Robert (Bob) Doak Menn passed away on the evening of July 3, 2019 due to illness while at Frank M. Tejeda State Veterans Home in Floresville, TX. He was born on April 19, 1933 in Gillett, TX, son of Richard Max and Irene Menn.  His family later moved to Karnes City where he grew up alongside two brothers, Richard-Max Jr. and William and two sisters Winnie-Ruth and Maureen.  As a boy he enjoyed tennis, photography and the outdoors.  He graduated from Karnes City High School in 1950.

Bob served two years in the United States Army (1954 to 1956), where he distinguished himself during Basic Training as guide-on bearer, Outstanding Trainee and Expert Marksman, then served overseas in Panama, where he enjoyed photography and skin diving during his off-duty time. He attended college at Texas A&I in Kingsville and the University of Texas in Austin, then went into business in Kenedy with his brother William (Bill) Menn.  They founded the B&B Super Service grocery store, and Bob went on to become a valued member of the Kenedy business community, continuing ownership of the B&B for over two decades.  He then opened Six-Shooter Supply, a cleaning supply business, and later in life turned his hobby of photography into another local business, Classic Photography.  He even found time to re-enter college and at the age of 63, completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from the University of Houston-Victoria.

Bob enjoyed the outdoors his entire life and was an avid hunter, fisherman and nature photographer. He was an expert skeet, trap and doubles shooter and earned a reputation throughout the South Texas clay shooting community as one of the best, winning numerous championships.  He also enjoyed watching professional sports and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sharon Jo (Burkhart) Menn, his son Robert Keith Menn (wife Laura), daughter Laura Lynn (Menn) Wright, son Mark Christopher Menn (wife Margaret), grandchildren Robert, Dylan, Justin, Miranda and Marshall and great-grandson Connor. He also leaves behind sister Winnie-Ruth (Menn) Staples.

A memorial service will be held for Mr. Menn on Sunday, July21st at 2pm at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, TX.

Douglas Lynn Hair of San Antonio, Texas went to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 7, 2019. Doug was born in Kenedy, Texas on October 19, 1938 to Doyle and Delma Hair. He attended Pawnee High School as well as Texas State University. Douglas served in the U.S. Army and afterwords became a merchandise buyer for various department stores such as Joske’s, Frost Brothers and Dillards. He also  was a co-owner of The House of Oak. Doug traveled to New York and overseas during his career. At the end of his retail career, Douglas was the top salesman in the men’s department at Dillards. Doug was a kind and loving individual with a generous disposition and will be missed by so many friends and family members. Doug is survived by long-time partner: Antonio Prado; sister: Doylene Hazlett and her husband William Hazlett, Aunt:Charlene Rutherford, nephew: Darren Hazlett and wife Mary Ann; nephew: Randy Hazlett and wife Patricia; nephew: Kreg Hazlett and wife Debi; nephew: Trace Hazlett and wife Sandy; along with great nephews and nieces: Angela Macias Helgeson,Ryan Hazlett, Courtney Hazlett-Gelderman, Kelly Hazlett, Creighton Hazlett, Collin Hazlett, Carleigh Hazlett, Lexi Hazlett, and August Hazlett. Memorial services scheduled for Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 11:00a.m. at Eckols Chapel with Reception following. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in tribute to Douglas L. Hair(https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=1233&np=true).

Juanita Duenes Carrijo, of Mission, Texas born on January 27, 1943 in Kenedy, Texas to the late Doroteo Duenes and Margarita Lopez Duenes passed away on July 11, 2019 at the age of 76. Mrs. Carrijo is preceded in death by her daughter: Judy Froelich. She is survived by her husband of 59 years: Frederico Carrijo, Mission,TX; daughters: Margaret Segura, of Mission, TX and Betty (Paul) Reyna, Houston,TX; sons: Fred (Lee) Carrijo, Hondo, TX and Mark (Cynthia) Carrijo, Houston, TX; 13 grandchildren: Steven, Eric, Richie, Ashlee, Aiden, Mark Jr., Kayla, Justin, Benjamin, Joey, Tabetha, Michael, Giovanni; great grandchildren: Steven Jr., Deliah, Richie Jr., Christian, Isabella; sister: Abby Gonzalez; brother: Agapito Duenes; nephew, Lee Gonzalez, nieces: Michelle Gonzalez; Angie Jones; and other relatives. Visitation will be held Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 9:00a.m. to 12:30p.m. with Funeral Services beginning at 1:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel with interment following at Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery, Pawnee, TX.

Dolly Kowalik Street, 85, of Kenedy, passed away on July 7, 2019. She was born at the family home in Hobson, TX on July 11, 1934, to the late Lucy Bordovsky Kowalik and the late E.V. Kowalik. She was the eldest of their seven children. On July 13, 1934, she was baptized at St. Boniface Church in Hobson, and christened Agnes Lucy. A cousin called her “Dolly”, and that was her preferred name throughout her life.  A 1955 graduate of Incarnate Word College, she was an educator for 46 years. She began her career at Northeast High School in San Antonio in January 1955. She also taught in Kenedy and Refugio, TX; South Miami, Naranja, and Homestead, FL; and Grand Forks, ND. Her last 32 years as an educator were spent as a teacher of special needs students at Kenedy Elementary School.  She and George Street were married on February 18, 1961 in Kenedy. He passed away October 25, 2005. She was also preceded in death by brothers Robert and Tommy. She is survived by her daughters Sheri (Jamie) Rhodes and Teri McLucas of Austin; grandchildren Dusty and Susan Rhodes, and Christian McLucas of Austin; sisters Sarah Buehring of Hobson, Rosemary (Clyde) Burkett of Hobson, and Julia (Ralph) Donaho of Riviera; brother George (Betty) Kowalik of Panna Maria; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her canine companion Peaches.  Memorial Services will be held Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 10AM at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Karnes County Humane Organization.

Manuella (Mamie) Beltran Garza, age 70, of Kenedy,TX passed away on July 4, 2019, in San Antonio,Texas. Mamie is preceded in death by her husband: Raul C. Garza, her Mother and Father: Guadalupe Pena Beltran and Manuel Beltran, brothers: Mike Pena and Richard Rodriguez, brother-in-law :Cruz Perales and sister-in-law: Dominga Pena. She is survived by her siblings: Trine Perales, Emma Cruz, Rudolfo Beltran (Julia), Esperanza Garcia, Gloria Ortiz, Mary Ann Cruz-Solis (Danny), Cynthia Rodriguez and Jessie Beltran(Angie). Mamie is also survived by Sara Mueller Figg,  who is a very dear and special young lady that was like a daughter to Mamie.  Viewing will begin at 3:00p.m. on Sunday, July 7, with a Rosary service at 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Mass will take place at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church on Monday, July 8,2019  at 10:00a.m. Pallbearers will be her nephews. Burial services will be at a later date. Mamie was a retired healthcare provider where she met many friends. She  was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Guadalupana Ministry serving her community and her parish. She loved to entertain her many nieces and nephews. Mamie loved everyone she met. She will be greatly missed by all. Memorial donations may be made to: https://team.kidney.org/campaign/In-Loving-Memory-of-Mamie-B-Garza.

Joseph Cleveland Foster II (Fritz) was born on October 5, 1925 in Pawnee, Texas to Joseph Cleveland Foster, Sr. and Rutilla Franklin Foster. His mother died in 1929 and the family soon moved to Kenedy.  Fritz graduated from Kenedy High School in 1947 after serving in the Merchant Marines during WWII.  In addition to farming and ranching, he was a well known merchant operating Foster Feed & Seed Co.  Fritz was a member of the First Baptist Church in Kenedy and also a member of the Masonic Lodge.  Fritz is preceded in death by his first wife, Jackie Timm Foster and his second wife Jamie Falvella Foster Smith; sisters Viola Fuqua and Mary Wheeler and a brother AT Foster. He is survived by daughter Kathleen Foster, and sons; Joseph C. Foster, III (Kay), Jeff Foster, and James Foster (Janet); and grandchildren, Jackie Foster, Preslie Foster, and Gunnar Janak; and great grandchild Finley Janak; sisters Manda B Reid and Arleene Ponton (Cliff).  A special thanks to Kim Davis of Spring, Texas for her love and support. A viewing will be held July 2 from 5:00 to 7:00 at Eckols. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at First Baptist Church in Kenedy, Texas with Richard Robinson officiating. Interment will follow at the Kenedy Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Andrew Reid, Scott Ponton, Joel Ponton, Mike Newberry, Shelby Dupnik and Kody Kanak.

Gregorio P. Cortez, of Kenedy, TX born on July 30, 1949 in Kenedy, TX to the late Victor Cortez Sr. and Juaquina Penilla Cortez passed away on June 25, 2019 at the age of 69. Gregorio is preceded in death by his siblings: Juan Cortez, Benny Cortez, Linda Rosales and Irma Chesser.  He is survived by his former spouse, Rosie Venecia, of Kenedy, TX; daughter, Nina( Joe)Escandon, of Kenedy, TX; son, Aaron(Bonnie) Cortez; grandchildren: Joe (Briana) Escandon III, of Kenedy, TX; Amanda (Charlie) Lobner, of Kenedy, TX, Maddie Cortez, Brandon Cortez, Vincent Cortez; great grandchildren: Isla Escandon and Scout and Blake  Lobner; sisters:  Sandra (Jimmy) Loya, of Karnes City, TX , Argentina Villarreal; brothers: Florentino (Gay) Cortez, of Pawnee, TX and Victor (Sarah) Cortez, Jr. of Karnes City, TX; special niece: Michelle Cortez ; nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 27, 2019 from 9:00a.m. to 9:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel with a Prayer Service to be recited at 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Services to conclude in chapel.

Larry Ray Barnes, Sr. of Kenedy,TX born on July 22, 1945 in Rio Grande City, TX to the late Thomas Alfred Barnes and Ruby Lee Vaughn Barnes Schultz passed away on June 23, 2019 at the age of 73. Mr. Barnes is preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Henry J. Schultz; his brothers: James Thomas Barnes Sr., Eddie Barnes Sr., Lloyd Barnes, Rodney Gill and baby sister, Katherine Schultz. Survivors include: daughters, Deborah (Clayton) Kay Broadway, of Seguin,TX, Christine Fay Sponable, of New Braunfels,TX; sons, Larry Ray Barnes Jr., of Seguin,TX;11 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; sisters: Cheryl Lynn Schultz, of Kenedy,TX and Lisa Marie (John) Fisher, of San Antonio,TX; brothers: Charles Alynn Shultz, of Berclaire, TX and Johnny (Saundra) Schultz, of Kenedy,TX; nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 28, 2019 from 4:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral Services Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 10:00a.m. at Eckols Chapel with interment following in Kenedy Cemetery. Pallbearers: James “BooBoo” Barnes, Michael “Mike” Barnes, Edward “Lil Eddie”Barnes Jr., John Thomas Barnes, Tony O’Brien,  Kevin Gustafson, Thomas Barnes, Bradley Johnson, Willie Desmond.  Honorary Pallbearers: Jay Schultz and Thomas Barnes.

Richard Allen Lucas, of Runge, TX born on December 6, 1954 in Ardmore, Ok to Raymond Martin Lucas and Anna Faye Griffith Lucas passed away on June 24, 2019 at the age of 64. Mr. Lucas was retired after 30 years of service with Conoco Phillips as a Production Supervisor. Mr. Lucas is preceded in death by his father: Raymond Martin Lucas and brothers: David and Eddie Lucas. He is survived by his wife of 43 years: Deborah “Elaine” Barnes Lucas; his mother, Faye Lucas, of Ardmore, OK; his daughter, Lori (Gabriel) Mendoza of Sutherland Springs,TX; sons, Randy (Stacey) Lucas, of Austin, TX; grandchildren: Kique Mendoza, Victoria Mendoza, Molly Matthew, Callie, and  Owen; brothers: Bob (Vera) Lucas, Fox, OK, Marty Lucas, Ardmore, OK, Jeff Lucas, Ardmore, OK; several numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Visitation Wednesday, June 26, 2019 from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Graveside service Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 11:00a.m. at Sutherland Springs Cemetery, Sutherland Springs,TX. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

Joyce Thigpen Smolik, of Kenedy, Texas passed away on June 21, 2019 at the age of 90 years and 7 months. Joyce was born on November 1, 1928 in Kenedy,Texas to the late parents, Leo K. Thigpen and Ivy Boultinghouse Thigpen. Joyce graduated from Kenedy High School in 1946 and subsequently attended the The University of Texas at Austin. She married Erwin John Smolik Sr. on September 30, 1948 at St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Karnes City,Texas.  Joyce and John resided in Karnes City for the next 46 years, where they raised their 6 children, moving to Kenedy, Texas in 1994 and remained active members of St. Cornelius Catholic Church. Joyce and John owned and operated Smolik’s City Market and Smolik’s Processing Plant in Kenedy for over 50 years. Joyce’s first 25 years of marriage were devoted to raising her six children then later worked along side her husband at both businesses until they retired. Joyce enjoyed gardening and always took pride in caring for her yard. She loved cooking and conversation, readily sharing her meals and opinions with family and friends. There was always room at her table for last minute guests… It would be difficult to count the “extra plates” set over the past 60 years or assess the impact of those engaging conversations that ensued… “Mom’s quick wit and not so subtle sarcasm will be truly be missed by all who knew and loved her”. Joyce is preceded in death by her husband of 62 1/2 years, Erwin John Smolik Sr., May 21, 2011 and her brother Jack Thigpen. Survivors include her daughters: Jan Smolik Millington and husband Nicholas of Karnes City,TX, Jamie Smolik McPhail and husband Jory of Dallas,TX: sons: Dr. John Smolik, Jr. of Austin, TX, Jerry Smolik and wife Pat of Rockport, TX, Jim Smolik and wife Debbie of Austin, TX and Jeff Smolik of Kenedy. Grandchildren: John Ross Smolik and wife Michelle, Dr. Kristen Smolik Denten and husband Sam, Kara Smolik Murrell and husband Mark, Dr. Jeremy Smolik and wife Analese, Jake Smolik and wife Allison, Chelsea Smolik Herr and husband Mitch, Kelly Smolik Contreras and husband Mark, Erica Smolik Wilson and husband Andrew, Brittany Smolik Brettschnieder and husband Josh, Tiffany Smolik Greene and husband Brandon, Dr. Ryan Millington and wife Riana, Patrick Millington and wife Bethany, Caitlyn Millington Kirk and husband Matthew, Taylor Millington, Joshua Smolik and wife Cassie, Lindsey Smolik, Corey Smolik, Lauren McPhail, Alyssa McPhail; 28 great grandchildren and more on the way. Special thanks to Joyce’s caregivers who provided her with generous compassion and care: Susie Adame, Janie Altamirano, Janie Perez, Gloria Puente, and Irma Reyes. A Rosary will be recited Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 11:00a.m. at St. Cornelius Catholic Church with Funeral Mass following at 11:30a.m. at St. Cornelius Catholic Church, Karnes City,TX. Interment to follow in Kenedy Cemetery, Kenedy,TX. Serving as pallbearers will be her grandsons: John Ross Smolik, Dr. Jeremy Smolik, Jake Smolik, Dr. Ryan Millington, Patrick Millington, Taylor Millington, Joshua Smolik, Corey Smolik. Memorial contributions may be made of the donor’s choice.