Hortencia Fernandez Rios, a lifelong resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away surrounded by her family, Tuesday, June 25, 2013, at the Floresville Nursing and Rehab Center at the age of 64 years.

Hortencia was born in Karnes County, Texas, January 2, 1949, the daughter of Rosa Delgado Fernandez. She graduated high school and on December 5, 1969, married Juan F. Rios, Jr., in Runge, Texas. She worked as a medication aide at the Connally Unit Prison in Kenedy and was of the Catholic faith.

Hortencia is survived by her beloved husband of over 43 years, Juan Rios, Jr., of Kenedy; her daughter, Debra Ann Rios of Kenedy; her sons, David John Rios and wife Jannet of Tucson, Arizona and Julian Rene Rios and Sonia Cavazos of Laredo, Texas and her brother, Rudolfo Fernandez, also of Del Rio, Texas. Mrs. Rios is preceded in death by her mother and her sister, Janie Fernandez.

Visiation will be held, Friday, June 28, 2013 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, and rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M., Friday also in the funeral home chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, June 29, 2013, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Runge with Rev. Norbert Herman officiating. Interment will follow in the Runge Cemetery.

Jimmy L. Albert, a longtime resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away, Monday, June 24, 2013, at 1:36 P.M., in the Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital in Kenedy, Texas, at the age of 71 years, 4 months and 1 day.

Jimmy was born on February 23, 1942 in Floresville, Texas, the son of Leroy Albert and Evelyn Reinhardt Albert. On July 7, 1962, Jimmy married the love of his life, Dillie Schroeder in Kenedy, Texas.

In his early days of raising cattle Jimmy began working at the Karnes County Auction Barn. He worked his way up through his time there to becoming a partner in the business then later becoming a full time owner for over 35 years. After owning the auction barn for 35 plus years, he sold it with the intent to retire.

Jimmy’s heart and soul was in in ranching. He served different capacities on many different boards; he has dedicated his life to the youth of agriculture. From 1981 up until 1993 he was a friend of the 4-H Organization and in 1990 he received honor for outstanding commitment to the children of ADA by Wilson Hospital Cattleman’s Roundup. Later in, 1994 he was honored by the San Antonio Livestock Expo Calf Scramble for ten years of service. Jimmy has held the title of president for the Kenedy Stock shows and along with other ranchers, was largely responsible for helping to create the local county stock show so time ago. He was always quick to pass credit on to others, but was proud to observe the accomplishments of tomorrow’s future. Jimmy was also a recipient of the Champion Exotic Bull Title in 2012, a Director of Area 5 American International Charolaise Association, President of Evergreen VWCD and most notably a recipient of the 2012 Kenedy Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Agriculture Award.

Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Dillie Schroeder Albert; his sisters Linda Miller and husband Ron of Breckenridge, Colorado and Carolyn Kruse and husband Lawrence of Pleasanton; his grandchildren Heather Cook and husband Bryan, Nicole Loest and husband Donovan, Joey Schaefer and Afton Bauer and husband Jimmy and his great-grandchildren, Jayden Loest, Clayson Loest and Allie Bauer. Mr. Albert is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Debbie Albert.

Visitation will be held, Thursday, June 27, 2013, from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, June 28, 2013, in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Pat Traxler officiating. Interment will follow at the Albert Ranch, 435 FM 743, Kenedy, Texas. Serving as pallbearers will be, Calvin Albert, Josh Tielke, Bruce Harborth, Rick Harborth, Donovan Loest, Ed Monson, Don Wirght and Jimmy Bauer. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be, Bailey Atkinson and James Griffith.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial be made to The Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital; 8026 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78229.

John Boyd “Bob” Best, Jr., a resident of Victoria, Texas, entered into eternal rest, Saturday, June 22, 2013, at 5:00 P.M., at his residence surrounded by his loving family at the age of 87 years.

Bob was born, September 23, 1925 in Ranger, Texas, the son of John Boyd Best, Sr., and Nannie Louise Kelly Best. He graduated high school and then went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army; having fought in World War II. After serving in the Army, Bob began his career as an accountant for Exxon, from which he later
retired. On July 10, 1982, Bob married Jeanne Jimerson in Kenedy, Texas. Bob was a former resident of Portland, Texas for many years, later having moved to Choate and settling in Victoria the past 6 years. Mr. Best was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in Portland, Texas.

Mr. Best is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Billie Mills Best; his son, Don O. Harvey, III; his sisters Evelyn Wolf and husband Gordon, Elizabeth Kerr and husband Bill and Lois West and husband James and his 2 nephews, Bobby and Jim Kerr. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Jeanne Best of Victoria; his
daughters, Carol Calvert and husband Jim of Austin, Maggie Malek and husband Rick of Robstown and Linda Woods of Kenedy and his son, John Harvey and wife Janice of Lansing, Michigan.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kelley Hoelscher and husband Daniel, Amy Malek and fiancé, Lucas Thomas, Julie Mumfrey and husband Doug, George Grimes and wife Sara, Heather Guerra and husband Mario, Brian Harvey and wife Ashley and Zachary, Jacob and Sydney Harvey and his great-grandchildren, Evan Hoelscher, Nate and Sam Guerra, Miles and Luke Mumfrey, Jack Grimes, and Isabelle, Dylan, Natalie and Logan Harvey and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, June 26, 2013 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services will be held, Thursday, June 27, 2013 at 10:00 A.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Lyman Mereness of Crown Hospice officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, in the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. Serving as pall bearers will be Bob’s grandchildren, Kelly Hoelscher, Amy Malek, Julie Mumfrey, George Grimes, Heather Guerra, Zachary Harvey, Jacob Harvey and Sydney Harvey.

A special thanks to Crown Hospice of Victoria and Bob’s caregivers, Karen Easley, Linda Barnes, Fannie Curtis, Berta Ramos and Leslie Luna.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to The Winters Public Library; 120 N Main Street, Winters, Texas 79567 or Crown Hospice; 1101 Salem Road, Victoria, Texas 77904.

Heaven has an angel like no other. Emma Delma Warren Hair passed from this earth to her Heavenly Home on, Thursday, June 20, 2013.

She was born on September 22, 1910 in a dug out in Nogales, New Mexico. She graduated from Dublin High School and played basketball in which she was the captain of the team that won state in 1928.

She married Doyle Hair in 1928 after graduation; Doyle preceded her in death, November 18, 1981. She is survived by her sister, Charlene Warren Rutherford and husband Don of Broken Arrow; their children, Carol Ann and Bill of Oklahoma and Delma’s children, Doylene Hair Hazlett and husband Bill and Douglas Lynn Hair.  She was grandmother to Darren, Randy, Kreg and Trace Hazlett. Then there were 8 great-grandchildren, Ryan Collin, Carleigh, Angela, Courtney, Creighton, Kelly and Lexi. Matilda Polson Isaacks was like a daughter to her and they were great friends.

Delma was a member of the Pawnee Baptist Church for many years and was involved in the Missionary Society, Girl’s Auxiliary and many Vacation Bible Schools. Delma was also a member of the Eastern Star Organization.

Visitation will be held, Saturday, June 22, 2013 from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral HomeChapel. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, June 23, 2013, in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jeff Brewer and Rev. Mike Whitefield officiating. Interment will follow in the Pawnee Cemetery, with Darren, Randy,
Kreg, Trace, Ryan Collin and Creighton serving as pallbearers. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be, Lacy Pouge, Walter Wernli, Donald Hines, Bill Green, Degorio Duenes and Joe Dyer.

The family wishes to send a special thanks to her loving caregivers over the years, Esther Bryan, Rosie Monsivais and Ida Fonseca and the staff of Nurses in Touch Hospice.

Mother we love you and have been blessed to have you for 102 plus years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donation be made to the Pawnee Baptist Church Building Fund.

Ernesto Pena, Sr., a lifelong resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away, Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at 6:25 A.M., in the Southpark Meadows Nursing and Rehab Center in Austin, Texas at the age of 69 year. Ernesto was born February 7, 1944 in Karnes City, Texas to Alejandro Garza and Petra Pena.

Ernesto is survived by his daughters, Mona Pena of Beeville, Monica Pena, Roxanne May, Priscilla Young, Manica Pena and Gracie Garcia, all of Kenedy; his sons, Freddie Pena, Ricky Pena, Lee Pena, and Ernest Pena, Jr., all of Kenedy; his brother, Pete Cantu and his sisters Faye and Gloria. He is also survived by his numerous grandchildren and
great-grandchildren. Mr. Pena is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helena Pena; his son, Ernie Pena and his brother, Betas Garza.

Visitation will be held, Thursday, June 20, 2013 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel and a rosary will be recited, Thursday at 7:00 P.M., in the funeral home chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Friday, June 21, 2013 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Norbert Herman officiating. Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery.

Maria Ramirez Villanueva, a lifelong resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, Thursday, June 13, 2013, in the Northeast Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 68 years, 11 months and 27 days.

Maria was born, October 17, 1944 in Kenedy, Texas, the daughter of Felipe Ramirez and Christina Contreras Ramirez. She worked as a CNA for Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital and attended Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.

Maria is survived by her children, Norma J. Villanueva of Karnes City, Rosie Garza and husband Pablo of San Antonio, Candido Villanueva and wife Emma of New Branfuels and John Henry Villanueva and wife Marina of Kenedy; her sisters, Dominga Sanchez, Elida Contreras and Agapita Flores and her brothers Timothy Sanchez, Jose Ramirez,
Joel Contreras and Fabian Contreras. Maria is also survived by her 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Ms. Villanueva is preceded in death by her parents, Felipe and Christina Ramirez.

Visitation will be held, Friday, June 14, 2013, in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel and a rosary will be recited Friday at 7:30 P.M., in the funeral home chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated, 11:00 A.M., Saturday, June 15, 2013, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Norbert Herman officiating. Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery.

Perry B. Hartman, a lifelong resident of Karnes City, Texas, entered into eternal rest, Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at his residence at the age of 43 years, 6 months and 18 days.

Perry was born, November 17, 1969 in Karnes City, the son of Alton Randy Hartman and Evelyn Henke Hartman. He graduated Karnes City High School, Class of 1989 and began his career as a truck driver. Perry was a good friend and had a big heart for everyone he met. On March 2, 2013, Perry married Agnes Rakowitz in Kenedy, Texas.

He is survived by his loving wife, Agnes Rakowitz Hartman of Karnes City; his mother, Evelyn Henke Hartman of Karnes City; his son, Scott Hartman of Falls City; his 2 step-children, Kolt and Kacey Ziaontz; His sister, Sandra K. Chesser and husband Russell of Kenedy; his brother, Presley R. Hartman and wife Jamie of Portland and his 3 nieces and 2 nephews.  

Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M., Thursday, June 6, 2013 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, June 7, 2013, at 9:00 A.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Wally Schievelbein officiating. Interment will follow in the Fashing Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be, Peter Rakowitz, Robbie Busselman, Steven Bednorz, Gary Bednorz, David Crews and Russell Zimmerman. 

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to the Perry B. Hartman Fund, c/o Karnes County National Bank; P.O. Box 98, Karnes City, Texas 78118.

On May 31^st Nancy joyfully went home to be with her heavenly Father.

Nancy Blaise Beicker was born on June 28, 1936 to Henry John and Lola Smith Blaise in Kenedy, Texas.  Nancy married the love of her life Richard, on July 5, 1954 in Kenedy, Texas.  They moved to their farm in 1963 and raised their two daughters and a few head of cattle.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and a lifelong resident of Karnes County, Texas.

Nancy is survived by her husband Richard Beicker of Falls City, Texas; daughters, Barbara Beicker of San Antonio, Texas and Sharon Lynn and husband Bill of Kerrville, Texas; granddaughter, Candace Barnes and husband Clifford; grandson, SPC Christopher Poth;  Kitty Clementine and 2 precious grand kitties, Oatmeal and Dinah.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 3, 2013 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at 2:00PM at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, The Activity Department at Bluebonnet Nursing & Rehabilitation in Karnes City, Texas; or the Charity of your choice.

Marjorie Vaughn Walston, a lifelong resident of Kenedy, Texas passed away, Thursday, May 30, 2013 in the Bluebonnet Nursing and Rehab Center in Karnes City at the age of 77 years, 6 months and 10 days.

Marjorie was born, November 20, 1935 in Kenedy, Texas the daughter of Emmit Vaughn and Laura Wessels Vaughn. On November 7, 1953 Marjorie married Harvey F. Walston in Kenedy, Texas. She worked as a clerk for Montgomery Ward Department Store and was a member of the Assembly of God Church.  Harvey preceded Marjorie in death on November 12, 1993; after 40 years of marriage.

Survivors include her sons, Donald Walston and Dennis Walston and wife Karen, both of Kenedy; her sisters, Ruby Wommack of Kingsville, Doris Humphries and Sue Robbins of Kenedy; her brothers Jerl Vaughn and wife Pat of Victoria and Lloyd Vaughn and wife Sharon of Beeville. She is also survived by her 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Ms. Walston is preceded in death by her parents, and her infant daughter, Sandra Walston.   

Visitation will be held Sunday, June 2, 2013 from 6:00-8:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Monday, June 3, 2013 in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Dale Wommack officiating. Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery with Lloyd Vaughn, Jr., Issach Wommack, Michael Humphries, Ryan Vaughn, Kevin Vaughn, Nicholas Wommack, Charla Burns and Hector Callabero, Jr., serving as pallbearers.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to The American Cancer Society; 125 Bluebonnet Drive, Kenedy, Texas 78119.

Juan Carlos Salas, a resident of Pawnee, Texas, passed away, Wednesday, May 29, 2013, in the Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital in Kenedy, Texas at the age of 54 years, 1 month and 27 days. Juan was born, April 2, 1959 in Three Rivers, Texas, the son of Justo R. Salas and Elida Gonzales Salas.

He graduated Pawnee I.S.D., and later received his associate’s degree from Del Mar College. He then began work for Valero Refinery in Three Rivers. Mr. Salas was of the Catholic faith.

Juan is survived by his father, Justo Salas of Pawnee; his sister, Carolina Yzaguirre and husband Heraclio, Jr., of Pawnee; and his niece and nephew, Veronica Maria and Heraclio “Genaro”, III Yzaguirre, both of Pawnee. Mr. Salas is preceded in death by his mother, Elida Gonzales Salas and his infant older brother, Jose Carlos Salas.

Visitation will be held, Friday, May 31, 2013 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel and a rosary will be recited at 7:30 P.M., Friday in the funeral home chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated, 11:00 A.M., Saturday, June 1, 2013, at Our lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Pawnee, Texas with Rev. Ryszard Zielinski officiating. Interment will follow in the Nell Cemetery.