Kenneth Morris Matthews departed this life on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, after a short battle with cancer.

He was born January 10, 1935 in San Antonio to Elven and Lillian Morris Matthews. He attended school in San Antonio and Kenedy. He played football alongside his brother Bubba, for the Kenedy Lions, and graduated from there in 1953. He attended college at Texas A&I in Kingsville for one year. During this time, Kenneth and his buddies had a reputation for stealing the mascots of opposing schools in the middle of the night. He told one story about traveling to San Antonio from Kingsville one night around midnight to steal the Tiger from Trinity University. On the way back, the tiger appeared to be ill. When they got to Kingsville, they were forced to call their teacher, who happened to be a vet. They told him that they had a sick cat. When he arrived, after he got over the shock of seeing the tiger, he diagnosed him with a bad case of motion sickness!

Kenneth enlisted in the United States Air Force in February of 1957, a week before receiving his draft notice. Three months later, he married the love of his life, Arline Best, on May 4^th at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Karnes City. They lived in San Antonio while Kenneth began his Air Force career. He was stationed at Randolph Air Force Base and Brooks Air Force Base working in the Aerospace program sending animals into space. In 1959, they welcomed a daughter, Karen Sue, into their lives. Four years later, Belinda Lea came along.

In 1963, Kenneth was transferred, taking his young family first to Ireland, then to England. When they first arrived to Ireland, they had to live in a hotel for two months while looking for a house. Kenneth told Arline that he could always tell which room was theirs from the outside by the diapers hanging in the window! Arline would hand wash the diapers in the hotel sink, and hang them on the curtain rod to dry.

They were transferred back to the states in 1966, to Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. After nine months of living there, Kenneth decided it was time to settle down and not move his family around anymore. He was discharged from the Air Force in 1967, after 10 years of service, and the family moved back to Texas.

They settled on the Best family farm between Lenz and Coy City where Arline had grown up. Kenneth tried his hand at farming, which wasn’t easy in that caliche soil! In the mid 70’s, he helped to organize the El Oso area water supply system, to supply farmers in the area with good drinking water.

In 1977, the family moved into Karnes City for convenience sake. Kenneth worked in oilfield construction, eventually starting his own business, Matthews Construction. During this period of time Kenneth enlisted in the Air Force Reserves. In January of 1991, his unit was sent to England to set up a hospital to receive casualties from Operation Desert Storm. Luckily he was only gone from his family for 2 months. He served in the reserves for 10 years, giving him a total of 20 years in the Air Force. He was able to retire with the rank of Master Sergeant.

Kenneth was an accomplished musician and singer, contributing his talents to the choir of First United Methodist Church in Karnes City.

In the mid 90’s, Ken and Arline started a gospel group calling themselves “A Joyful Noise”. After receiving a letter from a gospel group who already claimed that name, they decided on the name, “The Gospel Truth.”. They traveled all over Texas spreading the word of Jesus Christ through their beautiful music, even recording their own CD called, “Precious Memories”.

Another passion of Ken and Arline’s was camping. They started out back in the 70’s with an over the cab camper. Through the years, they were able to upgrade to bigger and better RV’s. Their latest one is a beautiful motor home. They traveled all over Texas, including several destinations out of state. Ruidoso, New Mexico was a favorite destination of theirs. Coleto Creek Park was by far their most loved place to camp. They spent several months every year with their special winter Texas friends. This was definitely their, “happy place!”. Ken and Arline were active members of the First United Methodist Church in Karnes City and most recently attended Fannin United Methodist Church, enjoying a very special and loving church family. Kenneth loved and praised his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and was a wonderful spiritual example for his children and grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Arline; daughters, Karen (Ken) Harvey of Beeville; and Belinda (Gary) Pawelek of Karnes City; grandchildren, Lyndsey (Colt) Campbell of Midland, Ben (Jackie)Pawelek of Karnes City, Zack Pawelek of Selma, MacKenzie Harvey of College Station, and Logan Harvey of Midland; 2 great grandchildren, Kenleigh Campbell and Stone Campbell of Midland; brother, James (Lucille) Mathews of Kenedy; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A funeral service was held on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 10:00a.m. at Eckols Chapel with Rev. Alex Alvarez and Rev. Carl Schneider officiating. Interment followed in the Karnes City Cemetery with Full U.S.A.F. Honors.

Pallbearers: Ben Pawelek, Zack Pawelek, Logan Harvey, Colt Campbell, Danny Denson, and Jimmy Duffer.

Honorary Pallbearers: Tommy Hayes, Lenny Steffens, Allen Heard, Georgia Lee Swickheimer, Al Kuehl, grandkids, and great grandkids, also, the congregation of Fannin United Methodist Church.

The family would like to thank Dr. Sreedavi Daggubati and staff at Texas Oncology in New Braunfels; Dr. Howard Solomon and the staff at Guadalupe Regional Hospital in Seguin. A special thanks to Dr. Rayford Mitchell and the wonderful nurses and staff at Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital. Also thanks to Jo Beth, Sharon, and staff of Crown Hospice. An extra special thank you goes to our “night angel” Sara Rodriguez, who stayed with our Dad every night at home. You will never know how blessed we were to have you in our Dads life!.

Memorial Donations may be made to Headwaters for Heroes, 101 High Pint Ranch Road, Harper, TX 78631 ; Fannin United Methodist Church, 9852 US Highway59 N, Goliad, TX 779631.

Alice Faye Dilmore, Age 79 of Poth, TX passed away Tuesday, October 30, 2018 in Floresville, TX. Faye was born on April 7, 1939 in Kenedy, TX to the late John and Becky Vickery Huddler.  She married Don Dilmore on May 28, 1960 in Portland, TX who preceded her death on July 22, 1991. Faye was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and a member of Northview Baptist Church in Floresville, TX.

She is preceded in death by her husband Don Dilmore; and her parents, John and Becky Vickery Huddler.

She is survived by her daughters, Betty Lynn Hener and husband Harold of Stockdale, TX, Donna Kaye Bailey and husband Jeffrey of Poth, TX; sister, Linda Anderson of Floresville, TX; brother, Johnnie Huddler of Floresville, TX and grandchildren Jamie Hernandez and husband Vince and Angela Hener.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 31, 2018 from 6PM to 8PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Services will be Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 10AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. James McClure officiating.  Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Dora Alaniz Moreno, of Runge, TX born March 24, 1940 to Isabel and Evangelina Sanchez Alaniz passed away Saturday, October 27, 2018 at the age of 78. Dora is preceded in death by 7 brothers and sisters. She is survived by her daughters, Rebecca Martinez, of Austin,TX, Martha Martinez (Musa Abdalla), of Jordan, and Adelita Moreno(Orlen Valladares), of Runge,TX; son, Hector Martinez (Laura), of Kenedy,TX; 11 grandchildren; 1 great granddaughter; sisters, Mary Morin, Edroy,TX, Lydia Garcia, of Rosenburg,TX and Trinidad Hackney of Beeville,TX; brother, Jose Alaniz of Taft, TX; nieces, nephews, and was loved by everyone and “Grandma” to all. Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 30, 2018 from 1:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral Services Wednesday, OCtober 31, 2018 at 10:00a.m. at Templo Elim Church, Karnes City,TX with interment in Loma Alta Cemetery, Kenedy,TX. Pallbearers: Moses Martinez, Abel Alaniz, Paul Castaneda, Mario Rodriguez, Miguel Barrientos and Isabel Morin.

Mable Jean Thiele, of Kenedy, TX , born September 15, 1934 in Three Rivers, Texas to Walter Herman Thiele and Norma Stridde Zamzow passed away on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at the age of 84. After marrying the love of her life, Mr. Otto M. Thiele, Jr., on September 20, 1952 she was a vital partner in their dairy farm/ ranching and raising their three children, being the best role model. She was an active and devoted member and leader of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Survived by her husband of 66 years, Otto M. Thiele, Jr.; daughter, Sharan (Derral) Russell, of Kenedy, TX; sons: Gary (Sue) Thiele, of Kenedy, TX and Dale (Loretta) Thiele, of Kenedy, TX; grandchildren: Mathew (Julie) Thiele, of Kenedy, TX, Andrea (Terry) Hale, of San Antonio, TX, Erin Thiele, San Antonio, TX, Wesley (Lisa) Theuret, of Kenedy, TX, Walker (Roxanne), Theuret, of Kenedy, TX and Gena (Waylan) Goodwin, Moody, TX; ten great grandchildren: William Hale, Tylee Hale, Sarah Theuret, Wesley Theuret Jr., Emma Theuret, Dustin Theuret, Devin Theuret, Cresse Goodwin, Cody Goodwin and Colbi Goodwin; sister, Nelda Faye (Freddie) Franke; brothers, Alton (Susan)Zamzow, Curtis (Jeanette) Zamzow, Arlen(Angie) Zamzow; nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. Visitation was held on Friday, October 26, 2018 from 5:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral services were Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 11:00a.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with interment following in the Kenedy Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, P.O.Box 32, Kenedy, TX 78119. Pallbearers: Matthew Thiele, Julie Thiele, Andrea Hale, Terry Hale, Erin Thiele, Wesley Theuret, Walker Theuret, Gena Goodwin. Honorary Pallbearers: Paul Brysch, Karen Brysch, Ronnie D. Lieke, Van Johnson, Cathy Jurgajtis, Janice Blaschke and all the members that she worshipped with at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

SMSGT John Cano Ornelas, Sr. (U.S.A.F. Ret.), of Kenedy, TX born September 20, 1923 to Esteban and Emilia Ornelas passed away on Friday, October 11, 2018 at the age of 95. Mr. Ornelas was a career Air Force retiree with over 30 years of military service. Mr. Ornelas was preceded in death by his wife Susie in 2013 and a son, Anthony Ornelas, in 2010, and grandson, Vincent Gomes, 2012. Survivors include his children: John Ornelas Jr. and wife Marie, of Weatherford, TX, David Ornelas and wife Denise, of Kenedy, TX, Emilia McCauley, of Milton, Delaware and Linda Gomes and husband Ronald, of Dover, Delaware; 21 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; sisters: Consuelo Garza, Lupe Rodriguez, Carmen Apolinar and brother, Raul Ornelas; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Armando “Mando” Carvajal, 62 of Kenedy, TX passed away, Monday, October 22, 2018 in Houston, TX. He I preceded in death by his parents Alvino & Jesusita Carvajal.  Mando is survived by his wife Delia of 32 years; daughters, Melissa Leal (Ruben Leal), Domenica De Los Santos (Anthony De Los Santos), Jennifer Cooper (Christopher Cooper); son, AJ Carvajal (Janie Carvajal), 15 grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews and relatives.  Mando was a fun, loud, loving husband, father, popo and friend to everyone.  He was one of the strongest, toughest, hardworking men we knew.  In his late 20’s he overcame a disability that challenged him to live with one arm.  He continued to thrive and work performing tasks such as changing oil, changing a tire and tying his shoes.  He never used his disability as an excuse.  Mando loved being with his family and friends.  He enjoyed watching sports, especially his favorite team the Dallas Cowboys.  He was always high spirited and the life of the party.  He loved dancing and listening to Ricky Naranjo, while playing the air accordion.   A Holy Rosary will be recited October 24, 2018 at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel at 420 W. Live Oak St., Kenedy, TX.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 9AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church where the family will greet guest.  Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Claude Ray Morgan, 89 of Choate, Texas was called home to his mansion not built by human hands Tuesday, September 18, 2018.

Ray was born Oct. 10, 1928, to Neal and Bertha (Baker) Morgan in Choate, Texas. He was a 1946 Graduate of Kenedy High School. He enjoyed his work on the farm until he proudly answered the call to serve his country.  He served in the 40^th Division, 224^th Regiment Charlie Company during the Korean War.  He married Joyce Drapalla on December 14^th, 1952.  He continued to work on the farm until the drought of the 1950’s forced him to seek seek employment in town.  He was employed by Donaho Refining Company in Pettus until 1963 and then worked for Kaufmann Motor Company as Parts Manager for over 30 years.  Ray served on the Hondo Creek Water Shed Board and on the Pettus School Board, but is he is most remembered for his service in Choate Baptist Church.  He loved the Lord and missions.

He was preceded in death by his parents’ brother, Clyde Morgan; sisters; Lucy Bell Ryan, Gladys M. Wilson; and beloved wife Joyce Morgan.

Survivors include his son David (Kathy) Morgan, Gary (Nan) Morgan; 4 grandchildren, Jonathan, Amanda, Thomas, and Will; a niece Nancy Ellen Wilson and numerous cousins and family.

Visitation will be held at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel Friday, September 21, 2018 from 6PM to 8PM. Funeral Services will be Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 10AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Aaron Corporon and Rev. Jay Fleming officiating.  Graveside Services and Interment will follow in the Choate Cemetery, Choate, TX.

Pallbearers will be Will Morgan, Charlie Morgan, Chaco De Los Santos, Chris Johnson, Philip Bush, and Jonathan Morgan.

Honorary Pallbearers are Thomas Morgan, Duane Nutt, J.E. Baker and Butch Weatherly.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the Choate Cemetery Trust Fund or NADA(Neighbors Against Destroying Aquifers) in memory of Ray Morgan.

Jonelle Wheatley Thornton, age 78, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, September 23, 2018, in her home in Helena, Texas, with Bill Thornton, her husband of 57 years, and her loving family surrounding her. Born on October 27, 1939, Jonelle grew up in Brownsville, TX, with her parents, Marshall and Ruth Clark. Jonelle attended Southwestern University, where she was a member of the outstanding Southwestern A Cappella Choir and Delta Delta Delta sorority. She was selected as a School Beauty and as the Kappa Sigma Dream Girl of 1960. During her time at Southwestern, Jonelle met Bill Dozier Thornton, the love of her life, and they married in 1961. They had three children, Brian, Steven, Matthew. They lived in Austin, Temple, the Rio Grande Valley, South Padre Island, and, in retirement, on their ranch in Helena. Jonelle was a beacon to her family. Her light shone bright and her love ran deep. Jonelle  was preceded in death by her sons, Brian and Matthew Thornton. She is survived by her husband, Bill Thornton; son, Steve (Lorie); grandchildren, Jennifer (David) Pierson, Phillip and Dylan Loveland, and Wyatt Aikman-Thornton; great grandchildren, Rebecca and Madeline Pierson; nieces, nephew, and other relatives; and her beloved Chihuahua, B.B. Visitation will be held Friday, September 28, 2018 from 3:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. at Eckols Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 1:00p.m. at Karnes City Cemetery with Rev. Danielle Knapp officiating of the Karnes City United Methodist Church.

Diana “DeeDee” Marie Villanueva, of Karnes City, TX born on March 22, 1965 to the late Edward “Wasso” De La Garza and Mary Guerra De La Garza passed away Saturday, September 22, 2018 at the age of 53. DeeDee was a Business office Manager for Kenedy Health and Rehab in Kenedy, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, a friend to many who loved arts and crafts, sewing, cooking and baking. She is preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her husband, Gilbert Villanueva of Karnes City, TX; her daughter, Cerise (Joe) Quesada, Jr., of Corpus Christi, TX; her son; Gilbert “G.J.” Villanueva, Jr. and fiancé, Hillary; grandsons, Joseph Quesada and Ian Quesada; her sisters, Sandra De La Garza, of Karnes City, TX, Mandy (Christopher) Grullon, of New Braunfels, TX and Terri De La Garza, of Victoria, TX; brother, Eddie (Sandy) De La Garza, of Kenedy, TX; several nieces and nephews and other relatives. A Holy Rosary will be recited at 7PM Tuesday, September 25, 2018 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass will be Celebrated Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 10AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating. Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery. Pallbearers: Gilbert Villanueva, Jr., Raymond Villanueva, Eddie De La Garza, Joe Quesada, Chris Grullon, Mike Gonzales, and Davy Villanueva.

Adolfo G. “Duffy” Aguirre, of Dickinson, TX born on May 29, 1958 in Karnes City, TX passed away on September 14, 2018 at the age of 60. He worked for Howell Electric for many years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Francisco “Kiko”and Herlinda “Linda” Garza Aguirre and his siblings, Francisco “Frank” Aguirre, Alfredo “Freddy” Aguirre, and Linda Ann Aguirre. He is survived by his son, Adolfo Duffy “D.J.” Aguirre, Jr. and wife Katherine; his five grandchildren: Anthony Lette, Christian Lette, Brealynn Lette, Adolfo Davian Aguirre, and Ashlynn Aguirre; his brothers and sisters: Gilbert Aguirre, Robert (Anita) Aguirre, Yolanda (Roy) Garcia, Sulema (Gregorio Jr.) Gonzales, Carolina Duenes, and Samuel (Carol) Aguirre; numerous nieces, nephews, former spouse, Mary Alaniz; and other relatives. Visitation Hours: Monday, September 17, 2018 from 9:00a.m. to 9:00p.m. with a Prayer Service at 6:00p.m. then a Rosary to be recited at 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral services Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at 12:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel with interment in Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery, Pawnee, TX. Pallbearers: Amanda Daniels, Fredrick Wayne Duenes, Donovan Garcia, Gilbert Aguirre Jr., Gregorio Gonzales, Jr., Jerry Duenes, Anthony Lette, Christian Lette.