in Karnes County to the late Pedro and Concepcion Rios Ruiz.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and of the Catholic Faith.

She is preceded in death by her husband Francisco G. Perales; parents, Pedro and Concepcion Rios Ruiz; 2 sisters and 4 brothers.

She is survived by her children, Blanca Cruz of Kenedy, Lisa Ann Corea and husband Marcos of San Antonio, 4 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and dear family members and friends.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Sunday, July 21, 2024 at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, July 22, 2024 at 9:30 AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating.  Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Joe Perales, Frank Perales, Adam Hernandez, Daniel Hernandez, Matthew Hernandez, and Joseph Hernandez.

Joe Don Byles, 58, died peacefully in Rowlett, Texas on July 12, 2024 from a long battle with 

diabetes complications. He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on December 8, 1965. He was a linebacker in football for the Flour Bluff Hornets and was named All American Linebacker (Honorable Mentioned). Joe grew up surfing on Padre Island and graduated from

Flour Bluff High in Corpus Christi with Honors in 1984. He attended the University of Texas in Austin and graduated with a degree in Aerospace Engineering in 1987. He married his high school sweetheart, Lisa Maria Ritter on August 21, 1987 in Corpus Christi. Joe worked at Weed Instruments in Round Rock, Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, CIT in Fresno, CA, Hunter Irrigation in Phoenix, AZ and SolPavers in Dallas. He worked with several other business ventures and had partnerships in various industries such as aerospace, irrigation, water conservation, the landscape/green industry, and solar. Joe’s greatest passion was inventing.  He holds over 25 US and International patents and patent pendings.  He received numerous awards for his patents including three from the US Dept. Of Energy.  Joe loved to travel the world with many trips across the US and ventures to London, Rome, Paris, Hawaii, the Bahamas and cruising the Caribbean Islands. He loved taking his family on trips to DisneyLand and DisneyWorld as well as spending summer days at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe Clarence Byles, Patsy Ann Copeland Byles, and baby brother Byles.  Survivors include his wife, Lisa, daughter Madison Hetterly, son-in-law Joseph Hetterly, son Joshua Byles and daughter Leslie Byles along with his beloved sister, JoAnn Byles Norton, niece Lauren Farrar,  great nephew Joel

and great niece Kylee. 

Graveside services and burial will be on Friday, July 19th at 11:00 am in the Kenedy Cemetery. Viewing will be held from 9:00-10:45 am at

Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, TX. (830)583-2533

A Memorial Service and reception will be held at St. Matthews Catholic Church officiated by his college roommate, Father Eric Ritter, in San Antonio, TX at a later date TBA.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association in honor of his name.

Dewey Frank Merriman was born in Elsa, Texas on June 3, 1927 to John and Katie Merriman.  He passed from this life on July 16, 2024 surrounded by family.  He is survived by his daughter Janet Monson of Kenedy and his son Ward (Patsy) Merriman of Denton, Texas. Grandchildren Andrea (Greg) Bell, Katie Hutcherson, Brad (Rachel) Merriman, Jason (Jana) Maddox, Kevin Auston, Misti (Mark) Janese.  Great grandchildren Ashley, Shelby, Paul, Logan, Noah, Mykalla, Simon, Carleigh, Ella, Emma, Hunter, Dylan, Peyton, Wyatt.  Great, Great Grandchildren James, Willow and Jackson, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his first wife Elwanda Merriman and his second wife Geneva Merriman, son Weldon Merriman, daughter JoAnn Merriman, Grandson, Clint Maddox, son -in-law Ed Monson, brothers Ward, Carl, and Floyd and sister Winnefred.  Dewey grew up in the Rio Grande Valley.  He joined the Navy at age 17 and proudly served on the USS Cabot during WWII.  Upon leaving the Navy, Dewey returned to the Elsa area and married Elwanda Brown and they raised four children together.  Over the years Dewey drove heavy machinery and cleared brush, was briefly a sharecropper, went to work for a crop dusting service and eventually became a pilot for them until his retirement.  Dewey also served as a Sharyland ISD school board member and had the honor of presenting high school diplomas to all four of his children.  Dewey enjoyed flying his own private plane and also traveling around the US and several foreign countries.  Most important to Dewey was his family.  He loved them all dearly took great pride in each and cherished the times spent with them and sharing memories of his past.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 1PM with Services at 2PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Wally Schievelbein officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in the Elim Cemetery in Elim, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Jason Maddox, Brad Merriman, Kevin Austin, Logan childs, Noah Maddox, Simon Merriman, Greg Bell, Wyatt Janese and Hunter Maddox.

Memorials may be made to the Elim Cemetery Church Cemetery Foundation.

Raul S. Cantu, Age 66 of Kenedy, TX passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024 in San Antonio, TX.  Raul was born on September 4, 1957 in Kenedy to the late Juan and Nicolasa Sanchez Cantu.  He retired from Kenedy ISD as a custodian, was a loving father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend to many and of the Catholic Faith.

Raul is preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Nicolasa Sanchez Cantu.

Raul is survived by his children, Ruby Martinez and husband Samuel of Pawnee, Stephanie Trevino of Pawnee, Michael Cantu of Pawnee; sisters, Angelita Cantu of Lake Jackson, Juanita Fuentes of Kenedy; brothers, Joe Cantu of Kenedy, Davi Cantu of Kenedy, grandchildren, Talon, Blake, Mason, Penelope and Maddox.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Mass will be celebrated Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 10AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Deacon Cantu officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: David Norman, Valentin Fuentes, Ricky Carrasco, Joe Cantu, Johnny Rodriguez, Arnold Trevino, Frank Rodriguez and Regino Sanchez.

George William “Wild Bill” Martin Jr., Age 76 of Christine, TX passed away on June 25, 2024.  George was born on November 11, 1947 in Floresville, TX to the late George William Martin Sr. and the late Walta Dee Martin. A long-time resident of Stockdale and Floresville, TX, he attended Texas Tech University and was self-employed in Floresville, TX where he founded and operated “Wild Bill’s Beverage Barn”. He enjoyed his lifelong passions of deer hunting and gunsmithing.

He is preceded in death by his father George William Martin Sr. and mother, Walta Dee Martin.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Carol Martin of Christine (formerly of Kenedy), TX, stepdaughter Susan Menn, stepson Billy Menn, cousins Walter Paul (Virginia) Butler and Joe (Ramona) Butler, niece Marla (Russell) Alabastro and daughters, Ross Beardsley, and Nicholas (Jordan) Beardsley and Allie, Katie, Anna and Maggie and extended family and friends.

Pallbearers will be: Ricky D. Lopez, TY Guevara, Nicholas Beardsley, Ross Beardsley, Doug Bodingfield and David Strozier.

Honorary Pallbearers: Bill Sweat, Delton Marcrum, David York, Joe Butler, Walter Butler, Billy Menn, Bill Beardsley, John Weigand, Robert Higgins, Roxie Adler, Monroe Sickenius.

The Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy Texas from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 10:00 am at Eckols Funeral Home and burial will be at the Karnes County Memorial Park Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Robert “Bob” Marchant was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts on May 15, 1942, the son of Albert and Jennie Marchant.  He was the youngest of eight children.  He was the brother to Irene, Louise, Elizabeth, David, Nancy, Norma, and Edith.  Bob came to Texas by the way of the United States Navy in 1960, where he was stationed in Beeville, TX. He served his last nine months in Hawaii.  It was in Beeville that he met his wife of 62 years Patsy Chaney Marchant. Bob began his career in Kenedy, TX working for General Mills where he would later retire after 46 years.  He had two sons, Stephen (Patti) and Kevin (Jolene), five grandchildren, who he was so proud of and loved very much- Garret (Kacie) and Hailey, Austin, Josh, Ashley, and two great-grandchildren- Trent and Kenedy.  Bob was involved in several local organizations to include Jaycees, Rotary Club, Library Board, and City Council.  He was active in his church and enjoyed teaching Sunday School.  His enjoyment was taking care of his yard and gardening.  He Kept the birds, squirrels, and rabbits fed and watered. 

Family Visitation will be held Friday, June 28, 2024 from 9AM to 11AM with Services starting at 11AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chape with the Rev. Walter Hill, III officiating.  Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Stephen Marchant, Kevin Marchant, Garret Marchant, Austin Marchant, Josh Marchant and Brandon Martin.  

Honorary Pallbearer will be Trent Marchant.

Mary G. San Miguel, Age 109 of Charco, TX passed away on June 20, 2024 in Victoria, TX.  Mary was born on December 8, 1914 in San Antonio, TX to the late Aurelio, Sr. and Sara Barrientes Guillen.  She retired as a Civil Servant for the US Government, married Paul G. San Miguel who precedes her in death and was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, dear friend to many and of the Catholic Faith.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Aurelio, Sr. and Sara Barrientes Guillen; husband, Paul G. San Miguel; son, Paul G. San Miguel; sisters, Lupe G. Salas, Margarita Ochoa, Elena G. Trevino; Janie G. Soloman, Rosie G. Hodge, brothers, Frank Guillen, Aurelio Guillen, Jr. and Joe Guillen.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Tabithia (Stephanie) San Miguel, Paul (Theresa) San Miguel, Ruben (Roxanna) San Miguel, Rudy (Alice) San Miguel, Daniel (April) San Miguel, Joseph (Veronica) San Miguel; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 9:30 A.M. with Funeral Mass Celebrated at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating. Interment will follow in the Choate Cemetery in Choate, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Ruben San Miguel, Daniel San Miguel, Paul San Miguel, Rudy San Miguel, Joshua Jones and Joseph Salomon.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Erasmo “Gizmo” Gonzalez and Twin Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation staff members.

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