Ruben P. Tijerina, Sr., Age 84 of San Antonio, TX formerly of Kenedy, TX passed away April 23, 2026 peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.Ruben was born on June 30, 1941 in Kenedy to the late Florencio Tijerina and Josefina Perez.  He married Beatrice Zepeda on August 31, 1959 in Kenedy who preceded him in death on January 30, 2020. Ruben was a devoted, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and of the Catholic Faith.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Florencio Tijerina and Josefina Perez, wife, Beatrice Zepeda Tijerina, son, Ruben Anthony Tijerina, Jr. and a grandson, Cody Ferguson.

He is survived by his children, Robert A. Tijerina, and wife Suzette of San Antonio, Missy Messmer and husband Tom of Fort Mohave, Randy A. Tijerina of San Antonio, sister, Irma Longoria and husband Richard of San Antonio, brother, Rene “Joe” Tijerina of Corpus Christi, grandchildren, Olivia I. Malone and husband Austin, Robert “Andres” Tijerina, II, J.M. Pollard, Randi Cunniff and husband Brandon, great-grandchildren, Avrie Pollard, Adonis Pollard, Isabella Cunniff and many extended family members and dear friends who will greatly miss Ruben.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 9, 2026 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with family viewing at 7:30 AM and public viewing from 8AM to 9AM with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 9:30 AM with the Celebration of Funeral Mass at 10AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating. Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Robert A. Tijerina, Robert “Andres” Tijerina, II, Randy A. Tijerina, Ralph Zepeda, Ray Zepeda, Michael Zepeda, Stephen Zepeda, and William Zepeda.

Henry Leon Aoueille’ Sr.

8/27/1931 – 4/18/2026

On April 18, 2026, Henry Leon Aoueille’ Sr. “H.L.” of Victoria, TX passed away peacefully with his wife of 70 years, his daughter and two sons all by his side.  He was 94.  H.L. was born to Ida (Caulfield) and Bernard Aoueille’ in Covington, LA in 1931.  When he was 9, the family, including his brother Benny and sister Gay, moved to Kenedy, TX where his father, “Coca” owned and operated the Kenedy Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

Upon graduating at 16 from Kenedy High School in 1948, H.L. began his illustrious college career at Southwest Texas State Teachers College in San Marcos, TX where he spent most of his time “studying” at Sewell Park. During the Korean Conflict and just before the draft board called his number, Dad joined the Air Force in February 1951.  The first week he spent in the Air Force was in a tent at Lackland AFB during one of the worst snowstorms in Texas history.  Some of his fondest memories were during his 4 years in the Air Force, especially when he was stationed at Mitchell AFB on Long Island, NY.  While there, he took courses through the University of Connecticut.  His next set of orders took him to Mineral Wells, TX where he took courses through TCU.

In December of 1954, his best friend, Billy Ray Tarver set him up on a blind date which led to Dad meeting the Love of his life, Gloria Hope Hughes.  They were married on September 2, 1955 and resided in Kenedy, TX. They had their first child, Andrea Hope Aoueille’, nine months and three weeks later.  Then five years later, Henry Leon Aoueille’ Jr. “Lee” was born.  Then, six years later and out of nowhere, a third child, John Hughes Aoueille’ was born.

After being Honorably discharged on Valentine’s Day 1955, Dad worked alongside his father, “Coca”, at Kenedy Coca – Cola Bottling Company.  They worked together building up the business for 20 years.  Dad spent a total of 31 years with Coca – Cola which was a big part of all our lives.  He retired at 55, one year after the family sold in 1986.  After a few years of buying/selling real estate with his close cousin, Fabian “Buddy” Summers, which really meant meeting for tea and coffee with friends, Dad began his second career with Beltone Hearing, now New Sound as an Audiologist.  He retired from New Sound in 2014 and turned 83 in the same week!  He loved what he did because he was able to meet a lot of new people his age and see so many old friends.  Dad was one that could always find a connection with new people, which is why he loved what he was doing so much!  In 2008, at 76, Dad was the New Sound top salesman and was awarded a trip to Alaska to fish for salmon and halibut.  He loved it but said it was taxing for an old man.

In Kenedy, Dad was a Jaycee, Rotarian, VFW member and Volunteer Fire Fighter.  Dad continued with Rotary in Victoria and was a Rotarian for 62 years where he met so many of his friends.  Mom and Dad were Paul Harris Fellows.  His proudest moments of being an audiologist came through Rotary when he and other Rotarians went to Brownsville where he would test, fit and give hearing aids to children in need.  He loved that part of his life because it matched perfectly with his kind and giving spirit.

Dad was a friend to so many, a mentor to some and a wonderful father to Andrea, Lee and John.  He was always concerned about others’ well-being.  He survived three bouts with cancer but was cancer free upon his death.

As she was holding his hand, Mom’s parting words to Dad on April 18^th were, “Thank you for 70 years; I don’t know who is going to tell me what to do now.  I love you…I love you.”

Dad was preceded in death by his mother “Grandmother” Ida, father, “Coca” Bernard and brother, Benny. Dad is survived by his wife of 70 years, Gloria Aoueille’, daughter Andrea Pullin (Russell), son Lee (Claudia) and son John (Chandra); seven grandchildren, Claire Aoueille’; Aaron and Cash Pullin; Keaton, Jackson, Connor and Mia Aoueille’; and five Great Grandchildren; Lena, Toby and Mary Emma Pullin and Henry and Scout Pullin.

Dad is also survived by his beautiful little sister, Gay Von Dohlen of Goliad, TX.

We want to thank all the staff at Sodalis, who loved Dad and were so kind to him.  We also want to thank Hospice of South Texas for being there and helping us through such a tough time.  We want to thank Dr. Nezhad for being so kind and thoughtful throughout the last 30 years of caring for our parents.

Visitation is on Friday May 15^th from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at First Presbyterian Church in Victoria; 2408 N Navarro St, Victoria, TX 77901

Interment will be on Saturday May 16^th at The Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy; County Rd 329, Kenedy, TX 78119

Norma Pedraza Villarreal, Age 90 of Floresville, TX passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at home surrounded by her loving family.  Norma was born on October 30, 1935 in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico to the late Ruperto and Manuelita Aguirre Pedraza.  She married Dr. Roberto Escamilla Villarreal on June 12, 1965 in San Antonio, TX, was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, dear aunt to many nieces and nephews and a devout Catholic.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Ruperto and Manuelita Aguirre Pedraza.  She is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Roberto Escamilla Villarreal of Floresville, children, Marco Dante Villarreal of Floresville, Carlo Renato Villarreal of San Antonio, Ethel Minerva Villarreal-Monterrey and husband Marlon of Tomball, sister, Ethel Pedraza of San Antonio, grandchildren, Carolina Antonia Monterrey, Sofia Isabel Monterrey, Valentina Minerva Monterrey, first cousins, Berenice Aguirre Ferreiro, John Adams and many dear nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 1, 2026 from 5PM to 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7PM by the Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church Guadalupana Rosary Society.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 10AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Ploch officiating. Interment will follow in the Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery in Pawnee, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers will be: Armando Villarreal, Marlon Monterrey, Adelaido Leal, Carlos Chapa, Epifanio Villarreal, III, and Joel Trevino.

Irma Gonzales Arenas, Age 71 of Kenedy, TX went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 15, 2026.  Irma was born on October 12, 1954 in Nell, TX to the late Ramon and Odilia Gonzales.  She was retired, was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Ramon and Odilia Gonzales, sister, Mary Molina.  She is survived by her children, Nicholas Arenas of Kenedy, Victoria Arenas of Kenedy, sisters, Modesta Gonzales of Karnes City, Susie Martinez of Karnes City, Lupe Gonzales of Conroe, brothers, Raymond Gonzales, Jr. of Karnes City, Johnny Gonzales of Mathis, Armando Gonzales of Pawnee, grandchildren, Riann Aguirre, Rileigh Aguirre, Rosabella Aguirre and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Monday, April 27, 2026 at 9:30 AM with Memorial Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Robert Ploch officiating.  Inurnment will follow in the Nell Cemetery in Nell, TX.

Linda Cruz Escandon, beloved mother, grandmother, & great-grandmother, passed away on April 11, 2026.  Linda, 74 was born to Santornino and Olivia Cruz on August 22, 1951.  Linda’s greatest love was her family.  She took great pride in caring for her siblings and momma until their passing.  Her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids brought her endless joy.  Linda is proceeded in death by her parents, her sisters, Mary Helen Gonzales and Connie Alonzo, her brothers, Robert Cruz and George Cruz, and longtime companion, Joe Solis.  She is survived by her sons, Joe A. Escandon, Jr.(Nina) and Arturo Zavala, Jr.(Debbie) and daughter, Christie Zavala Valdez.  Visitation will be at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday April 19, 2026 from 10AM to 4PM with a Celebrartion of Life Service at 3PM.

Honorary Pallbearers are her grandhildren Joe Escandon, III, Zachery Zavala, Amanda Lobner, Zoe Zavala, Jordan Valdez, Zipporah Zavala, and ZeAnnbra Zavala.

In Loving Memory of Lucille Matthews

March 5, 1937 – April 5, 2026

Lucille Matthews, the beloved mother, sister, friend, and “Granny”, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026, at the age of 89. She left this world just as she lived within it, surrounded by the deep, abiding love of the family she spent a lifetime nurturing.

Born on March 5, 1937 to Hugh and Ila Green, Lucille grew up with the resilient spirit of the community she called home. In 1955, she graduated from Kenedy High School and married the love of her life, James Matthews. Their nearly 70-year union was a beautiful testament to lifetime devotion and a true partnership built on faith. Together, they cultivated more than just their community. They also grew a legacy of love that now spans four generations.

Throughout her life, Lucille held many roles, but she was most recently known for her dedicated service as a Justice of the Peace and Municipal Judge. Her commitment to fairness, integrity, and service left a lasting impact on all of those she served. Her civic pride was etched into the very earth of her hometown as a founder of the beautiful Kenedy Park, a place of peace that will serve as a lasting tribute to her vision for future generations.

Above all, Lucille was the cornerstone of her family. She was the keeper of stories, the dispenser of wisdom, and a source of unconditional warmth. Whether she was tending to her community or welcoming the newest of her 22 great-grandchildren, she did so with a grace that was uniquely hers.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, William and Walter Green; her sister, Virginia Copeland; her son, James Matthews; her daughter-in-law, DeeDee Matthews; her son-in-law, Fred Garcia; and her beloved husband, James “Bubba” Matthews.

Lucille’s spirit lives on through her daughters, Sandy Garcia, Virginia Holt, and Sharon (Shawn) Hendrix. She remains the cherished “Granny” to her grandchildren: Lauren (Chris) Shelton, Josh (Alicia) Matthews, Justin (Mary) Matthews, Cody Matthews, Cassidy Garcia, JJ (Elizabeth) Garcia, Nicholas (Kara) Garcia, Matthew Smith, Marc (Alyssa) Smith, Rebeca (Dustin) Beard, and Maverick (Katherine) Hendrix. Her legacy continues to bloom in her 22 great-grandchildren, with two more precious lives soon to join the family she loved so dearly.

Lucille Matthews was a woman of faith, a woman of her community, but most importantly, she was a woman of profound love. She will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and never forgotten.

Visitation will be held  Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 6PM to 8PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Services will be Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 10AM in the Eckols Funeral Home chapel with Pastor Pat Traxler officiating.  Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Josh Matthews, Justin Matthews, Cassidy Garcia, JJ Garcia, Nicholas Garcia, Matthew Smith, Marc Smith, Maverick Hendrix

Reception: The Matthews family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the prayers, love, and support shown during this time. Please join the family for a reception and a time of sharing memories at the First Baptist Church immediately following the burial.

First Baptist Church 209 E School Street, Kenedy, TX 78119

Pablo G. Olbeda, Age 65 of Choate, TX passed away on March 28, 2026 in San Antonio, TX.  Pablo was born on July 3, 1960 in Kenedy to the late Pedro and Francisca Granado Olveda.  He was a handyman/contractor, loving brother, loving uncle and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.  He is preceded in death by his parents Pedro and Francisca Granado Olveda, sister, Solvida Olveda and a brother, Sylvester Olveda.  He is survived by sisters, Alvina Estrada of Bay City, Francisca E. Kotzur and husband David of Choate, brothers, Pedro Olveda, Jr. of Choate, Antonio Olveda of Choate, Juan Olveda of Choate and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday April 9, 2026 from 1PM to 7PM with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Choate Cemetery in Choate, TX.

 He was born on July 22, 1952, in Schenectady, New York to Benjamin Carpenter Cruickshanks and Edith Coiner Cruickshanks. At the age of seven, he moved to Riverview Road in Apalachin, New York. He spoke fondly of his childhood, telling stories of roaming the neighborhood and playing sports with his friends until the sun went down.

  He and his father shared a love of steam engine trains and photography. They traveled the country many times over the years ‘‘chasing trains” and documented their travels with pictures.  They later published a book titled “D&H Memories” with photographs of the Delaware and Hudson Railroad.

He earned his Bachelor and Master of Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, in 1974 and 1976. While there, he made lifelong friends at Clarkson who were by his side not only at Clarkson reunions and hockey games, but also in his final days. 

After graduating from college, he joined Raytheon’s Missile Systems Division in Bedford, Massachusetts, where he worked on the Patriot Missile System. He left Raytheon to work as a consultant for McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis before entering the MIT Sloan School of Management in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he received his Master of Science in Management in 1982. After graduation, he got a call to come to Texas to work for ROLM Corporation as a QA Manager. He later became the Manufacturing Manager of the Austin plant, a major hub of manufacturing of internal phone systems for large organizations. ROLM was eventually acquired by IBM and then Siemens.

Soon after moving to Texas, he met Linda Keller on a blind date at Dan’s Hamburgers, arranged by a mutual friend. They talked so long that the restaurant eventually had to ask them to leave for closing. Six weeks later, he proposed on Mount Bonnell, and they were married on October 6, 1984, at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church.

In 1996, Allan served as a founding member of the school board for Hill Country Christian School of Austin. Alongside the elder board of Hill Country Bible Church and a dedicated team of staff and church members, he helped shape a vision for a Christ-centered, classical, college-preparatory school. For the past 30 years, the school has been equipping students to become Christ-like leaders in their families and communities. Allan and Linda also worked with a small group of Hill Country Bible Church members to plant a church in southwest Austin, hosting the initial planning meetings at their house. Allan served for years at HCBC Southwest, especially by setting up each Sunday morning and packing up afterward while the church met in temporary facilities. 

Allan had a great love for the game of hockey. In 2011, Allan wrote to the president of Clarkson University with a comprehensive plan to revitalize the men’s hockey program, which he felt had been in decline for years. He began regular correspondence with the president and a board member, who implemented many of Allan’s ideas and launched a $40 million renovation to make the arena competitive with other programs. He spent the next several years offering advice and discussing his analysis with the president, athletic director, and coach, as Clarkson Hockey went on in 2013-14 to have their first winning season in six years and in 2018 to make the NCAA Tournament for only the third time since the 1990s. Clarkson returned to the tournament in 2019 and won the ECAC Championship for the sixth time in program history. The Clarkson Women’s Hockey team has been successful with three national championships in 2014, 2017 and 2018, and Allan was thrilled to attend the 2017 championship in St. Louis.

Allan and his friends have many happy memories attending games together.   Allan often spoke about how God’s plans for your life are far greater than any you could come up with on your own. He liked to tell the story about how he – a New York boy – ended up on a ranch in South Texas.  It was something he never envisioned. The family spent many weekends on Linda’s parents’ ranch in Mineral, Texas. In the mid 90s, Allan and Linda purchased the neighboring property where they relocated to in 2006 and began raising Angus cattle and eventually goats. He considered it a true privilege to care for his beloved in-laws, Mary and Tom Keller, as they grew older. He was deeply devoted to his wife, children, and grandchildren. At every ball game, his children knew exactly where to look to find him in the stands. His wisdom guided them through many of life’s decisions from college to career and beyond. Blessed with six grandchildren, in recent years he could often be found rocking a baby, reading bedtime stories, attending band concerts and sporting events, or sitting at the beach as children played around him. His presence at the dinner table will be profoundly missed. 

Allan was a man of great faith in Jesus Christ and was confident of his eternal destiny in Heaven. The impact he had on his family’s faith will last for generations. 

He is survived by his wife of 41 years Linda Keller Cruickshanks, Mineral, Texas, sister Laurie Recharte (Carlos), son Brian Thomas Cruickshanks (Kate), daughter Karen Elizabeth Cruickshanks, grandchildren Caleb, Jacob, and Lydia Cruickshanks and Lucy, Charlie, and James Fassetta. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Carpenter Cruickshanks and Edith Coiner Cruickshanks and in-laws, Thomas Walter Keller and Mary Frances Keller. 

The service to celebrate his life will be held at Mineral Baptist Church in Mineral, Texas on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 1:30pm, followed by a graveside service at the Mineral Cemetery. A reception will be held in the Mineral Baptist Church community room immediately after the graveside service.  The visitation will be at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas on Friday, April 10 from 4:30-6:40pm. 

Flowers are welcome; however, those who wish may honor Allan’s memory with a donation to the Parkinson Voice Project or Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas.

Flowers can be sent to Eckols Funeral Home (420 West Liveoak Street, Kenedy, Texas 78119). Find Mineral Baptist Church on Google Maps or Apple Maps.