Dr. Johnye Cannon Sturcken

Johnye Sturcken Obit PicDr. Johnye Cannon Sturcken passed away at Providence St. Peter Hospital, Olympia, Washington, on Thursday, April 24, 2014, at the age of 90 after a struggle with congestive heart failure. She was born on December 7, 1923, in Kenedy, Texas, to John Bunton Cannon and Lola Reasoner Cannon. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Clem Reasoner Cannon, her sister, Jeanne Cannon Leslie, and her niece, Jerrye Cannon Arnold.

            Johnye was a graduate of Kenedy High School. In 1944, while attending Baylor University, she married Edward Butler Sturcken, of Kenedy, who predeceased her. She graduated from Baylor in 1945. In the early 1950s, she taught at Kenedy High School and coached the girls’ basketball team there before pursuing her graduate degrees. She received her Ph.D. in British Literature and History from the University of Texas at Austin in 1964. After teaching English at Central Missouri State College, Warrensburg, Missouri, she became an associate professor of Literature and Languages at East Texas State University, now Texas A&M  University- Commerce, where she spent the rest of her career. In 1972, she was appointed Dean of ETSU’s Graduate School. In 1973, she was appointed Dean of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts, becoming the first woman to serve as an academic dean in the university’s history. In 1976, she resumed teaching English as a full professor in the Department of Literature and Languages at ETSU, retiring as a Professor Emerita in 1993. Her academic specialties were English Renaissance literature and Shakespeare. She was a talented, respected and dedicated teacher who always maintained high academic standards for the benefit of all her students. The Texas A&M University– Commerce flag was flown at half- staff on May 1, 2014, in her memory. During her career, she was active in the International Modern Language Association, the American Studies Association of Texas, the Shakespeare Society, the Southwest Modern Language Association, the Western American Literature Association and other academic organizations.

            Johnye was very generous, social and fun-loving, and she had lots of friends throughout her life. She loved giving dinner parties for her friends and participated for years in the Commerce, Texas, Wine & Cheese Society. She also was adventurous and loved to travel. Johnye visited every continent except Antarctica, but her favorite destination was Europe- especially Great Britain and France. Even after she was afflicted with macular degeneration, which eventually left her legally blind, she bravely continued to travel within the US to visit family and friends. In 2006, she joined the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sacajawea Chapter, in Olympia, Washington.

            Johnye is survived by: her sisters-in-law, Mary Cannon Quillian, and Betty Gay Kennedy; her cousin, Edwin P. Ruhmann, III, and wife Jeanne and their family; her sister’s children, Thomas R. Leslie, IV, and Jeanne Leslie; her brother’s children and their families- her nieces Christy Cannon and Lisa Cannon Theriot and husband Michael, grandniece  Michelle Whitten and husband Keith, grandnephew Brandon Cass and wife Virginia, grandniece Laura Morgan and husband Buck, grandniece Mary Champagne, grandniece Lauren Arenas and husband Jesse, and grandnephew John Theriot; and the family of her late cousin, Saralyn Pietsch. She is also survived by: many long-time friends in Washington State, Texas, and elsewhere, including Dr. Dorys Crow Grover, Caroline Coble, Maryetta McClurg, Dr. Keith McFarland, and Dr. Richard Tuerk; her childhood friends in Kenedy, Nancy Avant and Amanda B. Reid; and her kind personal assistant and caregiver in Lacey, Washington, Louise Hay.

            The funeral will be held Wednesday, May 7, 2014, at 1:00 pm at Eckols Funeral Home, Kenedy, Texas, with Reverend Sue Huntsman officiating. Honorary pallbearers are Edwin P. Ruhmann, III, Thomas R. Leslie, IV, Michael Theriot, Brandon Cass, John Theriot, and Jesse Arenas. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to South Texas Children’s Home, P O Box 1210, Beeville, Texas 78104-1210.

Elizabeth D. Henshall

E HENSHALL_0001 Elizabeth Henshall was born in Ft. Smith, AR to Rev. Ford and Defsie Gauntt.   As a preacher’s kid, her family ministered in various Southern Baptist churches in Arkansas and Oklahoma. In 1947-1949 Liz attended Oklahoma Baptist University where she met and then married John on December 21, 1949.  They stayed in the Oklahoma City area until John finished his degree. Shortly after Jack was born in 1952, John and Elizabeth moved their small family to Kenedy so John could try his hand at farming.  John farmed while Elizabeth had babies. Jan, Jean, and Jim were born within the following 4 years. The drought in the 50s forced John to find work to support his family, so he commuted to Beeville daily to teach Math & Industrial Arts at A.C. Jones High School. The following year, John moved his family to Beeville. Joyce was born in 1958, and the Henshall clan was established.  Liz stayed extremely busy the next 30 years raising her family, finishing her college degree in education, teaching Special Education in both the public school and at church, and was involved in many other activities at church and in the community. She was very active in church music activities. She sang in the adult choir, accompanied choirs on the piano, and led music for children of all ages. She enjoyed making beautiful quilts and other crafts.  In the mid 80’s John and Elizabeth retired from education and began building their retirement home back on the farm in Kenedy. They enjoyed over 20 years in peaceful retirement before John had to become Liz’s primary care-giver. Elizabeth always had a smile on her face and a song on her lips. She leaves behind a great legacy—5 children, 8 grandchildren, and 5 great-granddaughters.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, April 27th at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Kenedy, TX.  A time of visitation with the family will occur immediately following the memorial service in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to South Texas Children’s Home Ministries or to the Renovation Fund at First Baptist Church, Kenedy, TX.

 

 

Carol Ann Johnson

Carol Ann JohnsonCarol Ann Johnson, a longtime resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away in her home, Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 8:40 A.M., at the age of 80 years, 6 months, and 20 days. Carol was born in Buffalo, New York, September 27, 1933 to Henry McCourt and Anna Takac McCourt.

On February 3, 1962, Carol married Harding Johnson in Kenedy, Texas. Harding preceded Carol in death on March 6, 1997.

Carol is survived by her sons, Terry Johnson and wife Melanie of Karnes City, Jim Johnson and wife Karen of Victoria, Mike Johnson and wife Brenda of Austin, Patrick Johnson and wife Staci of San Antonio and Glenn Valentine of Kenedy; and her grandchildren, Rhett and Hailey Johnson, Kelly and John Williams, Andrea and Drew Rhodes, Chris Johnson, Kaitlyn, Grant, and Michael Johnson, and Kayla and Kevin Johnson. Ms. Johnson is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Peggy McCourt and her brothers, Kenneth McCourt and Robert McCourt.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., Friday, April 18, 2014 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services will be, Saturday, April 19, 2014 at 2:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Sue Huntsman officiating. Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery, Kenedy, Texas. Serving as pallbearers will be, Chris Johnson, Rhett Johnson, Kevin Johnson, Grant Johnson, Michael Johnson, and Kyle Shaw.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to, Nurses In Touch Hospice; 491 N. Sunset Strip, St. #106, Kenedy, Texas 78119.

Jose Rene Sanchez

Jose Rene Sanchez, a former resident of Kenedy, Texas passed away, Friday, April 11, 2014 in Corpus Christi, Texas at the age of 48 years, 8 months and 13 days.  Jose was born, July 29, 1964 the son of Alcrio Sanchez and Estella Garza Sanchez.

Jose is survived by his father, Alcrio Sanchez; his sons, Jody Hale and Rene Valdez; his sisters, Barbara Monsivais, Susana Rodriguez, and Esther Martinez; his brothers, Joe Manuel Sanchez and Regino Sanchez; and 8 grandchildren. Jose is also survived by 13 nieces and nephews and 27great nieces and nephews. Mr. Sanchez is preceded in death by his mother, Estella Garza Sanchez and his brother, Reynaldo Sanchez, Sr.

A rosary will be recited, Monday, April 14, 2014 at 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 9:30 A.M., Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Kenedy, with Rev. Norbert Herman officiating. Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery, Kenedy, Texas.

H.R. “Jerry” Dybowski

Santiago “Jimmy” Hinojosa

Santiago “Jimmy” Hinojosa, a lifelong resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away, Monday, April 7, 2014 at 10:56 P.M., in the Metropolitan Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 65 years, 4 months and 27 days.

Jimmy was born, November 11, 1948 in Kenedy, Texas the son of Ramon Hinojosa and Teresa Lira Hinojosa. He was a carpenter by trade and of the Catholic faith.

Jimmy is survived by his children, Susie Griffin, Teri Hinojosa and Lee Pena, Darrell Hernandez and wife Michelle, Danny Hinojosa and wife Priscilla, Jim Hinojosa and wife Trini, and Joey Hinojosa all of Kenedy; his sisters, Mary Ann Olivares of Kenedy, and Janice Reyes of Runge, and his brother, Ramon Hinojosa of Kenedy. He is also survived by his 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Mr. Hinojosa proceeded in death by his parents, Ramon and Teresa Hinojosa.

A rosary will be recited, Thursday, April 10, 2014 at 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M., Friday, April 11, 2014 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Kenedy, with Rev. Norbert Herman officiating. Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Kenedy, Texas.

Joe Kotzur

Joe Kotzur, age 88 a longtime resident of Pettus, Texas for over 60 years, passed away, Monday, March 31, 2014, at 2:37 A.M., in the Bluebonnet Nursing and Rehab Center in Karnes City, Texas surrounded by his family.

Joe was born to Joseph Kotzur and Clara Gabrysch Kotzur on September 14, 1925 in Wilson County, Texas. Joe worked in the oil fields of South Texas. On February 10, 1951, Joe married Clarona Koerth in Karnes City, Texas. Mr. Kotzur served his country in the United States Army and was a proud Veteran of World War II; after leaving the Army, he served in the United States Navy. He was a devoted husband and a loving father.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of over 63 years, Clarona Kotzur; his daughter, Debra Strya and husband Ferdinand of Yorktown; his sons, Steve Kotzur of Berclair and Terry Wood of Lake Hills; his grandson, Brett Strya, and his brother, E.W. Kotzur of Floresville. Mr. Kotzur is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Clara Kotzur.

Visitation will be held, Wednesday, April 2, 2014 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, from 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held, 2:00 P.M., Thursday, April 3, 2014 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Kenedy, Texas. Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be, Danny Koerth, Lloyd Koerth, E.M. Kotzur, Jr., Jerry Kotzur, Ray Kotzur, and Kenneth Kotzur.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; 590 Hwy 72; Kenedy, Texas.

Alvin Randy McDonald

McDonald OBIT NEWGod graciously honored our prayers Sunday, March 30th and gently took our loving husband and father, Alvin Randy McDonald in his sleep after a prolonged illness in San Antonio, TX.  Born November 25, 1938 in Kenedy, Texas to Alvin John McDonald and Sybil Vickery, he was 75 years old.

Upon earning his degree from Lamar University, he served as a Civil Engineer for the Federal Highway Administration for 34 years.  Throughout his career he was instrumental in researching and implementing many new processes including the asphalt recycling program. He was a lifelong member of Chi Epsilon and a past Republican Chairman for Bee County.  A self-taught piano player, he couldn’t pass up a piano without sitting down to play, always gathering a crowd.  He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Alene Hatcher of Beeville, TX with whom he enjoyed exploring the wonders of the United States with their children as his job took them all over the country.

He leaves behind three children who cherish the honor they have had of helping to care for him over the past few years; Pam Davis and husband Craig of Boerne, TX, Dana McDonald of Fort Worth, TX, and John McDonald and wife Kathryn of Skidmore, TX. He was very proud of his three grandchildren; Ben Davis and wife Marisa of New Boston, TX, Tara Ward and husband Preston of North Richland Hills, TX and Jacob Davis of Boerne, TX who remember him most fondly for the tall tales he would spin, always trying to figure out if they were real or not.  He was excitedly awaiting the arrival of his first great-grandchild in September.  He is also survived by his mother, Sybil McDonald of Corpus Christi, TX and sister Faun Stone and husband Don of Corpus Christi, TX.

Rejoicing that he is entertaining the angels tinkling the ivories and dancing in heaven, his family is grateful for this time they have had with their father and husband reliving and sharing the memories we’ve made during our lives together.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, April 3, 2014 at 1:30 pm at the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Children Are a Gift Foundation at www.childrenareagift.org where the grandson who preceded him, Zackery Davis, is remembered, or the charity of your choice.

Rafael “Ralph” Solis

Rafael “Ralph” Guajardo Solis, a lifelong resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away, Sunday, March 30, 2014 at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 66 years, 5 months and 6 days.

Ralph was born, October 24, 1947 in the son of Francisco Solis and Maria Guajardo Solis. On November 5, 1966, Ralph married the love of his life, Tila Puente.

Ralph is survived by his wife of over 47 years, Tila Solis of Kenedy; his sons, Michael R. Solis and wife Trish of Sugarland and Rene Solis and wife Alicia of Missouri City; his sisters Petra Zamora and Lorenza Gonzales; and his brothers, Santiago Solis and wife Manuela and Domingo Solis. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sara Solis, Mark Zermeno and wife Sara and Joshua Zermeno and wife Kristen, and his 3 great-grandchildren. Mr. Solis is preceded in death by his parents; his 3 brothers and 1 sister.

Visitation will be held in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel beginning at 12 Noon, Tuesday, April 1, 2014 and a rosary will be recited Tuesday at 7:00 P.M., at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Kenedy. Funeral mass will be celebrated, 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, April 2, 2014, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy, Texas with Rev. Norbert Herman officiating. Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Kenedy, Texas. Serving as pallbearers will be, Mark Zermeno, Josh Zermeno, Richard Zamora, Joe Luis Zamora, Joe Daniel Solis, Chris Robles, Steve Gonzales, Jimmy Solis, Jr., and Marcus Solis.

Nick F. Kroll, Jr.

KROLL NENick F. Kroll, Jr., a resident of Hobson, Texas, entered eternal rest, Friday, March 28, 2014 at 9:50 P.M., at Kindred Hospital in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 76 years, 3 months and 28 days.

Nick was born, November 30, 1937 in Karnes County, Texas, the son of Nick Kroll, Sr., and Otillia Pawelek Kroll. On January 26, 1963, Nick married Jo Ann Polasek in Karnes City, Texas.

Mr. Kroll is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Walter Kroll, Emil Kroll, Sr., and Ernest Kroll, and his sisters, Alice Manka and Ann Seitz. Nick is survived by his beloved wife of over 51 years, Jo Ann Kroll, and his three daughters, Fran Kroll Fransen and husband Eric, Jr., of Fulsher, Gloria Kroll Fenner and husband Vernon, Jr., of Hobson, and Elaine Kroll Simmons and husband Warren of Falls City. HE is also survived by his 10 grandchildren, Robin Fransen Serio, Eric “Trey” Fransen, III, Rebecca Fransen, Abigail Fenner, Garrett Fenner, Theresa Fenner, Megan Simmons, Amber Simmons, and Kayla and Casey Simmons.

Visitation will be held, Tuesday, April 1, 2014 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel and a rosary will be recited Tuesday at 7:00 P.M., also in the chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated, 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, April 2, 2014, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Hobson, Texas with Rev. Jeff Polasek officiating. Interment will follow in the Falls City Cemetery, Falls City, Texas. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Falls City Council.