December 1, 1935 – October 15, 2023

Kenneth Welkener of San Antonio, TX, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at the age of 87, surrounded by his family.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, TX with Pastor Daniel Ruiz presiding with a short graveside service after at the Pawnee Cemetery.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home.  Lunch and fellowship will follow at Candlewood Suites (304 Business Park Dr, Kenedy, TX 78119).  A memorial service will be held at a later date at Faith Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX.

Kenneth Charles Welkener was born on December 1, 1935 in Pawnee, TX, the son of Alfred Gotlieb Welkener and Cora Bertha (Zamzow) Welkener.  He was baptized and confirmed at Elim Lutheran Church.  Kenneth graduated from Pawnee High School, home of the Fighting Indians.  He played quarterback on the 6-man football team and loved going rabbit hunting after games with his friends.  After graduating in 1954, and a senior trip to Mexico with classmates, Kenneth enrolled at Texas A&M University in College Station but after 2 weeks of missing his sweetheart and long-time girlfriend Joycie Marguerite Voges, the homesick college boy hitchhiked home to chart a different course for his life.  After doing odd jobs around the Bee County area he began working, doing carpentry work for a family friend in San Antonio.  He would work all week and come home to Pawnee for weekends with Joycie.  They became engaged in late 1954 and were married April 2, 1955 and made their home in San Antonio. Kenneth started work with Turner Concrete around 1958 and worked for ~42 years seeing Turner become McDonough Brothers, Redland Worth Corporation, Redland and then Martin Marietta Materials.  He loved playing dominoes with anyone and his favorite card game, skat, with all of his German friends. After retiring from Martin Marietta, Kenneth enjoyed working at the farm and hunting.  He enjoyed bird and deer hunting and loved making homemade smoked venison sausage in the backyard smokehouse and sharing “nickels” cut from the links.  He also loved working, plowing, shredding and tinkering at the farm.  Kenneth will be remembered for his strong Christian family values and hard work ethic. He and Joycie’s frugal lifestyle is a depression era example of how to spend less than you make. Kenneth is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Joycie Welkener of San Antonio, TX; children Scott (Joann) Welkener of Helotes TX, Kenton (Olivia) Welkener of Allen, TX, Wade (Pam) Welkener of Fulshear, TX; grandchildren Nicole Welkener, Melissa (Chris) Vanlandingham, Craig (Diana) Welkener, John (Jazel) Welkener, Vivian (Eric) Sexton, Abigail (Enoc) Medina, Timothy (Toria) Welkener, Olivia Joyce Welkener, Joseph (Bri) Welkener, Corrie (Brian) Jensen, Daniel Welkener, Randy Welkener, Kendra Welkener, Madison (Sam) Frederes, Victoria Welkener, Gabrielle Welkener, Sophia Welkener; great-grandchildren Brady Waggoner, Matthew Sexton, Clark Sexton, Zoe Sexton, Kenzi Welkener, Viviana Welkener, Lewis Welkener,Titus Welkener, Elena Medina, Josiah Welkener and Jack Vanlandingham; sister-in-law Wilma “Pokie” Brabec;  many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Valerie Ann Duenes Castillo, Age 47 of Pawnee, TX went home to her Lord and Savior on October 14, 2023.  Valerie was born on October 6, 1976 to Pedro Duenes, Jr and the Late Clara Gonzales Duenes.  She was a medical assistant for Dr. Roberto Ramirez’s Family Practice in Kenedy, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, dear friend to many, married Joseph Lee Castillo on May 20, 2023 and a devout Christian.

Valerie is preceded in death by her mother Clara Gonzales Duenes.

Valerie is survived by her loving husband Joseph Lee Castillo of Pawnee; father, Pedro Duenes, Jr of Pawnee, daughters; Jaslyn Asevedo, Isabel Hernandez, Carly Cardenas all of Pawnee; sister, Veronica Duenes Cruz of Karnes City; grandchildren, Jaxson Coffman, Syilas Coffman, Aliyah Coffman; nieces, Lauren Cruz, Skylar Cruz; nephew, Anthony Joseph Cruz and a host of dear family and friends.

Family Visitation will be held Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 4PM to 6PM with a Prayer Service at 6PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Steve Santa Cruz officiating.  Funeral Services will be held Friday, October 20, 2023 at 11AM at the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Matt Singleton officiating.  Interment will follow in the Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery in Pawnee, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Marcos Soliz, Jacob Coffman, Patrick Lopez, Jose Cardenas, Luis Gonzales and Leonel Gonzales. Honorary Pallbearers are Timothy Autry and Ramiro Tapia.

Kimberly Rose Arenal, Age 43, A.K.A Bob of Kenedy, TX passed away on October 9, 2023 in Kenedy, TX.  Kimberly was born on March 23, 1980 in Karnes City, TX to Richard and Valerie Arenal.  She managed the Chruch’s Fried Chicken in Kenedy, was a graduate of Kenedy High School Class of 1999 and a 2004 graduate of Coastal Bend College in Beeville, TX. Kimberly was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousina dear friend to many and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

Kimberly is preceded in death by her brother, 2 nephews, 2 uncles, 2 aunts, maternal grandmother Louise Mapes and her beloved paternal grandfather Jose Arenal.

Kimberly is survived by her parents Richard and Valerie Arenal, companion Elias Perez; sister, Stephanie Arenal; brother, Joe Arenal;  nephew, William Cortez; best friend Faith Beltran and  her beloved dogs Jelly Bean and Baby Girl.

Family Visitation will be held Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 6PM to 9PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Services will be Friday, October 13, 2023 at 11AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with President George Worden officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving As Pallbearers will be: Jacob Kennedy, Ryan Brandon, Larry Williams, Harold Guerra, Anthony Diaz, and Jake Garza.

Honorary Pallbearers: Cameron Burrage and William Cortez.

Edward Carl Monson

January 6,1943 – September 30, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Edward Carl Monson. He succumbed to his battle with cancer at home on September 30, 2023 with his family by his side. 

Ed was born on January 6, 1943. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hilmer Monson and Elsie Eklund Monson, brothers Lawrence and Mauritz Monson, sister Dorothy Monson Hahler, stepson Clint Maddox, nephew Ted Hahler, niece Katherine Hahler Duclos and great nieces Emily and Shalene Monson. 

He is survived by his wife Janet Monson, stepson Jason Maddox (Jana), step daughter-in-law Stacie Maddox, grandchildren Ashley Maddox Waller (Matt), Logan Childs Maddox, Noah Maddox, Ella Maddox, Hunter Maddox, Peyton Maddox, great granddaughter Willow Waller, sister-in-law Diana Monson, nieces Patricia Hahler, Marie Hahler, Donna Monson Diaz, nephew Philip Monson and many great nieces and nephews.  

Ed was born and raised in Kenedy, Texas. After graduating from Kenedy High School in 1961, he attended Texas Lutheran College and earned his degree. Ed began a 38 year teaching career as an elementary PE teacher in Kenedy. He then taught at Pettus schools as a math and Texas history teacher. Besides teaching, Ed drove a school bus for many years.

Ed was introduced to farming by his father. Working in the fields growing flax, cotton and wheat was a way of life for their family. However, Ed lost his father when he was 9 years old. Soon after, his Uncle Carl Eklund came to live with them and help with the farm. Carl later introduced Ed to cattle ranching which he continued all of his adult life.

Ed just loved to be outside. He was happiest when he was hunting, checking fences, looking at his cows, watching nature and seeing the first Scissor-tail or Purple Martin in the Spring. Riding on the tractor was his heavy thinking time. Lots of problems were solved and even more jokes were thought of.

He was active in the Karnes County and Bee County Livestock Shows. He helped raise money in both counties to buy the projects of students for many years. He was instrumental in the planning and building of the Karnes County Show Barn along with his brother Mauritz.

Ed’s commitment to and love for community was shown in how he lived his life. He served the community in many ways including Kenedy ISD School Board, Rotary, Karnes County Coop, Farm Bureau Board, Church Council at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Elim Cemetery Association and Texas Lutheran University Corporate Board. He was honored to receive the Citizen of the Year from Kenedy Chamber of Commerce and Friend of the Show from Karnes County Youth Show.

Not only was Ed committed to his community, but also to his family and friends. He was trustworthy, honest, loyal and had a sense of humor that could fill a room with love and laughter.

He met and married the love of his life, Janet Lee. Their marriage brought a new beginning for both of them. They lived a full and meaningful life together for 30 years. During this time they both were committed to each other’s families and ultimately brought two families together. Ed instilled his values in us as a family. 

We are all better for being his family, his friends, and his community.

A visitation will be held Saturday October 7, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 PM at Eckols Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Sunday October 8, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with interment to follow at Elim Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to the Elim Cemetery Maintenance Fund and the Kenedy Education Foundation.

Pall Bearers

Philip Monson

Maurice Diaz

David Kirk-Hahler

Carl Kirk-Hahler

Brad Merriman

Kevin Austin

Donald Smart

Ben Ross Alexander

Honorary Pall Bearers

Lynn Broadway

Charles Hubbard

Causey Smart

Lee Hammock

CJ Merritt

Arnold Dollase

Louie Pryor

Robert Beck

Jim Fox 

Johnny Proffitt

Richard Rabe

Kody Kanak

David Stewart

Roger Gaskamp

Jan Ada Jimerson Lake, age 73, of Hobson passed away Thursday, August 31, 2023 with her family by her side.  Jan was born on May 30, 1950 in Beeville Texas to the late Richard Wiley Jimerson and Delsie Baker Jimerson. Jan will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, for her kind heart, her infectious laugh, beautiful smile and as a strong woman of faith with a deep love and trust in the Lord; she was a member of the First Baptist Church Kenedy.

Jan is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Carrol, son Clayton; her sister and brother-in-law Jeannie & Robert Best, and brother-in-law Helmuth Schueneman.

Jan was a 1968 graduate of Pettus High School.   She married the love of her life Carrol Wayne Lake on December 6, 1969, at the First Baptist Church Kenedy and they were blessed with two sons Clayton Wayne & Christopher Wade.

Over the years, Jan worked as a teller for Karnes County National Bank, she owned her own children’s boutique “Sugar & Spice”.  Jan was the secretary and Vice President of C.W. Lake & Associates, LTD and Jan & Carrol’s strong partnership and work ethic allowed their son Chris & his wife Angela to join the company as well.

Jan retired in July of 2010 and she shifted her focus to her grandchildren.  She loved spending time with them at her second home in Rockport; they were constantly doted on-Carrol would fuss; Jan would cuddle and make it all better.  There were swimming lessons, golf lessons, trips to the beach, out on the boat, water balloon fights, ice cream, whatever the grandbabies wanted.  Jan enjoyed her early morning coffee watching the sun rise, her evening glass of champagne; reading books, hanging out on the deck when her friends and neighbors stopped by, brunching at the Yacht Club, and shopping on Main Street.

Even more so, Jan enjoyed and taught the art of decorating, event/party planning, shopping, traveling, and just being “girls” to her precious Angela and later Kalin.  They had an incredible bond; Angela was so much more to Jan than just her daughter-in-law; they were best friends.  They laughed, they cried, and they shared so many cherished memories together.  Jan praised Chris for the amazing man, husband and father he had become and she loved and adored Angela deeply for being his rock.

Jan was always front & center at anything to do with Falls City ISD, Beaver Nation and the Floresville Wildcats.  Jan’s grandchildren are her pride & joy; they have filled her years with unconditional love, laughter & pride.  She didn’t miss an athletic game, a marching contest, or school program, she was always cheering from the stands, just beaming and always ready for the “after the game photos”. 

But one of her favorite memories which she loved to relive year after year with Chris and his high school buddies:  Football Season of 1994-Chris’ junior class was set to play Pettus, the team would gather at their house on Thursday evenings, Carrol would strategize with the boys; Jan would cook for them, but she loved to rile the boys up; being a true Pettus Eagle alumni; she would sing the Pettus Fight Song to Chris’ friends and teammates.  FC was predicted to win handily that year but Jan would just smile and say “you’re too confident” and reminded them “Every Eagle Has Its Day”.  Pettus ended their season 1-9, their one win was against FALLS CITY.

Jan was a strong woman of faith and a deep love of God-member of the First Baptist Church Kenedy. She was by Carrol’s side over the years with fundraising for the Falls City ISD, Kenedy ISD, Karnes City Chamber of Commerce, Kenedy Chamber of Commerce, Karnes County Toys for Tots, Kenedy VFD, served on numerous boards and committees including Karnes County Youth Livestock Show, Falls City Education Foundation, the Polish Invitational Fishing Tournament-Rockport, Falls City Band Boosters, Falls City Youth League, and Falls City All-Sports Booster Club.

Jan is survived by her son Chris (Angela) Lake of Falls City, TX and Jan was blessed with four grandchildren, her granddaughter: Kalin Lake Pawelek (Ryan); grandsons Tristan Sittler, Brady Lake, and Braxton Lake.  She is survived by her brothers: Tommy J (Linda) Jimerson of Choate TX, Jerry (Julie) Jimerson of Arlington Tx, and sister JoEllen Jimerson Scheunemann of Kenedy TX; sister-in-law Cindy (Kenny) Rose of New Braunfels, TX; brothers-in-law: Clay (Martha) Lake of San Antonio, TX and Gene (Becky) Lake of Seguin, TX; and her nieces, nephews, and special life-long friends.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Brady Lake, Braxton Lake, Tristan Sittler, Ryan Pawelek, Alan Pawelek, Rick Jimerson, Jay Jimerson and Craig Schueneman.

Family Gathering & Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM Tuesday September 5, 2023, at Eckols Funeral Chapel in Kenedy, Texas.

Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 AM  with Rev. Matt Singleton officiating.

Interment to follow in the Choate Cemetery with reception immediately afterwards in the Fellowship Hall.

Memorials may be made to the Choate Baptist Church or Choate Cemetery Association, 181 PVT RD 8200, Kenedy, TX 78119.

Mary Louise Looney Smith, Age 84 of Spring Branch, TX formerly of Beeville, TX passed away on Friday, August 25, 2023 in Spring Branch.  Mary was born on June 10, 1939 in Beeville, TX to the late Reed Bardel and Dorothy Lillian Vaught Looney.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother who loved to dance, fish, hunt and was of the Pentecostal Faith.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Reed Bardel and Dorothy Lillian Vaught Looney; husbands, Charles Alvin Thompson, Sr., Thomas N. Smith; sisters, Doris Lamb, Jo Anne Looney, Nina Haynes, Becky Denby and a grandson Charles Thompson, III.

She is survived by her children, Peggy Lynn Jackson of Spring Branch, Charles A Thompson, Jr. of San Antonio; grandchildren, Zachary Shipman, Charlie Shipman, Cassie Strey, Christopher Thompson; 14 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 31, 2023 from 5PM to 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Graveside Services will be Friday, September 1, 2023 at 2PM in the Beeville Memorial Park Cemetery in Beeville, TX. 

August 28, 1948 – August 21, 2023

Sandra Ann (Hunt) Satterfield went to rest with the Lord on the 21st of August 2023 surrounded by family. She was born August 28, 1948, to parents William “Cledy” and Bobbie (Brock) Hunt.

She was preceded in death by her parents and only son, Shawn Williams (Lori). She is survived by her loving husband Jack, stepdaughters Joanna, Amanda, Valerie, Lauren and Shayla, grandsons David Ames (Ferran) and Timothy Williams, and their families. Through extended family, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive her.

Sandy retired from her management position for the Department of the Navy, just as her mother did. Throughout her life, she was active in several organizations. While involved in the Eastern Star, she was Worthy Matron of Kenedy Chapter #36 (1996), Deputy Grand Matron (1998-99), a member of the Wimodausis Chapter, and was presently a member of the Yorktown Chapter #945.

She was also a member of the Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital Auxiliary “Pink Ladies” of Kenedy, Texas for 23 years. Many describe her as being a positive influence in the organization. Sandy served in several elected and appointed positions. Presently, she was Secretary, as well as Publicity and Yearbook Chairperson. She participated in countless Auxiliary fundraisers throughout the years. She also donated many handmade quilts to the hospital gift shop and to the Auxiliary raffle twice a year, totaling about five hundred volunteer hours each year. Sandy was very instrumental in organizing the Auxiliary’s 50thAnniversary in May of 2023.

Sandy struggled with cancer for many years. Even after losing her son to cancer in 2019, she stayed strong and showed no signs of giving up. She would always greet you with a smile and a warm hug, even to the very end. She never let on about the struggles she faced.

She loved gardening, quilting, playing Bunco and cards, and most of all, gathering with her friends and family. She truly had a way of spreading her positivity. Sandy has impacted many lives and will be forever loved and missed dearly by all.

Visitation for friends and family will be held Tuesday, August 29th, 2023 from 5PM to 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, 420 W Live Oak St., Kenedy, Texas 78119.Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 30th, 2023 at 9:00AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. A procession will lead to the graveside service at Choate Cemetery, 5740 SH-239, Kenedy, TX 78119. A luncheon for friends and family will be held at the Choate Baptist Church Fellowship Center, across the street from the Choate Baptist Church, 6357 State Hwy 239, Kenedy, TX 78119.

Thomas Houston McCright, a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, and uncle passed away on august 2, 2023, at the age of 76.  He was born on October 22, 1946 in Refugio, TX. He was the youngest son of Clinton Houston and Christine Harris McCright.  His family moved to Kenedy, Texas where he grew up and attended school.

After completing his education in Kenedy, Thomas proudly served his country in the United States Navy.  During his time in the Navy, he served aboard the USS Essex.  He enjoyed telling stories of his adventures during his time as a sailor.

Upon returning to Kenedy, Thomas began a career at General Mills, which was later Henkel and Aqualon.

In his leisure time, Thomas enjoyed spending time at the “81” which served as his peaceful getaway just outside of Kenedy, TX.  He spent many weekends there enjoying the country life that he cherished so much.  Thomas also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

After a life of service and accomplishments, Tom retired to his beloved ranch.  In retirement he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.  He loved riding his four wheeler around the ranch, looking for wildlife, and enjoying the view from his front porch.

He is survived by his brother John McCright, and niece Denise McCright of Rosenburg, TX; his children, Michelle McCright-Covin of Pleasanton, TX, Sandra and Alex Remschel of Shiner, TX, and four grandchildren Lane Remschel, Kade Remschel, Kara Remschel, and Hunter Covin, all of whom will hold dear memories of the special times they shared with Pawpaw.

Thomas’s life will be celebrated and honored at Eckols Funeral in Kenedy, TX on Monday, August 7, 2023. Visitation will be held from 10AM to 11AM with Services at 11AM with the Rev. Walter Hill, III officiating.  Interment with Military Honors will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

We say goodbye to a loving brother, uncle, father, and Pawpaw who touched our lives in so many ways.  May Thomas’s spirit find peace and rest, knowing he will be remembered fondly with love by all whose lives he graced.

Alejandro “Alex” B. Martinez, Age 63 of Floresville, TX entered eternal rest on Friday, July 28, 2023.  Alex was born June 1, 1960 in Sinton, TX to the late Clemente and Lydia Botello Martinez.  Alex married Mary Christi Villanueva on May 4, 1981 in Kenedy.  He was a loving Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, a Process Operator for Ashland Manufacturing for 44 years in Kenedy and of the Catholic Faith.

Alex is preceded in death by his parents, Clemente and Lydia Botello Martinez.

Alex is survived by his loving wife, Mary Christi Villanueva Martinez of Floresville; daughter, Jessica Kate Martinez of Portland, Oregon; son, Alejandro Martinez, Jr. of Floresville; sisters, Sylvia Albiar of Victoria, Ida Gonzales of Kenedy, Grace Martinez of Kenedy, Elsa Martinez of Kenedy; numerous nieces and nephews and his beloved pets, Ranger and Cash.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 2, 2023 from 10AM to 12PM with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 12PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers will be: Michael Salinas, Edward Villanueva, David Lerma, Jr., Indy Hinojosa, Brandon Vasquez, and David Ferron.

Jose R. Hernandez, Jr. passed away peacefully at the age of 71, on July 25, 2023 with his loving family at his bedside as he entered his eternal home.

Jose was born on February 19, 1952 in Kenedy, TX to Jose and Josephina Hernandez, Sr. A native of Kenedy Texas, Jose dedicated over twenty years working for Everest Minerals Corporation and over nineteen years at the City of Kenedy where he retired in 2016. Jose was a lifelong member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy, TX.

Jose enjoyed spending time with family and sharing stories of the good old days while enjoying a few cold ones. Jose enjoyed watching and cheering on his Dallas Cowboys and the Atlanta Braves. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his beautiful grandkids, and watching them play sports. Popo Joe was their biggest fan and couldn’t wait to give them a big hug while telling them how proud he was.

Jose was preceded in death by his parents Jose and Josephina Hernandez, Sr. Wife Juanita Lopez Hernandez, sister Rafela Salinas, sister Maggie Morales, sister Ida Hernandez, brother-in-law Charles (Yolanda) Lopez, and sister-in-law Rosalinda Lopez.

Jose is survived by his son Jose (Bridgit) L. Hernandez, III of Kenedy, son Martin P. Hernandez (Nicole) of Norfolk, VA, life partner Sharon Chesser of Kenedy, sister Adelfa “Chita” (Domingo) Medina of Kenedy, brother Juan Hernandez of Hondo, TX, sister-in-law Rose Marie (Rudy) Elizondo of Kenedy, sister-in-law Virginia Fanning of Kenedy, sister-in-law Martha (Robby) Richardson of Kenedy, sister-in-law Saralyn (Larry) Ferguson of Kenedy, brother-in-law Johnnie Lopez of Kenedy, grandsons Jose “Cuatro” Hernandez, IV and Cristian Hernandez of Kenedy, grandson Kaleb Hernandez of Norfolk, VA, granddaughter Alejandra Hernandez of Kenedy, granddaughter Ashleigh Campu of Norfolk, VA, and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be Sunday, July 30, 2023 from 4PM to 7PM with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7PM in the Eckols Chapel. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, July 31, 2023 at 9AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Pallbearers: Marcelino Farias Jr., Steven Martinez, Agapito Alvarado, Johnnie Lopez, Darrell Hernandez, and Jerome Barrientez

Honorary Pallbearers: Fernando Salinas, Pete Zamora, and Cristian Hernandez.