Manuel “Hito” Martinez, III, a lifelong resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at the Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital, at the age of 56 years, 3 months, 11 days.

“Hito” as he was affectionately called by those that knew him, was born on October 7, 1955, the son of Manuel Martinez, Jr., and Francisca Villarreal Martinez. Hito grew up in Kenedy and graduated from Kenedy High School.

Mr. Martinez is preceded in death by his mother, Francisca Martinez; and his sisters, Mariana Cano and Guadalupe Martinez.

Hito is survived by his wife, Eloisa Ochoa Martinez; his daughter, Amy Martinez of Gonzales, TX.; his sons, Chris Pena and Jeon Martinez, both of Kenedy; his sisters, Magdalena Martinez, Matrina Wright and husband Larry, Maria Rosales and husband Elias, Matilda Martinez, Margarita Garcia and Mary Jane Martinez; his brothers, Martin Martinez and wife Esperanza, Elias Martinez and wife Nina, Domingo Martinez and Mark Martinez and wife Debra. He also leaves behind his eight grandchildren.

A rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, January 20, 2012 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass began at 2:00 P.M., Saturday January 21, 2012 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with interment following at the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Jose “Joe” M. Canales, passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at the age of 63. Joe was born on July 25, 1948 the son of Armando Canales, Sr. and Herminia “Minnie” Horton.

Mr. Canales proudly served his country in the United States Army during The Vietnam War and was a highly decorated Veteran.

He is survived by his mother; his sons, Joseph, Andrew and Brian Canales; his sister, Darleen DeDear Hartsfield; brothers, Armando Canales,  Jr., Dennis DeDear; and 4 grandchildren. Joe is proceeded in death by his father; and his son, James Canales.

Visitation began Monday, January 16, 2012 in the Eckols Funeral Home chapel and a rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M. Mass was celebrated at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, with Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating. Burial followed at the Runge Cemetery.

Gladys Irene Tenberg, of Kenedy, Texas, passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2012, in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 83. She was born July 5, 1928, in Gillette to Arthur and Winnie Irene Riedel Radicke.

On January 13, 1956, Gladys married Willis “Bill” Artis Tenberg. She was a homemaker and was of the Christian faith.

She is survived by daughters, Jerry Radicke of Knippa, Texas, Jodi Angell of Edna, Texas and Jennifer Barkley of Knippa, Texas; her 2 sons, Tim Tenberg of Yoakum, Texas and Paul Tenberg of Hewitt, Texas; step-son, Bill Tenberg; her sister, Sybil Atkinson; and brother, Cecil Radicke. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; 2 daughters, Irene Cooksey and Amy Tenberg; stepdaughter, Patricia Brand and her sons, Mark and Daniel Tenberg.

A memorial service began at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2012, at Eckols Chapel, with Rev. John Wheat officiating.

Paul W. Wernli, 68, of San Antonio formerly of Kenedy, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012. He was born Jan. 14, 1943, in Kenedy to Oscar and Pauline Natho Wernli.
He is survived by his wife Joan Smith Wernli of San Antonio; his daughters, Kimberly Feltner and husband Bobby of San Antonio, and Jennifer Rosales and husband Javier of San Antonio; his son Paul Wernli Jr, and wife Laura of La Vernia; his grandchildren, Allyson, Robert and Lauren; and his sisters, Sharon Wernli and Karon Wernli both of San Antonio.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Pauline Natho Wernli.
Visitation was held 6 – 9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012 in the Eckols Funeral Chapel. Funeral service was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2012 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Burial followed in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy.
Memorials can be made to South Texas Christian Center; P.O. Box 740, Kenedy, Texas 78119.

PAWNEE – Antonio Gonzales, 75, of Pawnee, passed away Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011 in San Antonio. He was born Jan. 13, 1936, in Pleasanton to the late Jose Fabian and Francisca Coronado Gonzales. He belonged to Primera Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel in Pawnee, and was a retired farm rancher.
He is survived by daughter, Francis and husband Bernardino Morales of Pawnee; son, Rudy and wife Juana Gonzales of Pawnee; sisters, Andrea Martinez of Lubbuck and Lydia Salinas of Three Rivers; and 3 grandchildren, Yolanda Gonzales, Bernardino Morales Jr., and Jesseca Morales, all of San Antonio.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lucia Velasquez Gonzales; 4 sisters; and 1 brother.
Prayer service was held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011 at Eckols Chapel. Funeral service will begin 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011 at Eckols Chapel, with Rev. Leonardo Cantu officiating. Burial will follow at De Ntra Sra De Guadalupe, Pawnee.
Eckols Funeral Home, Kenedy 78119, 830-583-2533, P.O. Box 356.

Margaret Benke Esse, 85, died December 22, 2011 at her home in the Peggy Community in Atascosa County.  She was born April 30, 1926 to Albert and Laura Benke and was raised in the El Oso

Community in Karnes County.  She attended Cadillac School and graduated from Kenedy High School and Southwest Texas State Teachers College.  She was a  bookkeeping teacher at Three Rivers High School for 25 years and was also the office manager, accountant and secretary for the Three Rivers Independent School District Superintendent. 

In 1947, she married Willie H. Esse, Jr. and they made their home in the Fashing/Peggy community.  He preceded her in death August 11, 2010.

Mrs. Esse was a member of the Fashing United Methodist Church and served in the choir, participated in many church programs and fundraisers, and served as church secretary/ treasurer for many years.  She was also a member of the Little Acorn Study Club, Fashing Cemetery Association, South Texas Cattlewomens, Live Oak County Retired Teachers and she enjoyed playing bridge.

Mrs. Esse was a devoted wife and mother and cherished her family.  The family wishes to acknowledge her devout love and support that she gave others throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sisters, and one brother.  She is survived by her son, Dr. Ivan Lyn Esse and wife, Robin, and five nieces.

Services are under the direction of Eckols Funeral Home and will be conducted on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 10:00am at the Funeral Home, with burial following at the Fashing Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:  Nurses in Touch Hospice, 491 N. Sunset, Kenedy, TX 78119; Kenedy Public Library, 303 W. Main, Kenedy, TX 78119; or the Fashing United Methodist Church, 7272 FM 99, Campbellton, TX 78008.