Nicolas “Nick” P. Contreras, resident of Pettus, Texas, passed away on Friday, March 16, 2012, at 11:15 P.M., in the Bluebonnet Nursing Center in Karnes City, Texas, at the age of 79 years, 10 months and 6 days.

Nick was born in Yorktown, Texas, on May 10, 1932 to Francisco Contreras and Nicolasa Perez Contreras. 

Nick leaves behind a loving family, survivors include; his daughters, Elva Gonzales of Runge and Cynthia Rodriguez of Pettus; his sons, Frank Contreras of Runge, David Contreras of San Antonio and Hector Ramirez of Chino, California; his sisters, Sylvia Perry of Victoria, Mary Jane Jaramillo of La Vernia, Rosalinda Alaniz of Dallas, Janie Contreras of Kenedy and Josephina Garcia of Brownfield; his brother, Rogelio Contreras of Victoria; and his 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Mr. Contreras is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Carmen Reyna and Susana Garcia.

A rosary was recited on, Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Monday, March 19, 2010 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy, with Rev. Norbert Herman officiating. Interment followed in the Loma Alta Cemetery.

Jimmy Flores Estrada passed away, Monday, March 12, 2012 at the John Paul II Nursing Home in Kenedy, Texas, at the age of 56 years, 11 months and 6 days.

Jimmy was born April 3, 1955 in Altum, Texas the son of Juan and Petra Flores Estrada. He attended school in Kenedy and later went on to work in various fields of maintenance for both the City of Kenedy and the City of Beeville.

Jimmy is survived by his daughters; Erika Estrada of Huffman, Melissa Estrada and Sabrina Estrada, both of Runge; his son, Jimmy Lee Garza of Karnes City; his aunts, Isabell and Dora Estrada of Kenedy; his sisters, Francis Estrada of Kenedy and Peggy Luis Perez of Houston; his brothers, Juan Estrada and wife Crystal and Paul Estrada, both of Kenedy; and his grandsons, Jakob McDonald and Aiden Billman of Huffman. Jimmy is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Estrada is preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Petra Estrada.

A rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M., Thursday, March 15, 2012, in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral mass was celebrated on, Friday, March 16, 2012 at 10:00 A.M., at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Norbert Herman officiating. Interment followed in the Loma Alta Cemetery.

Travis Leon Shelton, of Beeville, Texas; formerly of Kenedy, died on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at the age of 67 years, in Houston, Texas.

Travis was born on December 1, 1944 the son of Robert and Gertrude Broadnax Shelton in Kenedy, Texas.

Travis was a hardworking ranch hand and enjoyed what he did. He was always ready to  help out where it was needed. He always had a smile on his face that could light up a room. His smile and sense of humor will be missed.

Travis is survived by his wife, Mary Helen Lino of Beeville; his children, Marivel Lino, John Lino and James Lino all of Beeville; his sister, Nora Ann Shelton of San Antonio; and his brothers, Charles and Johnny Shelton, both of San Antonio. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Robert and Allen Shelton; and his sister, Jean Shelton.

A prayer service was held on Wednesday, March 14, 2012, in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel at 7:30 P.M., with Rev. Mary Posey oficiating. Funeral services were at 2:30 P.M., Thursday, March 15, 2012 in the funeral home chapel. Interment followed in the Kenedy Cemetery.

Leslie Noel Windham passed from this life on March 8, 2012, at the age of 73. He was born in San Antonio on January 11, 1939, to Josephine Parr and Civilo Perender Windham, the second of two sons.

The family lived in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Pecos, and finally settled on the Parr farm in the Cadillac Community. Noel attended school at the two-room school his grandfather Parr helped construct, and completed high school at Pawnee in 1956. He graduated from UT Austin in 1961 after marrying his high school sweetheart Janice Hoff in 1960.

Noel was called to active duty in the U.S. Army in April, 1962. He and Janice were stationed at Ft. Lee, Va.; Hanau, Germany; Bangkok, Thailand; Ft. Sam Houston; Seoul, Korea; Ft. Hood, and Noel served two tours in Viet Nam. Their two daughters Lesly Windham Haygood and Jennifer Lynne Windham were born in 1961 and 1964. After the Army, Noel managed a restaurant, but rejoined the military community as a civilian with the Air Force and then the Army, retiring from MWR at Ft. Sam in 2001.

He then pursued his many hobbies: vegetable gardening, stained glass, woodworking, reading, and especially hunting and fishing. He loved spending time at the deer camp on his “place” with friends and family (males only). Sitting around a campfire with grandsons poking the fire was true joy. He taught his grandsons how to butcher hogs and deer and how to process the meat. As his legs failed him, he took great pleasure in guiding his grandsons and daughter Jennifer in successful hunts.

He will be greatly missed by wife Janice, daughters Lesly and husband Bill and Jennifer, grandsons Preston Windham Haygood, Hunter Gordon Haygood, Caleb Williams Haygood, and Samuel Warren Haygood; nephews Colin and Dylan Windham and wife Julie, Chris and wife Julie and Clint and wife Jill Colvin; nieces Corrie Colvin Williams and husband James and Cathie Colvin; two great-nephews and three great nieces; sisters-in-law Pam Colvin and husband Jim and Mary Windham and his beloved Brittany Spaniel, Max III. He was pre-deceased by his parents, his parents-in-law Sam and Ruth Hoff, his brother Don and his brother-in-law Sammie Don Hoff.

Visitation was held on Monday, March 12, 2012, from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Services were conducted at Eckols Funeral Home, Kenedy, Texas, on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 2:00 P.M., with Rev. Bill Haywood and Rev. Gerald Harvey officiating. Burial followed at the Pawnee Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were, Preston Haygood, Hunter Haygood, Caleb Haygood, Samuel Haygood, Chris Colvin, Clint Colvin, Colin Windham, Dylan Windham, Frank Blakely and J.T. Thames.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pawnee Methodist Church or the South Texas Children’s Home.

Thomas Ray “Tray” Vickery, III, a lifelong resident of Kenedy, Texas, died, Thursday, March 1, 2012, at the age of 19 years and 17 days.  

“Tray” was born on February 13, 1993 to Thomas Ray Vickery, II and RoseMary Dovalina Vickery in Victoria, Texas. He was raised in Kenedy and attended Kenedy Schools where he graduated from, Class of 2011. He and his family were all active members in the First Baptist Church in Kenedy. Tray was also an active member in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the FFA, The 4-H and played football. Tray never failed to find time for volunteering so freely; wherever and whenever it was needed.

Hunting hogs with his dogs was a passion only surpassed by his love for his Savior Jesus Christ. Tray truly cherished his family and his friends and enjoyed spending time with each of them.  He was a happy young man with an infectious smile and a servant’s heart that never met a stranger; no matter what their age.

Tray leaves behind his parents, Thomas Ray, II, and RoseMary Vickery; his grandmother, Elaine Vickery; his grandparents Lewis and Maria Collins; his sisters, Lillian Vickery and Laurel Vickery; his brother, Travis Vickery; and his aunts and uncles, Brain and Kathy Vickery, Stacey Vickery, Roger and Belinda Dovalina, John and Rachel Dovalina, Sally Dovalina and Michael and Sarah Booker.

The family received friends on Sunday, March 4, 2012 from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. A Celebration of Life was held on Monday, March 5, 2012 at 1:00 P.M. in the First Baptist Church, Kenedy, Texas officiated by, Rev. John Wheat.

In lieu of Flowers the family respectfully requests that donations be made the Tray Vickery Memorial Fund c/o Wells Fargo.  

Serving as pallbearers were, Corky Vickery, Ajax Vickery, Travis Vickery, Brian Vickery, Roger Dovalina and John Dovalina. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Max Vickery, Michael Booker, Noble Gilchrest, Joseph Barkley and Joe Escandon.

Gilberto S. “Gilbert” Garza, 72, of Richmond, TX, passed away on Friday, February 24, 2012 at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, TX.

Born March 9, 1939, in Bishop, TX, he was the son of the late Felipe Flores Garza and Elvira Sainz Garza.  He worked on the family farm and family businesses in Kenedy, TX.  On November 3, 1962 he married Ofilia Garces of Runge, TX.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963.  While in the service, he completed his high school education.  He was in active Reserves until 1967.  He worked as a Meat Cutter in Houston from 1966 to 1981.  He opened a market & grocery store, with his wife, brother and sister-in-law in Kenedy, TX from 1981 to 1985.  He opened a market & grocery store with his wife in Victoria TX from 1985 to 1988.  He worked grocery in Houston from 1988 until he retired in 2001.

Gilbert is survived by his wife, Ofilia; two daughters, Carolyn Kramer and husband Steven of Richmond, TX, Sandra Lundquist and husband Carl of Kenedy, TX; one son, Gilbert Garza Jr. and wife Misty of Sugar Land, TX; seven grandchildren, Anastacia Lundquist, Alyssa Lundquist, Alejandro Compian, Lee Kramer, Aileen Lundquist, Caleb Garza and Luke Garza; one great-granddaughter, Zoe Ramirez; one sister, Alicia Corbin and husband John of Victoria, TX; four brothers, Felipe Garza Jr. and wife Rosalinda of Stafford, TX, Henry Garza and wife Sylvia of Stafford, TX, Ignacio Garza of Kenedy, TX, George Garza and wife Patricia of Stafford, TX; one sister-in-law, Reyitas Guerra and husband Bonifacio of Sinton, TX; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Lupita, and two twin daughters, Elvira and Eloisa.

Beyond his health struggles late in life, Gilbert was a loving husband, father and grandfather. We will greatly miss him.

A Rosary was recited on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass was celebrated Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Kenedy, TX with the Rev. Herman Norbert officiating.  Interment followed in the Loma Alta Cemetery with Military Honors.

Serving as Pallbearers were his Nephews- Jesse “Sonny” Ramirez Jr., Felipe S. Garza, III, Henry Garza Jr., Luis Garza, Alberto Garza, and Travis Garza.

Veretta Catherine “Cathy” Corderre, a longtime resident of Kenedy, Texas passed away at her home, Monday, February 13, 2012, at 6:45 P.M., at the age of 58 years, 1 month and 11 days.

Cathy was born on January 2, 1954 on the Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia to Douglas Joseph Queen, Sr., and Cherry Cleleitolia Johnson Queen. Her father was in the military so Cathy and her family moved from time to time, during this time Cathy attended many different schools.

In 2002, Cathy and her husband Rick Rutledge moved to Kenedy, they were active members at The Word Fellowship Church.

Cathy is survived by her husband, Rick Rutledge; her children, Teena Gorecki of Vista, California, Michael F. Gorecki, Jr., of Escondido, California and Timothy A. Gabel, Jr., and wife Roxanne of Williamsburg, Virginia; her grandchildren, Andreena Tana Young, Tavis Tomas Stewart, Luke Owen Gorecki, Dana Lynne Gorecki, Tag Gabel, III and Lakin Gabel; her sisters, Eva Diane Sleight and husband Mike, Sharon Elizabeth Cohn and husband Brad Dorcee and Saundra Lee Schultz and husband Johnny; and her brother-in-laws, William Miles and Marty Ruiz.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Joy Lynn Ruiz; and her brother, Douglas Joseph Queen, Jr.

Visiation was held Saturday, February 18, 2012 beginning at 11:00 A.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Services were held at 12:00 Noon, Saturday in the Eckols Chapel with Rev. Walter Hill, III, officiating.

E.C. “Chunky” Payne, Choate, Texas passed away Saturday, February 11, 2012 in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 93 years.

Chunky was born April 15, 1918, in Choate to Wiley Payne and Nancy Ellen Yeater Payne.

Chunky proudly served his country in the United States Navy and was a Veteran in WWII. After a career in the Navy, he went on to CP&L where he retired from after thirty-five years as a service man. Chunky was an active member of the Choate Baptist Church.  In is free time he also enjoyed and loved playing baseball and softball.

Chunky married Lottie Moses Payne. Together the two of them raised a beautiful family. They had two daughters and two sons.

He is survived by his wife, Lottie Moses Payne; his two daughters, Mary Lee Taylor of Santa Fe and Jackie Rutledge of Choate; his son, Wiley Payne and wife Debbie of Portland; his eleven grandchildren; thirty-two great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Robert Elvin Payne; his brothers, Alvin, Delbert, Ollie, and Albert Payne; and his sister, Lucy Mary Wagner.

Visitation was held 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral Services began at, 10 A.M., Monday, February 13, 2012 in the Eckols Chapel, with Rev. Larry Odom officiating. Burial followed in the Choate Cemetery, with Philip Bush, Tommy Jimerson, Ty Moses, Ty Moses, II, Amos Moses and Matt Seitzer; serving as Pallbearers.

Rodolfo A. “Fito” Saenz, Sr., passed away, Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 3:50 P.M., at the age of 86.

Rodolfo was born in El Oso, Texas, on October 18, 1925 to Jose Angel Saenz and Dolores Trevino Saenz. He was a lifelong resident of Kenedy; growing up he attended school in Kenedy and later meet his wife, Elisa Carvajal Saenz. After 58 years of marriage, Elisa preceded him in death on April 28, 2008.

Rodolfo and his wife, Elisa began their life in Kenedy and started a family. The two of them had two children; Rodolfo “Rudy” Jr., and Suzanne. Rodolfo later went on to own and operate his company, Saenz Service Station.

Rodolfo is survived by his children, Suzanne A. Nuñez and husband Joe of Kenedy and Rudy Saenz and wife Dora of Kenedy; his beloved grandchildren, Kartney Lynn Nuñez Bylar, Ariel Eileen Nuñez and Justin R. Saenz; his great-granddaughter, Alexandria Bylar; and his sister, Alicia Garza.

Rodolfo is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elisa Carvajal Saenz; his sisters, Maria Escobedo, Otila Martinez and Elia Vasquez; and his brother Ray Saenz.

Visitation began, Friday, February 10, 2012, in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel; a rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M., Friday in the Chapel. Funeral Mass was celebrated, Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 1:00 P.M., at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, with Father Norbert Hermann officiating. Interment followed in the Loma Alta Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers were, Rudy Rodriguez, Jimmy Loya, Danny Salais, Javier Villarreal, David Zambrano and Albert Losoya.

James David “JD” Ferron, of Kenedy, passed away Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, at the age of 1 year, 10 months, and 2 days.

He was born April 1, 2010, in Austin, TX to David Ferron and Erin Kristin Kroemer Ferron of Kenedy. He was a Christian.

He is survived by his parents; his paternal grandparents, Bailey Scott and Lisa Lynn Atkinson, and David Jr. and Sarah Ferron; maternal grandmother, Mary Regina Kroemer; and sister, Madeline Sadie Ferron. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Karl Kroemer III.

Memorial Services were held at 5:00 P.M., on Friday, February 10, 2012 at the First Baptist Church, with Rev. John Wheat officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Nurses In Touch or Donor’s Choice.