Nora Reyna Del Bosque passed away peacefully beside her family on October 21, 2022. Nora was born in Kenedy, Texas on July 13, 1934.  After marring she moved to Beeville, Texas, where she raised her three daughters. It is here where she began her career with Southwestern Bell, also known as AT&T. She moved to Corpus Christi in 1978, where she continued working as a long distance telephone operator for AT&T. After 20 years she retired. She loved her job, she cherished her many longtime friends and colleagues.  One of Nora’s many joys in life was being an avid reader, reading the newspaper daily to stay informed on current events.  She also enjoyed gardening and board games. Playing Scrabble with the family were some of her happiest moments.  At the end of the day, family was Nora’s primary joy.  She was selfless in her devotion to her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Nora’s memory will remain forever in the hearts of all the friends and family she touched.   

Loving mother of Delma Del Bosque and her husband Ismael Izaguirre, Dena Bruni and her husband Ron Bruni, and Donna Del Bosque; beloved daughter of the late Jose and Emilia Reyna; dear sister of Rosita Barrera, and her late brothers Jose, Rufino and Ricky Reyna; cherished grandmother of Jacen Bruni, Meagan Taylor and her husband Anthony, Austin Izaguirre, and Marisa Izaguirre; adored great-grandmother of Brooke Nora Taylor and Caelen Taylor. 

The family will receive friends in Eckols Funeral Home Inc., 420 W Live Oak St, Kenedy, Texas 78119 on Friday, October 28, 2022 at 5pm. A rosary will be held for Nora at 7pm. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 605 Karnes St, Kenedy, Texas 78119 on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 10am. 

Inurnment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy, TX

Ralph Nelson Blaschke, age 78, died Wednesday evening, October 13, 2022 at his home in Kenedy, Texas. Born on November 29, 1943, he was the son of the late Edgar Blaschke and Nora (Huebner) Blaschke of Kenedy, Texas.
Ralph spent over 50 years working in the oil and gas industry in Fashing, Texas where he began as a “roust-a-bout” and retired as plant manager with Chevron. Although Ralph held a full-time job most of his life, he had many other work interests. He enjoyed doing paint and bodywork, did auto mechanics on cars or hot rods with friends, and constructed, built, and did woodwork or just about any other hands-on project you could think of (none of which he ever considered actual “work.”)
In his spare time, Ralph enjoyed fishing at Choke Canyon, watching car races, barbequing, and listening to music on his back porch with just about anyone who would stop by to visit and say “hello”. He was an avid Louis L’Amour fan, watched countless westerns, and swore he “should have been a cowboy.” Ralph loved to read about Texas History and always believed he would find buried treasure somewhere in the Karnes County area. Ralph was probably most known for his extravagant tales and stories which were enjoyed by many along with his perfectionism and dedication to hard work all of his life.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Janice (Salge) Blaschke, along with three children: David (Hilary) Blaschke of Round Rock, Texas, Kristi (Cecil) Boening of New Braunfels, Texas, and Kelli (Eloy) DeLeon of Pawnee, Texas. Grandchildren include Cailin and Brendan Glover, John Tomas (J.T) Blaschke, Cayson Boening, and Jacob and Hanna DeLeon. Surviving siblings are Darrell (Charlene) Blaschke, Royce (Donna) Blaschke, Edgar Jr. (Sally) Blaschke, Ruthie (Greg) Burk, and numerous nieces, nephews, and relatives. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Cynthia Blaschke, older sister Cathy Thau, and brother-in-law Stewart Thau.
A memorial service for Ralph Blaschke will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Friday, October 21, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a meal in the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. A private burial service will be held for the family Friday afternoon.
The family would like to thank the staff of Dr. Joel Saldana’s office, Kaiser Home Health, and the staff at Exclusive Home Health and Hospice in Beeville, Texas for their loving care and support over the past several years.

Byron Casper Dermody left this world to be with his Heavenly Father on August 4, 2022. He was born on April 28, 1953, in Uvalde, Texas to Bernard Casper Dermody, Jr. and Faye Kolinek Dermody Irby. He graduated from Goliad High School in 1971 and went on to further his education at Texas Tech University.

After leaving Texas Tech, Byron was a logger in Oregon for a short time but moved back to Texas to do the things in life that he loved; calf and team roping. In the early 80’s, Bryon received his PRCA card and roped professionally alongside his brother, and many local ropers, even doing production roping. If you knew Byron, you know how deep his love for roping was. When he wasn’t on a horse, in the arena, he was doing anything that had to do with roping. After he became unable to participate in the events, you can be assured he was watching the NFR and the cowboy channel. Every year he made it a point to call his siblings and remind them that the NFR was starting. They will all miss getting those calls.

Byron was preceded in death by his mother Faye Irby, father Bernard Dermody, Jr., stepmother Raye Dermody, grandparents Albin and Rosalee Kolinek; and Bernard Dermody, Sr., and Ruby Dermody Goodwin.

He is survived by his two sons, Blayne Casper Dermody and Brett Colton Dermody, siblings Terry Brown (Glynn), Dixie Radicke (Herbert) and Dean Dermody (Donna), many nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces and one great great nephew.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Jessie Alexander family and Josie Peters, who took good care of Byron.

His celebration of life will be held at the Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers please donate in Byron’s name to your favorite college rodeo team or foundation.

Walter Russell Long, Jr. passed away on September 30, 2022 in New Braunfels, Texas. Walter was born in San Angelo, Texas, on January 9, 1936.  He lived the first two years of his life in Sonora, Texas. After his father was injured while working, the family moved to Leon County, Texas, first living in Oakwood and then in Centerville.  Walter graduated from Centerville High School in 1953.  Following his brother’s path, Walter attended Tarleton Junior College, where he was the editor of the college yearbook, before heading to the University of Texas at Austin. After a year of attending UT, Walter was accepted into the University of Texas School of Law.  While in Law School, Walter met his future wife, Carolyn Wood Waller.  They were married in Austin, Texas, on May 31, 1958. Walter was able to attend college under the ROTC program.  Because of his commitment under the ROTC program, Walter had to serve in the army after his second year of law school. He served his two years in the army in Georgia and Colorado, before being honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant, which was quite an achievement since he hated other people telling him what to do. Walter and Carolyn had their first child, Susan Lyndal Long, while living in Colorado. After being discharged, Walter and family returned to Austin so he could complete Law School.  Wanting to raise his family in a small town, Walter accepted a position as an attorney in Kenedy, Texas, with the Scarborough and Roberts Law Firm.  A few years later he joined the Klingeman Law Firm. After Judge Klingeman was appointed to the bench, Walter became a single practitioner.  During these early years in legal practice, Walter and Carolyn had two more children, Walter Russell Long, III and Mitchell Andrew Long.  In 1969, Marian C. Whitehead partnered with Walter to form the law firm of Long & Whitehead.  Walter and Marian practiced law together for the next 42 years, until they both retired in 2011.  Bored in retirement, Walter ran for, and was elected, County Judge of Karnes County.  He served as County Judge from 2015 through 2018.  Walter loved living in a small town. He served multiple times on the Kenedy ISD school board and on the Karnes County National Bank board, as well as announcing the Kenedy High School Football games for more than 20 years. Walter was a member of Rotary and was a Mason. He collected many longtime friends from Karnes County and they had many adventures.  Walter loved outdoors activities (including shooting, hunting and fishing), collecting junk, cheering for the Longhorns, harassing and hanging out with friends and just generally stirring up s**t among friends and coworkers. 

Walter was predeceased by his parents, Walter Russell Long. Sr. and Reba Cundiff Long, as well as his wife, Carolyn Wood Waller Long. He is survived by his brother, Joe R. Long, his daughter Lyndal (Edwin) Wiatrek, and sons Russ (Carolyn Rydlund) Long and Mitch (LuAnn) Long. He had eight grandchildren: Lauren (Chris Housley) Wiatrek, Jillian (Anthony) Winn, Tucker (Kelli) Long, Kally (Parks) McNeil, Grace (Tony Torales) Long-Torales, Kathryn Wiatrek, Kassandra Long and Walter R. Long, IV. He also had three great grandchildren: Parker Olivia Winn, Nathaniel Elliott Winn, and Jet Walker McNeil. 

There will be no funeral service or viewing, but a memorial gathering of some type will likely take place in the near future. Lyndal, Russ and Mitch would like to thank the people of Karnes County for the love, support, friendship, and/or respect shown our father over the 60+ years that he called Karnes County home. Please do not send flowers or plants.  If you would like to honor Walter, please donate to a charity of your choice.   

Matilde Davila Estrada, Age 67 of Karnes City, TX passed away on October 1, 2022 in San Antonio, TX.  Matilde was born on June 25, 1955 in Kenedy, TX to the late Francisco and Josephina Vasquez Davila. Matilde was a dietary aide, homemaker loving MOM, grandmother, great-grandmother, a member of Gathering of Disciples Church in San Antonio and a friend to many who will be greatly missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Francisco, Sr. and Josephina Vasquez Davila; sister, Diana Luna; brothers, Rudy Davila and Jesse Davila.

She is survived by her fiancé, Richard Rodriguez of Karnes City, daughters, Ruth Gonzales of Karnes City, Dina Estrada of Kenedy, Haydee Estrada of Karnes City; sons, Israel Estrada, Jr. of Karnes City, Jesse Estrada of New Mexico, Elias Estrada of Karnes City; sisters, Dora Ann Alvear o Karnes City, Norma Zuniga of George West, Helen Hunco of San Antonio; brothers, David Santos of LaVernia, Johnny Santos of San Antonio, Ramon Salas, Jr of Killeen, 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

A Prayer Service will be held Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 7PM I the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Services will be Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 10AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Walter Hill, III officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers: Israel Estrada, Jesse Estrada, Elias Estrada, Elias Estrada, Jr., Jacob Estrada, David Santos and George Fuentes.

Mrs. Eleanora (Ellen) Genevieve Szalwinski Tam, age 92, of Kenedy, TX passed away peacefully at her youngest son and daughter-in-law’s home on Saturday, September 17th, 2022.

She was born in Falls City, TX on Christmas Day, 12/25/1929 and was the oldest daughter of the

late John and Eleanora “Nora” Szalwinski. She’s preceded in death by her husband of 53 years,

Daniel Leo Tam; brothers John, Justin and Gervase Szalwinski; sisters Anna Louise Gawlik and

Angie Boehm; son Larry Wayne Tam, and great granddaughter Diana Faith Brysch. She is

survived by sons Terry (Lisa) Tam of Kenedy, Patrick (Joy) Tam of Kenedy and daughter Mary

(Jerome) Liska of Falls City; 10 grandchildren Cheryl (Derek) Villanueva of Corpus Christi,

Michelle Gustafson of Houston, Jason (Amanda) Tam of San Antonio, Amanda Sue Brysch (Eli)

of Kenedy, Samantha and Kassandra Liska of Falls City, Patrick Tam Jr. of San Antonio, Crystal

and Paige Tam of College Station, and Kevin Tam of Kenedy; and great grandchildren Darren

and Madison Villanueva of Corpus Christi, Lincoln and Kayden Gustafson of Houston, Jason

Elliot Tam of San Antonio, Gabriel Leo Liska of Kenedy and soon to be Genevieva Annaleigh

Brysch. She is also survived by sister Julia Szalwinski and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ellen was a faithful parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy for

70 years. Through the years she always had a very strong faith and prayer life, praying the

rosary daily. She can be quoted saying, “Never underestimate the power of prayer.” She was a

very humble, loving, and kindhearted woman who always put the needs of others before

herself. She loved cooking and gardening and often prepared Sunday meals for the entire

family. She never asked for anything and worked hard her whole life, helping her husband on

the farm and taking care of her family. To the end, she was very thankful for everything anyone

did for her, and she never once complained. She is greatly loved by her family and friends. She

will be missed immensely.

Visitation will be Sunday, September 25^th at 5p.m. to 6p.m. with Rosary at 6p.m. Funeral mass will be Monday, September 26th at 10am. Both services will be at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy, TX. Officiating will be Father Norbert Hermann. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at the Kenedy Cemetery.

Pallbearers serving are Jason Tam, Patrick Tam Jr., Kevin Tam, Eli Brysch, Derek Villanueva, and

Ray Szalwinski. Honorary Pallbearers are granddaughters Cheryl Villanueva, Michelle

Gustafson, Crystal Tam, Paige Tam, Amanda Brysch, Samantha Liska, Kassandra Liska, and

Amanda Tam.

In leiu of flowers memorials may be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church “Altar Society”; mailing address – Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church P.O. Box 89, Kenedy, TX 78119.

Eva Alaniz Gonzales, age 86, of Kenedy, TX, passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, in Karnes City, TX.  She was born on March 8, 1936 to Trinidad Perez and Enemencia Alaniz in Kenedy, TX.  She is preceded in death by her parents and son, Pedro Gonzales, Jr. and sisters and brothers.  She is survived by her children Eva Hinojosa, Tommy (Terri) Gonzales, Elias (Maria) Rosales, Merced (Yvonne) Rosales, Rene (Corina Santos) Rosales, MaryAnn (BeBe) Sanchez, Richard (Helen Hernandez) Rosales; a sister Maggie (Pepe) Torres; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 20, 2022 from 10am to 11am with services beginning at 11am in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Natalia Mejia officiating.

Serving as Pallbearers:  Merced Rosales, Sr., Richard Rosales, Joey Hinojosa, Tommy Gonzales, Jr., Daniel Flores, and Eddie Ramos.

Jordan Lafayette Tucker-Foley, age 36, of Karnes City, TX, passed away Sunday, September 11, 2022.  He was born to Anna Foley and James Roy Tucker on September 3, 1986.

Jordan attended Karnes City High School.  He was a graduate of Karnes City High School where he excelled in basketball.  After high school, he attended Coastal Bend College.  Jordan was a member of the Prospect Missionary Baptist Church.

Jordan is preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents and many special family members.

Jordan is survived by his spouse of 5 years, Kat Salas; daughters Kobie, Amorette and Alivia; mother Anna Foley of Karnes City and father, James Roy Tucker; brother Jason Foley, Sr. (Maria); his nieces and nephews Rhianna, Jason (Baby J), JaRhian, Sydney, Brittney and Gage; brothers Vincent Cross, James Franklin, James Henry, James Campbell and Terrance; sisters Tamara, Brooke, Natalie, Oshyra, Jacara, Icyss and Tameria; and numerous nieces and nephews, maternal cousins and his special little friend, Graham and four legged brother Crixus.

When Jordan entered the room be brightened it with that big. beautiful smile, personality and big voice.  He was very protective of everyone and everything he loved.  His favorite past times were his group chat with the boys, his Denver Broncos, LA Lakers (Kobe), spending time with his family, cooking and playing Fortnite.  Jordan will be greatly missed by many.  He has touched so many hearts.

Visitation will be Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 11am to 2pm in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Homegoing Services to begin at 2pm in the Eckols Funeral Home with Pastor Black officiating.  Inurnment will take place at a later date.

David Lee Diaz, Sr., Age 60 of Kenedy, TX passed away Saturday, august 27, 2022 in Kenedy, TX.  He was born to Thomas and Gregoria Diaz on October 23, 1961 in Kenedy,TX. He is survived by his former wife Sonia Zapata of Karnes City, TX; his children, Lillie Diaz of Runge and David (Marti) Diaz, Jr. of Runge, TX; 5 grandchildren, Jeremiah Diaz, Javeah Diaz, Joseph Cruz, Jr., Devany Diaz, David Diaz, III; nephew, Tommy Diaz, III; 2 great nieces and 1 great-nephew.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Gregoria Diaz; sister, Aurora Diaz; brothers, Thomas Diaz, Jr., Albert Diaz and grandson, Davian Frank Diaz.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Inurnment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

October 16, 1922 –  September 11, 2022

The youngest of 16 children, Edna was born on October 16, 1922 to John and Johanna Brand and went to her heavenly home on September 11, 2022 at the age of 99 just thirty-five days shy of her 100^th birthday.

Edna is preceded in death by her husband, Daniel “Son” Gorbet, son, Randy Gorbet, Sr., and grandson, Randy Gorbet, Jr

She married the late Daniel “Son” Gorbet and lived in Robstown, TX for 24 years before moving to Kenedy in 1973 after Son’s retirement. . Edna is survived by her children, Danny (Mary Francis) Gorbet of Greenwood, FL, Nancy (Larry) Schlottman of Montgomery, TX, Dena (Charles) Jetter of Centerville, TX, and Freddie (Sherry) Gorbet of Bishop, TX; 8 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Anyone who knew Edna knew she was a Godly woman who loved her Savior and God’s word.  Enda was a long-time member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  She could always be found at church to take care of what needed to be done and provide the desserts for every occasion.  She was a loving and caring woman always giving her time to her children, grandchildren, extended family, and others. She always looked forward to family gatherings and made sure everyone was taken care of before she would sit down to eat.  She was so proud of her family.  Edna will be missed immensely.

Funeral service will be at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Kenedy, TX on Friday, September 16, 2022, at 11:00 am. A visitation will be held before the service will begin at 9:30 am.  Interment will follow in Orange Grove, TX. Those who wish, may make contributions to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Kenedy, TX or to the charity of your choice.