Maria Elena Rodriguez, age 65, passed away, Monday, January 21, 2013, in San Antonio, Texas. Maria was born, November 4, 1947 in El Oso, Texas to the late Hilario and Hortencia Villarreal Chapa, Jr. She worked for 25 years as an Instructional Paraprofessional at Roger E. Sides Elementary in Karnes City, Texas.

Maria is survived by her daughter, Nancy Rodriguez; her granddaughter, Samantha Segura; her brothers, Hilario Chapa, III, and wife Sylvia and Carlos Chapa and wife Linda; her nieces, Lena Reyes and husband Lucas, Alisa Parker and husband Shelby, Andrea Stewart and husband Mark and her nephew, Carlo Chapa. Ms. Rodriguez is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leonel “L.D.” Rodriguez and her parents.

Visitation will begin. Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 12 Noon and a rosary will be recited Wednesday at 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, January 24, 2013 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, with Rev. Norbert Herman officiating. Interment will follow in the De Ntra Sra De Guadalupe Cemetery, Pawnee, Texas

Lynne H. Wallace, a longtime resident of Kenedy, Texas, died suddenly after a massive heart-attack, Sunday, January 20, 2013, at 4:37 A.M., in Kenedy, at the age of 74 years, 6 months and 18 days.

Lynne was born, July 2, 1938, in Amarillo, Texas, the daughter of Robert Higinbotham and Virginia Johnson Higinbotham. She graduated Valedictorian of her high school class in Venezuela where she took satellite classes from Sunburst, Montana. After graduating high school, Lynne went on to graduate from Baylor University with her Bachelor’s Degree and later her Master’s Degree from Ole Miss University. On January 28, 1960, Lynne married the love of her life, Donald Wallace in Memphis, Tennessee.

Donald and Lynne traveled the world together and enjoyed every minute of it; Lynne enjoyed collecting hundreds of odds and ends from the places they lived and visited. Lynne taught in places such as, California, Brazil, Scotland, Florida, Venezuela, Peru and Texas. She taught English to many and shared her love and generosity to all she encountered.

No matter where Lynne and Don lived, Lynne always made sure that they were involved and active in church. She was active in the Methodist church and served as choir director for the Methodist church in both Kenedy and Smithville. When she wasn’t busy teaching or traveling, Lynne found time to be
part of different local organizations. She was a member of the ZTA Sorority, the Ladies’ Auxiliary and The Red Hat Club. She was a gifted seamstress and had a very artistic side to her. She had a true heart of gold and cherished all the many people she met along the way. Lynne never met a stranger and once she was your friend; she was your friend for life.

Lynne is survived by her beloved husband of over 52 years, Don Wallace of Kenedy; her daughter, Dixie Remy and husband Jackie of Tulsa, Oklahoma; her son William “Bill” Wallace and wife Tanya of Muldoon, Texas; her grandchildren whom she cherished very much, Michelle Orsak, Rachel Collier and husband Robert, Olivia Poole, Crystal Remy, Lana Hart and husband Cody and Amy and Elizabeth Wallace. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Sommer Skye, Titus and June Marie; her brother, Ret. Lt. Col. Lewis Higinbotham and wife Fran of Missoula, Montana; her niece and nephews and a host of many special friends she made along her journey. Mrs. Wallace is preceded in death
by her parents, Robert and Virginia Higinbotham.

A memorial service will be held, Thursday, January 24, 2013, at 1:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral home Chapel with Rev. Sue Huntsman officiating.

Yolanda P. Bryand, a longtime resident of Kenedy, Texas passed away, Saturday, January 19, 2013, surrounded by her family at 2:03 A.M., at her residence in Kenedy, Texas, at the age of 59 years, 10 months and 28 days.

Yolanda was born, February, 22, 1953, in, Pawnee, Texas, the daughter of Crispin Lopez Portillo and Urbana Sinfuentes Portillo.  On December 26, 1970, Yolanda married Vidal Bryand in Yorktown, Texas. After their wedding, Yolanda and Vidal moved to Houston, Texas where they spent 25 years and then in 1995 moved back to Kenedy, Texas. She was a devoted housewife and mother and loved to quilt and cook for her family. She was an active member of the Elim Pentecostal Church in Karnes City, Texas, where she shared her faith with her family.

Yolanda is survived by her beloved husband of 42 years, Vidal Bryand; her daughters, Rebecca Bryand, Yolanda Leos and husband Adan and Lisa De Los Santos and husband Pas. Anthony all of Kenedy; her son, Robert James Bryand and wife Yolanda of Houston, Texas; her nine loving grandchildren; her sister, Aurora Duenes of Austin, Texas and her brothers, Crispin Portillo and Jesse Portillo both of Houston, Texas. Mrs. Bryand is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Rosa Portillo.

Visitation will begin at 5:00 P.M., Sunday, January 20, 2013, in the Elim Pentecostal Church, Karnes City, Texas. A prayer service will begin Sunday at 7:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held, Monday, January 21, 2013, at 10:00 A.M., in the Elim Pentecostal Church with Pastor Anthony De Los Santos officiating. Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Kenedy, Texas. Serving as pallbearers will be , Robert James Bryand, Robert James Bryand, Jr., Nathaniel De Los Santos, Chris Bryand, Adan Leos and Jimmy Beltran.

John Arthur Arnold, a longtime resident of Choate, Texas, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, January 16, 2013, at 4:00 A.M., in Choate, Texas, at the age of 83 years, 7 months and 9 days.

John was born June 7, 1929 in Stafford, Texas the son of Arthur C. Arnold and Gladys Burson Arnold. Throughout his life, John held several jobs having worked as a cowboy, police officer and finally retiring as a correctional officer. John married Ana Sue Arnold. Ana preceded him in death in 1997.

John is survived by daughters, Margie Grady and husband Cletus of Choate, Texas and Patricia Pierson of Victoria, Texas; his grandson, Cody Arnold and his brothers, Fred Arnold and wife Vivone and Walter Arnold and wife Sandra both of Silverton, Texas.  Mr. Arnold is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Mike Arnold and his sister, Marion Hamilton.

Visitation will be held, Thursday, January 17, 2013, from 5:00 -7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, January 19, 2013, at First Baptist Church Silverton, Silverton, Texas, with Rev. Rance Young, officiating. Interment will follow in the Silverton Cemetery, Silverton, Texas. Serving as pallbearers will be, Poke Arnold, Max Hamilton, Bob Arnold, Todd Hamilton, John Arnold and Jay Arnold. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be, Ted Daughtry, Patrick Craig, Ronnie Leg, Stoney Lee and Seth Lee.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Nurses In Touch, 1815 Tenth Street, Floresville, Texas 78114.

Joe Homeyer, a resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away, Friday, January 11, 2013, at 7:47 P.M., surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 83. Joe was born on February 16, 1929 in Karnes County, TX to the late W.T. and Annie Conwan Homeyer. He served his country proudly in The US ARMY and the Korean War.  On June 19, 1955 Joe married Mary V. Baker in Kenedy, TX.  Joe was a professional Truck Driver and of the Baptist Faith.

Joe is survived by his daughter Bryna Schulze and husband Jack of Austin, Texas; his sons, Tilm Homeyer of Kenedy, Texas and Ty Homeyer and wife Jennifer of Argyle, Texas; foster daughter Frances McDonald and husband Bob of Uvalde, Texas; sister Lora Madsen of Kenedy; brother Bob Homeyer of Kenedy, TX; grandchildren Craig Schulze, David Homeyer, Halston Homeyer, Connor Homeyer, Kaelyn Homeyer; great-grandchildren Jackson Schulze and Courtney Schulze.

Joe is preceded in death by his wife Mary V. Baker, parents W.T. and Annie Conwan Homeyer and brothers Jim and Dan Homeyer.

Visitation was held, Sunday, January 13, 2012 from 3PM to 5PM at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Services were, Monday, January 14, 2013 at 10AM at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Mallory Homeyer Herridge officiating.  Interment followed in the Pilgrim Cemetery, Smiley, Texas.

Serving as pallbearers will be Tilm Homeyer, Ty Homeyer, David Homeyer, Jack Schulze, Craig Schulze, Jackson Schulze, Halston Homeyer and Connor Homeyer.

Memorial contributions may be made to the South Texas Children’s Home.

Marcia Ann Hunt was born in Kenedy, Texas on June 17, 1952, to J. Truett and Ann Gibson Hunt.  She passed away on January 7, 2013 in Kenedy.

Marcia attended Kenedy Public School, The Brown School in San Marcos, and Bee County College.  She participated in programs sponsored by the Karnes Association for Limited Citizens and the Camino Real MHMR agency.

Marcia was a devoted member of First Baptist Church, Kenedy, where she assisted in the church library and sang in the choir.  She also worked at Karnes Insurance Agency and The Countywide newspaper.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 7, 2013 at First Baptist Church Kenedy, with burial following at Choate Cemetery. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers were Ron Hyde, Terry Frazier, Roy Hunt, Samantha Hunt Jennings, Amanda Hunt, Kristen Rice Jackson, Justin Rice, Heather Jo Breckenridge, Bob Meeks, John Marshall Mills, Dale Hunt, and Billy Hunt.

Marcia is survived by her father, J. Truett Hunt; brother, Truett L. Hunt, and wife, Maggie; sister, Margaret Hunt Rice, and husband, Gene; sister-in-law, Caroline Hunt; nephews, Roy, Justin and Bob; and nieces, Samantha, Amanda, Kristen and Heather Jo; as well as numerous other family members and friends.  She was preceded in death by her loving mother, Ann Gibson Hunt.

The family is grateful to her community, her church and all who nurtured Marcia through the years, and especially to Maggie Henry Hunt who provided loving care for Marcia during the latter years of her life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Kenedy Library Fund.

Ernest Fernandez, a longtime resident of Lincolnton, Georgia, entered eternal rest, Saturday, January 5, 2013, at 10:45 P.M., in the Floresville Nursing and Rehab Center in Floresville, Texas, at the age of 69 years 3 months and 7 days.

Ernest was born, September 19, 1943 in Croswell, Michigan, to son of Luis Fernandez and Refugio Lamonte Fernandez.

Ernest is survived by his daughter, Angelica Maria Garcia of Marietta, Georgia; his sisters, Dora Molina of Karnes City, Texas, Mary DeLaRose of San Antonio, Texas, Connie Paz of Moreno Valley, California and Lydia Gonzales of San Antonio, Texas; and his brothers, Joe Fernandez and Richard Fernandez both of San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Fernandez is preceded in death by his parents.   

Visitation began, Monday, January 7, 2013 and a rosary was recited, Monday at 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral mass was celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, January 8, 2013, at St. Cornelius Catholic Church, Karnes City, Texas, officiated by, Rev. Stanislaw Marciniak. Following the funeral mass, Mr. Fernandez was cremated.

Kay Pitts, Age 72 of Mineral, TX passed away on December 27, 2012. She was born on January 26, 1940 to the late Victor Carl and Naomi Doris Burk Caldwell in Hereford.

She is survived by her husband of 51 yrs. John R. Pitts of Mineral; her sons Patrick Myron Pitts of Navasota; Casey Scott Pitts and wife Yvonne of Navasota, Michael Ray Pitts and wife Corinna of Boerne; and her grandchildren Austin Pitts, Cameron Pitts, Raylynn Pitts, Christina Pitts, and Courtney Pitts.

Visitation was held Sunday, December 30, 2012 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services were Monday, December 31, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Mineral Baptist Church with interment following in the Mineral Cemetery.

Merle Ables Brown, a longtime resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away peacefully, Sunday, December 23, 2012, at 8:15 P.M., in the John Paul II Nursing Home, in Kenedy, Texas, at the age of 81 years, 5 months and 6 days.

Merle was born July 17, 1931 in Kenedy, Texas, the daughter of Leonard Ables, Sr. and Effie Pullin Ables. On July 3, 1948, Merle married Earle B. Brown, in Karnes City, Texas. After over 55 years of marriage, Earle preceded Merle in death on December 8, 2003. Merle was an active member of the First Baptist Church Kenedy where she faithfully served the Lord.

Merle is survived by her daughters, Karen Segovia and husband Manuel of Beeville, Texas, Christy Rowley and husband Craig of Las Vegas, Nevada and Grace Hammack and husband Kevin of Victoria, Texas; her sons, Kelly Brown and wife Christine of Phoenix, Arizona and James Brown and wife Jody of Kenedy, Texas. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; her sister, Catherine Braun and husband Charlie of Victoria, Texas and her brother, Leonard Ables, Jr., and wife Ruth of Kenedy, Texas. Ms. Brown is preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation was held, Wednesday, December 26, 2012, from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services began at 3:00 P.M., Thursday, December 27, 2012, at First Baptist Church Kenedy, with Rev. Tim Williams officiating. Interment followed in the Kenedy Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were, Aaron Brown, Matthew Brown, J.B. Self, Pierce Hammack, Kevin Hammack and Craig Rowley.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the First Baptist Church Kenedy, Texas or the John Paul II Nursing Home.

Vernon Lee Clanton, a longtime resident of Kenedy, Texas, entered eternal rest, Friday, December 21, 2012, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 84 years and 14 days.

Vernon was born, December 7, 1928 in Wink, Texas the son of Joseph Franklin Clanton and Maggie Ann Hull Clanton.  On March 20, 1950, Vernon married Marie Smith in Swamp City, Texas. Marie preceded Vernon in death, April 16, 2007.

Vernon is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Ann Beall and husband William of San Antonio, Texas; his grandchildren, Jordon Christopher Krueger, Windi Marie Landrum and husband Kent Bradley both of San Antonio, Texas and Lacey Nicole Phillips and husband Matthew Seth of Los Angeles, Texas. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Bradley Christopher, Emersyn Marie and Charlotte Elizabeth Landrum, all of San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Clanton is preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service was held, Thursday, December 27, 2012, at 2:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas, with T.J. Burris officiating.