Ascension “Connie” Reyna, of Runge, Texas, passed away, Friday, July 27, 2012 at 12:31 A.M., at the age of 52 years, 2 months and 1 day, at Methodist Main Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.

Connie was born, May 26, 1960 in Jonah, Texas, the daughter of Faustino Zapata and Manuela Garcia Zapata. On April 25, 1981, Connie married her husband, Rogelio Reyna, Sr., in Kenedy, Texas. She was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church and worked at the John Paul II Nursing Home in Kenedy.

Connie is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, Rogelio Reyna, Sr.; her son and daughter-in-law, Rogelio and Terri Renya, Jr.; her sisters, Alberta Moreno, Alicia Lazano and Josephine Donnell; her brothers, Juan and Domingo Zapata. Mrs. Reyna is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Maria Urruthia and her brothers, Eisa and Jacinto Zapata.

A rosary was recited, Sunday, July, 29, 2012 at 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral mass was celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Monday, July 30, 2012, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy. Burial followed in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were, Ramon Reyna, Jr., Roland Reyna, Brandon Reyna, Frankie Reyna, Joe Mendiola, Jr. and Walker Theuret. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be, Eddie Urruthia, Jessie Urruthia and Michael Zapata.

Jose Luis “Joe” Cruz, a resident of Pawnee, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home, Sunday, July 22, 2012 at 7:20 P.M., at the age of 63 years, 4 months and 17 days.

Joe was born, March 5, 1949 in Pawnee, Texas, the son of Luis Cruz and Jovita Diaz Cruz. He graduated high school and then began his life as a cowboy and rancher.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Elvira Gonzales Cruz; his sons, Amado Cruz and wife Stacy, Arturo Cruz and wife Rosemary, Jose Cruz, Ramon Reyna and wife Jennifer and Roland Reyna and wife Andrea; his daughter Roxanne Theuret and husband Walker; his sisters, Linda Chapa and husband Carlo, Mary Garza and husband Henry, Dora Gonzales and husband Domingo, Amalia Montemayor and husband Richard and Ofelia Cruz; his brother, Genaro Cruz; and his beloved 11 grandchildren. Mr. Cruz is preceded in death by his parents, Luis and Jovita Cruz.

Visitation began, Tuesday, July 24, 2012, and a rosary was recited, Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at 7:30 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral mass was celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy, officiated by Rev. Norbert Herman. Interment followed in the Loma Alta Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were, Carlos Gonzales, Calvin Blaschke, Corky Franke, Wallon Rouse, Cecil Johnson, Jr. and Robert Cruz, Jr.

Erma Hernandez Vera, a lifelong resident of Kenedy, Texas, entered enteral rest, Sunday, July 15, 2012 at 10:35 P.M., at Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 48 years, 6 months and 20 days.

Erma was born, December 25, 1963 in Karnes City, Texas, the daughter of Martin Hernandez and Josephina Rodriguez Hernandez. Erma was employed at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Kenedy where she worked in the Deli.

Erma is survived by her beloved husband, Martin Vera; her son, Fidencio Vera; “Mom” Guadalupe and Juan Reyna; her sisters, Mary Tovar, Jessica Reyna, April Reyna, Janie Reyna and Elizabeth Reyna and numerous extended family members. Erma is preceded in death by her parents.

A rosary was recited, Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. It was Erma’s wish to be cremated.

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.