Robert Lee Busselman, 84 of Karnes City, Texas died Saturday, November 24, 2018 at Eden Hills Community in New Braunfels, Texas.

Robert was born September 18, 1934 to Otto Robert and Thekla Fenner Busselman in Lenz, Texas.  He grew up in Karnes City, Texas and graduated from Karnes City High School at the age of 16.  Following high school, he delivered newspapers, worked for Hubbard’s Grocery Store, and for International Harvester.  In August of 1953, he joined the Army and left for Fort Bliss Army Base, in El Paso, Texas.  Before leaving for Germany, he married Betty Jane Coldewey at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on June 20, 1954.  He sailed to Kaiserslautern, Germany where he was a radar operator and served the remaining of his enlistment returning home in June of 1955.  Following his service in the army, he farmed, worked for International Harvester, Coke a Cola Bottling Company, Purina Feed Co. and as a welder for Elliott Gross in Kenedy, TX.

During the drought years, it became difficult to maintain a living as a farmer/rancher, so he attended Department of Public Safety School in Austin, Texas. Then he moved his family to San Antonio in February of 1960 where he was a DPS Patrolman.  After working as a Driver’s License Patrolman for 4 years, he worked for the Atomic Energy Commission as an electronics technician performing tests and making repairs on atomic bombs and other munitions at Medina Base. Working from 8a.m. – 5p.m. was boring during those years, and being anxious to fill his extra time, he began taking college courses.   After completing an Associate of Science Degree from San Antonio College in January of 1965, he moved his family to Houston,  began attending the University of Houston and subsequently entered Bates College of Law.  While attending school part time and working full time at NASA as an electronic technician on  the Gemini trainer for the astronauts, he had the opportunity to meet and work with famous astronauts such as Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Ed White and many others.  Following his work on the Gemini trainer, he worked for EAI at NASA as a computer technician.  Graduating with a Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from the University of Houston and passing the bar exam in 1970, he practiced law for one year in Houston before moving his family back home to Karnes City opening his private law office in Kenedy, Texas in 1971.  He practiced law for a total of 47 years which included a partnership with Scarborough, Roberts,  Busselman, & Berry.  During those years, he served as city attorney for Falls City, Runge and Kenedy as well as a director of First Nichols National Bank.  He was appointed County Attorney of Karnes County on December 1, 1999 and served 3 consecutive terms, a total of 13 years.  Serving as president of the Rotary Club and Kenedy Chamber of Commerce as well as judge advocate for the Kenedy VFW were some of the organizations in which he participated.

As an active member of King of Glory Lutheran Church in Houston, King of Kings Lutheran Church in Houston , and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Karnes City, he taught Sunday School and served on church council.

Robert enjoyed visiting and talking with people anywhere anytime. Completing his years as County Attorney, he continued to practice law until his retirement. Early mornings you would find him at the City Pharmacy or Becky’s visiting with friends while enjoying a cup of coffee or breakfast.  The retired men who gather early mornings proudly named their group, “The Romeo Club” (Retired Old Men Eating Out).

Robert Lee Busselman is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty Jane Coldewey Busselman of Karnes City; daughters: Debbie Kay Busselman Witte (Mark) of Karnes City, Brenda Gay Busselman Gregory (Russell) of Pflugerville; sons: Bobby Ray Busselman (Diane) of Rowlett, Kevin Jay Busselman (Janice) of Hallettsville and 8 grandchildren: Kristin Witte Hubbard (Trey)  of San Marcos, Erin Witte Fudge (Justin) of Karnes City, Dustin Cole Witte (Jackie) of Karnes City , Amber Gregory Shand (David) of Wimberley, Chase Colby Gregory of Pflugerville, Justin Jay Busselman (Alexis) of Inez, Megan Elizabeth Busselman of College Station , and Sarah  Nicole Busselman of College Station; 11 Great Grandchildren:  Baleigh Fudge, Broden Fudge, Kilyn Hubbard, Karsyn Hubbard, Lucas Witte, Ryan Gregory, Rylee Gregory, Brody Shand, Bostyn Shand, Kenedy Busselman and Ryder Busselman; three nephews: Dwayne, Robbie and Chris Busselman  and one niece Kim Busselman  Hadley.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Thekla Busselman; brother, Billy Joe Busselman, sister, Ira Lee Busselman;  and great grandson, Tysen Russell Shand.

Visitation will be at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, TX from 4:00-7:00p.m. on Dec. 7, 2018

Funeral Services will be at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Karnes City, TX at 10:30a.m. on Dec. 8, 2018

Inurnment will follow in the Karnes City Cemetery, Karnes City, TX.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:

-Alzheimer’s Association online at www.alz.org

-Karnes County Sheriff’s Department

500 E. Wall Street

Karnes City, Texas 78118

-St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

408 S. Davidson

Karnes City, TX 78118

-South Texas Children’s Home

P.O. Box 1210

Beeville, Texas 78104-1210

-Charity of Choice

On any donations, please note dad’s name in care of P.O. Box 461, Karnes City, TX 78118 so we can acknowledge your donation.

Irma Chesser, born on July 3, 1937 in Karnes County, Texas to Victor Cortez Sr. and Juaquina Penilla Cortez passed away on Monday, November 19, 2018 at the age of 81. Mrs. Chesser is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Albert Chesser, Sr.,1997; her sisters, Elva Cortez and Linda Rosales, her brothers, Benny Cortez, Johnny Cortez, and Raymond Casarez. Survivors include her three daughters and son, Saralyn (James) Ferguson of Marble Falls,TX, SheilaThompson of Kenedy,TX, Albert (Beverly) Chesser Jr. of GeorgeWest,TX and Sharon (Joe Hernandez, Jr.) Chesser of Kenedy,TX; 6 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; sisters, Sandra Loya of Karnes City,TX and Argentina Cortez of Corpus Christi,TX; stepsisters, Leticia Gustafson of Corpus Christi,TX  and Sandra Simms of  Houston,TX   ;brothers, Florentino (Gay) Cortez of Pawnee,TX, Gregory Cortez of Kenedy,TX, Victor (Sarah) Cortez, Jr. of Karnes City,TX; sisters-in-law: Irma Cortez of Arizona and Alma Cortez of Kenedy, TX; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Visitation Friday, November 23, 2018 from 1:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral services Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 10:00a.m. at Eckols Chapel with Rev. Trey Hill officiating. Interment in Kenedy Cemetery. Pallbearers: Bryan Chesser, Ethan Chesser, Brandon Chesser, Jimmy Loya Jr., Steven Loya, and Aaron Cortez.

Pamela Jo Chamrad Broll, Age 72 of Kenedy, TX passed away Saturday, November 17, 2018 in Schertz, TX. Pamela Jo was born June 6, 1946 to Daniel J. Chamrad, Sr. & LaVerle Rodgers Chamrad in Victoria, TX.  She graduated from Yorktown High School where she met the love of her life Robert Broll.  They married at Holy Cross Catholic Church October 9, 1965 and made their home in Kenedy, TX. Together they had four boys Mark, Bo, Chris, Jeff and ran Broll Lumber Company for many years.   Pamela Jo loved cooking, loved her family and especially loved her grandchildren.

Pamela is preceded in death by her parents, Daniel J. Chamrad, Sr. and Rue Laverle Rodgers Chamrad and her grandparents.

Pamela is survived by her loving husband, Robert Broll of Kenedy, TX; four sons, Mark Broll of Schertz, TX, Bo Broll and wife Brooke of San Antonio, TX, Chris Broll and wife Keri of Round Rock, TX, Jeff Broll of Texarkana, TX; grandchildren, Hannah, Logan, Jude, Wren, Emma Lynn, Reid, River and Savannah; brother, Danny Chamrad of Victoria, TX, Brothers and Sisters in Laws Bernice Zaiontz, Leonard Broll, Daniel and Charlotte Broll, all of Yorktown, TX. Aunt Nita Faye Kisiah of St. Hedwig, TX; cousins, Michael Kisiah of Flour Bluff, Melinda Smith of St. Hedwig, TX, Melissa Smith of La Vernia, TX; niece Beth Phillips of Buda, TX; nephews, Nicholas Broll, Danny Broll, Dustin Broll, Travis Broll all of Yorktown, TX, Trey Chamrad of New Bruanfels, TX.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at 10AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Norbert Hermann Officiating.  Interment will follow in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Yorktown, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Nicholas Broll, Danny Broll, Dustin Broll, Travis Broll, Logan Broll, Jude Broll, Wren Broll, Reid Broll and Mitch Phillips.

Honorary Pallbearer will be Ryan Phillips.

Jesse Kotzur, Age 72 of Kenedy, TX passed away on November 11, 2018 in Kenedy, TX. Jesse was born on April 25, 1946 in Karnes City, TX to the late Jesse, Sr. and Theresa Dworaczyk Kotzur.  He married Brenda Jane Donnell in February of 1975 in Karnes City, TX, retired as Automotive Shop Manager from Witte Automotive Dealership in Karnes City and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to many.   He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Theresa Dworaczyk Kotzur, sisters; Mary Mueller, Susanne Kotzur, and a brother, Edwin Kotzur.  He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Jane Donnell Kotzur, daughter, Shelia Fay Spencer; son, Kelly Kotzur and wife Lindy; sisters, Diane Bradford, Karen Ann Fairfield, Debra Greer and 3 grandchildren.  Family Visitation will be Thursday, November 15, 2018 from 12PM to 8PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be Friday, November 16, 2018 at 2PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Randy Witte officiating.  Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.  Serving as Pallbearers and Honorary Pallbearers will be the Karnes City Volunteer Fire Department.

Guadalupe Mendez Ecobedo, born on October 6, 1946 in Choate, Texas to Reynaldo Mendez and Olivia Amaya Mendez passed away on Thursday, November 8, 2018 at the age of 72. Guadalupe is preceded in death by her brothers, Manuel A. Mendez Sr. and Juan A. Mendez. Survivors include his sisters, Victoria R. (Jose F. Sr.) Salinas of Beeville,TX and Yolanda (Lonnie) Keith of Baird, TX; sister-in-law: Maria T. Mendez; four nieces: Olivia Mendez (deceased), Michelle Allen, Tiffany Doris, Mellissa Killingsworth; 7 great nieces; 1 great great niece; four nephews: Manuel Mendez, Jr.(deceased), Jose Salinas, Jr., Eric Keith, Jamie Salinas; 7 great nephews; 2 great great nephews, and other relatives. Visitation Sunday, November 11, 2018 from 1:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral Services Monday, November 12, 2018 at 10:00a.m. Eckols Chapel with interment in Loma Alta Cemetery. Pallbearers: Eric Keith, Lonnie Keith, Caleb Allen, Benny Amaya., Henry Ramirez, and Jose Salinas, Jr.

Alberto “El Indio” Hernandez Torres, born on April 8, 1954 in Sabinas Hidalgo Nuevo Leon, Mexico to Juan Hernandez Lopez and Francisca Torres Robledo passed away on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at the age of 64. El Indio worked as a Painter/Body Man for Allen Brown for over 30 years and also had his own place by the name of El Indio y Los Hernandez Bros. along with doing ranchwork. He is survived by his wife, Diana Marie Baldarramos Hernandez of Kenedy; his sons, Albert Hernandez Baldarramos of Kenedy, Matthew (Elisa) Hernandez of El Paso, Joseph(Sona) Hernandez, Daniel (Alisha) Hernandez, Adam (Jessica) Hernandez of Kenedy; grandchildren, Darren, Ezekiel, Emmanuel, Elizabeth Hernandez, Marky Rodriguez, Nathaniel Alvarez, Noah Rodriguez, Jocelyn Sifuentes, Marina Amaya, Keiona Amaya; sisters, Margarita Hernandez Torres and Maria Isabel Hernandez Torres; brother, Tomas Hernandez Torres; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Visitation will be held Friday, November 9, 2018 from 1:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral service Saturday,  November 10, 2018 at 10:00a.m. at Eckols Chapel with interment in Loma Alta Cemetery. Pallbearers to be his sons, Matthew, Joseph, Daniel and Adam Hernandez, nephew, Gerardo Hernandez and his best friend, Richard Rosales. Honorary Pallbearers: his oldest son, Alberto Hernandez Baldarramos and Chino Hernandez.

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.