Christine Marie Gonzalez

Christine Marie Gonzalez age 49 of Kenedy, Tx passed away on Wednesday February 2,2022 in Kenedy, Tx.  Christy was born on September 25, 1972 in Karnes City. Tx to Samuel Morales of Karnes City, Tx. and the late Margarita Hernandez Morales of Kenedy,Tx.  Christy was an amazing and beautiful woman inside and out to those who knew her best.  She found humor in all things. Her only son Levi described her as “the most giving person I knew”. Family was very important to Christy. Her heart and joy was being surrounded by family and those who truly loved her.  She is preceded in death by her mother Margarita Hernandez Morales of Kenedy.  She is survived by her life partner Wesley Joe Owens of Lubbock, Tx. also survived by her children Amanda Gonzalez of San Antonio, Tx.  Maggie Joe Silva from Kansas, Leslie Marie Owens from New Deal, Tx. and Levi Jack Owens of Kenedy, Tx.  Aunt Adelpha Medina from Kenedy and Uncles Joe Hernandez of Kenedy, Tx, Juan Hernandez of Hondo, Tx.  Brothers Darrell (Michelle) Hernandez of Kenedy, Philip (Jennifer) Morales of Port Lavaca, Tx. Sister Sandra Morales (Arturo) of Houston, Tx. dear friend Robert Fudge of Kenedy, Tx. the Morales family, all her nieces, nephews and extended family.  A Holy Rosary will be recited Friday, February 18, 2022 at 1:30 P.M. with Services at 2:00 P.M. in the Eckols Chapel with the Deacon Guadalupe Cantu officiating.  Interment will follow in the Karnes City Cemetery in Karnes City, TX.

 

James Clyde Smith

James Clyde Smith, of Rockport, known to most everyone as Bubba, died peacefully on February 8, 2022 in Corpus Christi, Texas, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 65. Bubba was born on November 30, 1956 in San Antonio, Texas, to his parents Edward “Swanee” and Peggy Smith. He married the love of his life Kay Griggs Smith 5/23/1978. They settled in Rockport, TX with their two sons where he was a loving husband, father, Paw Paw, and a friend to many. He and his wife took in friends and family over the years when they needed help and served as steward to many friends of his sons and grandson. Bubba had a boisterous laugh and great found joy in sharing his sense of humor. Having become a widower in 2015, he married Terri Fulton on July 31, 2018.

Bubba’s passion in life, after his family, was riding his Harley Davidson. his face lit up when he spoke of the long rides that he would take. He combined these two loves and became known as the Motorcycle Minister, officiating many family weddings. Most of his career as a Construction Supervisor was the Bay Ltd.

Bubba is survived by his wife: Terri, his son and daughter-in-law: Thomas Smith and Colleen Sartain- Smith, his son and daughter in law: Steven and Amanda Smith, and grandchildren: Nathaniel Smith and his fiance Kiya Reeves as well as Raegan, Mason, and Kanon Smith. He also leaves behind his honorary daughter: April Kresta, honorary grandchildren: Michael Solis, Frankie Benavidez, and Logan and Tristan Guidy, as well as two honorary great grandchildren: Cayden and Landon Solis.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.  at Eckols Chapel. Celebration of Life Services will be held at 1:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel on Saturday, February 19th with Rev. Billy Placker officiating. Interment to follow in Kenedy Cemetery. Pallbearers: Thomas Smith, Steven Smith, Nathaniel Smith, Michael Solis, Tristan Rittiman, Colby Wade, Jimmy Lee, Mykee Zavala, Freddie Lozano.

Memorials may be made to the Patriot Guard Riders

Abel P. Villanueva

Abel P. Villanueva of Kenedy, Texas was born on April 21, 1929 in Karnes County, Texas to the late Francisco Villanueva and Galdina Perales Villanueva passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at the age of 92.

Mr. Villanueva was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. he was kind, honest and a hard worker. He worked as a FRP laminator with Wishert &Thompson for many years.

Mr. Villanueva was preceded in death by his parents, Francisco and Galdina Villanueva; his wife of 48 years: Juanita Servantes Villanueva, a son: Johnny Villanueva; his brothers: Candelario, Vicente, Ausencio “Chencho”, Roberto, Dionicio, and Francisco Villanueva; sisters: Virginia Rios, Julia Silva and Tila Perales.

He is survived by his daughters: Rose Mary Villanueva of Karnes City, TX and Norma ( late Jessie) Mendoza of Karnes City, TX; sons: Gilbert (late Diana”DeeDee”) Villanueva of Karnes City, TX, Raymond Villanueva of Humble, TX, Davy (Patty) Villanueva of Karnes City, TX, Daniel Villanueva of Kenedy, TX; 15 grandchildren and one on the way and 14 great grandchildren; sisters: Angelita (Jerry) Hamm of Norman, OK and Maria Elena (Carlos) Cortez of Kenedy, TX; brothers: Jesus Villanueva of Kenedy, TX and Servando Villanueva of Garden City, KS; many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 14, 2022 at 5:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00p.m. Monday, Feb. 14th, 2022 at Eckols Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 10:00a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev.  Stanislaw “Stanley” Marciniak officiating. Interment to follow in Loma Alta Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Gilbert Villanueva, Raymond Villanueva, Davy Villanueva, Daniel Villanueva, Joe “Joey” Morin III, Jessie Mendoza Jr., Davy Isaiah Villanueva Jr. and Gilbert Villanueva Jr.

PER REQUEST OF THE VILLANUEVA FAMILY-PLEASE WEAR YOUR MASK TO VISITATION/ ROSARY / AND  FUNERAL SERVICES!

IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS, PLEASE REFRAIN FROM ATTENDING.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING.

 

Lawrence Carrasco, Jr.

 Carrasco, Jr., age 59 of Kenedy, TX passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022 in Kenedy.  Lawrence was born on March 8, 1962 in Karnes City, TX to Lorenzo Carrasco, Sr. and the late Oralia Loza Leal.  He worked in the oil field for Texas Swabbing, was a loving father, grandfather, son and of the Catholic faith.  He is preceded in death by his mother, Oralia Loza Leal and brother, Roland Carrasco.  He is survived by his children Yvonne Carrasco of Lubbock, Roxanne Carrasco of Kenedy, Ashley Carrasco of Karnes City, April Carrasco of Karnes City, Ronnie Lee Carrasco of Kenedy, Lawrence Andrew Carrasco of Karnes City, sister Cynthia Carrasco of Kenedy, brother Michael Carrasco of San Antonio, TX, grandchildren Makayla Carrasco, Lawrence Carrasco, Zailene Villarreal, Zariah Villarreal, Bryson Carrasco, Brayden Carrasco, Victor Carrasco, Ethan Carrasco and many extended family members and friends.  A Holy Rosary will be recited Friday, February 4, 2022 at 7pm in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 11am at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.  Upon the family request, the wearing of a mask will be required.

Ruben Torres, Jr.

Ruben Torres, Jr.  age 56, of Kenedy, Texas entered into rest on February 1, 2022. He was born on March 3, 1965 in Hamlin, Texas to the late Ruben Torres, Sr. and is survived by his mother Mary Rodriguez Torres of Kenedy, TX and wife Christina Torres and children: David (Vanessa) Monsevais, Martin Monsevais, Melisa Torres, Ruben Torres, III, Angelo Rey Torres, Janelle Torres; sisters: Amalia (Oscar) Segura, Dee Dee (Aquilino) Salinas, Elizabeth (Leo) Lira, Shirley (Victor) Gonzales. He leaves behind his grandchildren: Mariyah Monsevais, Aaron Monsevais; several nieces and nephews; aunts, uncles and so many cousins, that ever so loved him.  He loved to be outdoors and loved to work and family gatherings. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Eckols Chapel. A Rosary will be recited Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at 7:00p.m.at Eckols Chapel on Wednesday, February 9th, 2022.Funeral Services  will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 10:00a.m. at Eckols with Interment to follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Pallbearers: Michael Melgoza Noah Torres, Jojo Sosa, Abel Soliz III, Michael Ray Prieto, Anthony Sosa, Demetrio Sosa, Johnathan Mendez. Honorary Pallbearer: Adam Hernandez. Funeral Donations would be greatly appreciated.

San Juanita “Janie” G. Beltran

San Juanita “Janie” Beltran of Kenedy, Texas was born on January 7,1951 to Manuel Granado and Louisa Estrada Granado passed away on February 2, 2022 at the age of 71. Mrs. Beltran was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her daughters: Debbie Cortez of Stockdale,TX, Yolanda (Tony) Weatherly of Kenedy,TX, Faith (Keith Burrage) Beltran of Kenedy, TX; 8 Grandchildren: Patrick, Jessica, Kimberly, Crystal, David, Jared, Jaden and Cameron; 11 great grandchildren and one on the way; sisters: Esperanza(Eloy) Zapata of Pearsall, TX, Beatrice (Oscar) Martinez of Kenedy, TX and Anna (John) Eldridge of Seguin,TX; brothers: Juan Manuel Granado of Stockdale,TX; aunt: Dora Estada of Kenedy; many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 6, 2022 from 5:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 7, 2022 at 10:00a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating. Interment to follow in Loma Alta Cemetery. Pallbearers: Malcolm Martinez, Jaden Weatherly, Jared Weatherly, Sarge Zapata, Pete Cortez and David Rangel. Flowers or potted plants welcome.

Frank M. Gonzales

Frank M. Gonzales, Age 80 of Kenedy, TX passed away on Wednesday, February 2, 2022.  Frank was born on May 6, 1941 in Karnes County, TX  to the late Pablo and Maria Medina Gonzales.  He Married Basilia Valdez on April 25, 1964, retired as a tool Pusher, was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and of the Catholic Faith.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Pablo and Maria Medina Gonzales, sisters, Ubelia Martinez, Guadalupe Guero, Maria Luisa Casarez; brothers, Geronimo Gonzales, Carlos Gonzales, Pablito Gonzales, Israel Gonzales, Simon Gonzales, Juan Gonzales, Cruz Gonzales, and Ramon Gonzales.

He is survived by his loving wife, Basilia Valdez Gonzales of Kenedy; daughters, Deborah G. Villarreal and husband Henry of Kenedy, Rebecca V. Gonzales of Victoria, Sara Lee Gonzales Valdez and husband Robert of Kenedy; sisters, Lydia Guajardo, Janie Maldonado; brother, Raymundo Gonzales; grandchildren, Benjamin R. Rosales, Joshua N. Villarreal, Xavier F. Villarreal, Jacob V. Gonzales, Joseph Valdez; great-grandchildren, Daniel Ray Diaz, Damon Rosales, Bella Rosales, Leah Villarreal and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 4, 2022 @ 1:30 P.M.; with a Holy Rosary to be Recited at 2:00 P.M. and Funeral Mass celebrated at 2:30 P.M. Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Peggy Jo Martin

Peggy Jo Martin of Kenedy, Texas was born on August 8, 1933 in Kenedy, Texas to Joe C. Nusom and Mabel Burns Nusom passed away on January 30, 2022 at the age of 88. Mrs. Martin attended Kenedy Schools and was involved in many activities to include basketball, cheerleading, class officer and was also Football Sweeyheart. She was selected as rodeo Queen of Karnes County. On completion of High School, Peggy attended Business College in San Antonio, Texas . After returning to Kenedy, she went to work for First Nichols National Bank (now Texas Champion) where she was an employee for 50 years. Peggy met Elmo Martin and he became the love of her life. They spent their time ranching and enjoyed being together. They did not have children of their own, however they claimed their nieces and nephews as their children and mentored many young people along the way. Peggy lived on the family ranch outside of Kenedy that has been in her family since 1879. She was a True South Texas Lady and will be deeply missed. She is preceded in death by her parents: Joe and Mabel Nusom; brother: Robert Allen Nusom and her husband Elmo C.  Martin.  She is survived by her nieces: Joy (John)Leleux, Debbie (Floyd) Tompkins, Shannon Black, Steffany Gandy, Chrystal (Brandon) Ohman, Sue (Robert) Johnson, and Lydia Washam (Paul) Morgan; nephews: Jeff (April) Clark, Shawn (Bekah) LeLeux, Dan (Becky) Ahrens and Roy (Andrea) Ahrens; numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 11, 2022 at 10:00a.m. at Eckols Chapel with Funeral services beginning promptly at 11:00a.m. at Eckols Chapel with Mr. John Leleu officiating. Interment to follow in Leesville, TX. Pallbearers: Jeff Clark, Kase Clark, Treyton Clark, Dan Ahrens, Jose Arenas, and Mike Ramirez. Flowers welcome or memorials may be made to: John Paul II Nursing Home, 209 S. 3rd St. Kenedy, Texas 78119.

Yvonne Kent Soyars

Yvonne (Tinka) Kent Soyars was born to Lloyd and Elvie (Hallmark) Huber on January 15, 1929. She left this life to be with our Lord Jesus on January 30, 2022, at the age of 93.  Tinka was a nickname given by her father because she was so small. He died when she was only 3 years old, and she always looked forward to getting to know him in Heaven one day. Tinka was raised by her mother and grandmother, Maggie Mae (Mamae) Hallmark, and lived in Kenedy until she graduated from high school in 1946. She was a twirler and class favorite in high school, and the first Flax Queen in Kenedy.   She attended Trinity University and met Jim Hilliard when he was stationed at Randolph Air Force Base. They married and had two daughters, Valle and Patti. They divorced after several years. Tinka then finished her education at South West Texas State University in San Marcos and obtained her teaching degree. She taught 4th and 5th grade music and science in Kenedy for many years. She loved her students and was frequently described as “FUN”!

Tinka married Charles Kent, Jr. and they had two children, Annette and John. Charles passed away in 1979. Five years later, Tinka married Bill Soyars and moved to San Marcos and later to Onion Creek in Austin.  Bill was a gifted golfer and they traveled to tournaments throughout the U. S., Scotland, and England. They were blessed to be married 35 years. Tinka always enjoyed meeting new people, and never met a stranger. She was deeply loved by many and had friends in every season of her life. She looked for the best in everyone and always enjoyed a good story or laugh.

 Tinka had a deep love for music and loved to share her passion with others. She directed a youth choir, and later the senior choir at the Methodist Church in Kenedy. She was a member of Hyde Park Baptist Choir in Austin for many years. In 2008, the choir was invited to sing in the White House, much to her delight. After joining Cornerstone Church in San Antonio two years ago, she mentioned how she would love to join that choir!

 Tinka took her children and their friends to see the Beatles in Houston in the 60’s, and several bands in San Antonio in the 70’s.  In recent years, she saw the Doobie Brothers for a second time, and took all of the girls to see Celine Dion in 2020.   “Listen to the Music” was one of her theme songs, and what student of hers can forget, “Looking Out My Backdoor”?  A second mom to many, her positive and hopeful attitude knew no bounds as she treasured time with her children and their friends.
Tinka was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Soyars; son, John Kent; and son-in-law, Ron Moorash. She is loved, missed and survived by her daughters, Valle Moorash, Patti Hendrix (Billy), Annette Lovelace (David); grandchildren, Clifford Schramm, Christi Hajek (Joe), Lindsey Hendrix, Holly Lovelace; and great grandchildren, Kaitlyn Hajek and Erin Hajek.
The family wishes to acknowledge with gratitude, Bonnie Russell King, for her very special friendship and love for Tinka.
1Thessalonians 4 says, “We do not grieve as those who are without hope” for we know that we will meet again.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 12th, 2022 at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas.
Celebration of Life Services will begin promptly at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, February 12th at Eckols Chapel with Rev. Derrick Benn officiating.
Interment to follow in the Kenedy Cemetery. Pallbearers: Todd Slaughter, Jim Pogue, JR Becho, Burke Braun, Lloyde Soyars, Joe Hajek.

Olivia Gutierrez Cruz

Olivia Gutierrez Cruz of Kenedy, Texas was born on March 5, 1921 in Karnes County to Casamiro and Josefina Gutierrez passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at the age of 100 years old. Olivia is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sons: George and Robert Cruz, her daughters: Connie Alonso and Mary Helen Gonzales; sisters: Helen Amador and Sophie Cavitt; brother: Gibert Gutierrez. She is survived by her daughter: Linda Escandon of Kenedy, TX; 15 grandchildren; many great grandchildren. A Rosary and Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 11:00a.m. at Eckols Chapel with Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating. Inurnment to follow in Loma Alta Cemetery.