August 6, 1927 ~ October 1, 2025

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 7, 2025 from 10AM to 12PM with Services at 12PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Randy Witte officiating.  Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Kirk Sczepanik, Joseph Barkley, Robert Sczepanik, Nathan Perez, Travis Vickery, and Fritz Friesenhahn.

Valentin Lopez, Jr., Age 55 of Karnes City, TX passed away surrounded by family in San Antonio, TX on Monday, September 29, 2025.  Valentin was born on May 23, 1970 in Karnes City to Valentin, Sr. and Magdelena Martinez Lopez. Valentin was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Son, long haul truck driver for Nitro Construction and of the Catholic Faith who will be greatly missed.  He is preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Martinez Lopez.  He is survived by his loving wife, Debra A. Villanueva of Karnes City; parents, Valentin, Sr and Magdelena Martinez Lopez of Kenedy; children, Jacob Eric Lopez and wife Jennifer of Karnes City, Desiree Nicole Lopez Veliz and husband Everardo of New Braunfels, Demi Marie Lopez of Houston; siblings, Rachel Lopez Garcia and husband Israel of Kenedy, Janice Lopez Charles and husband Corey of Kenedy, Jonathan Lopez of Kenedy; grandchildren, Tristan Lopez, Gavin Alvear, Cristiano Veliz, Mason Lopez, Kamryn Lopez, Alexxio Veliz, Xenzo Veliz, Everardo “Baby Evi” Veliz, Aldo Veliz; step-grandson, Brody Reyes and many extended family members.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 11AM to 1PM with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 1PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Alan Menino Tavares officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

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Daniel Kanak passed away on September 29, 2025 in New Braunfels, Texas. born October 11, 1940 in Yoakum to Louis Joseph and AMELIA MARIE “EMILY” (née Munch) Kanak, he was nicknamed “Coonie” by his brothers.  After graduating from Pettus High School, Daniel committed to play baseball at Southwest Texas State University before being drafted into the U.S. Army. His time in the military—much of it spent in Germany—instilled in him a lifelong sense of discipline, duty, and responsibility. Upon returning home, he completed the welding program at Del Mar College before marrying Patricia Ann (née Ahrens) and settling in Cotulla. There, he bought a welding shop, honing the precision and attention to detail that would later serve him well as a pipeline welding inspector.  hardworking and humble, he never sought recognition or praise—he simply did what needed to be done. He found purpose in providing for his family, in being reliable, and in living a life grounded in honesty and simplicity. In retirement, he found joy in fishing and golfing—pastimes he enjoyed sharing with his friends in the ‘Rooster Club’ in Victoria.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and six brothers. He is survived by his son, Gary (Stacey) Kanak; stepson, Roger (Donna) Herschap; and granddaughters, Jessica Herschap, Hayley Herschap, and Logan Kanak.  The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Avenues Home Health, especially Dora Martinez, for their compassionate and dedicated care. We are also deeply grateful to Devoted Healthcare & Hospice for their kindness and support during his peaceful transition.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in his memory.

Graveside Services and Interment will be held Friday, October 3, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. in  the Kenedy Cemetery located at 146 County Road 329 in Kenedy, TX with the Rev. Wally Schievelbein officiating.

All are invited to a reception immediately following the Graveside Services at the Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church 590 W State Highway 72, Kenedy, Texas.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Eckols Funeral Home of Kenedy.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Villanueva, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who left us on September 19, 2025, at the age of 91. Elizabeth was born on February 3, 1934, in Kenedy, Texas, to Arturo Villareal and Celestina Reyes. She lived a life filled with love, kindness, and unwavering strength, which she carried with her until her last breath.  Elizabeth’s journey through life was marked by her incredible resilience and her commitment to family and community. Growing up in Kenedy, she learned the values of hard work and compassion from her parents, which she instilled in her children and grandchildren. Her laughter was infectious, and her warm spirit touched the lives of everyone she met.  Throughout her life, Elizabeth faced challenges with grace and dignity. She was preceded in death by her Husband, Robert Villanueva, Manuel Garza, and Son, Ruben Villanueva, who she loved dearly. Their memories remained alive in her heart, and she carried their legacy forward in her own life.  Elizabeth is survived by her loving children: Roy Villanueva, Grandchildren Rachel Villanueva, David Cameron, Keila Soto, Isaac Villanueva, Rebecca Balderas, and Acsa Villanueva. She was a proud grandmother, showering her grandchildren with love and wisdom, and her legacy will live on through them. Elizabeth’s family was her greatest treasure, and she devoted her life to nurturing them with the same love and strength that her parents had given her.  The family finds comfort in the many memories they shared with Elizabeth—her delicious meals, her warm hugs, and her unwavering support during life’s trials. She had a unique ability to make everyone feel special and loved, and her home was always open to those in need.  Elizabeth’s final days were spent in Seguin, Texas, where she passed away peacefully from natural causes, surrounded by her loved ones. Her life was a testament to the power of love and family, and her spirit will continue to inspire all those who knew her.

A funeral service will be held in her honor on September 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas. Family and friends are welcome to come together to celebrate Elizabeth’s life, share their stories, and find comfort in each other during this difficult time.

Elizabeth Villanueva will forever be remembered for her bright spirit, her loving heart, and the indelible mark she left on all our lives. May she rest in peace.

Nancy Joyce (Lyons) Harvey, age 70, of Pipe Creek, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on September 12, 2025.  Nancy was born on August 2, 1955, in Athens, Greece, adopted by the late Albert “Bear” Lyons and Joyce (Goff) Lyons. She grew up surrounded by love and carried that spirit into her own family life.  She is survived by her devoted husband, Robert Harvey, and their two sons. Nathan Harvey and his wife Amanda of Colleyville, Texas, along with their children Connor and Nicholas; and Matthew Harvey and his wife Sharon of Bandera, Texas, and their children Alexandria and Andrew as well as her daughter Melanie Cannon. Nancy cherished her role as wife, mother, and grandmother, and her family was truly the joy of her life.

Nancy will be remembered for her warmth, strength, sense of humor, and love for her family. Her presence brought light and comfort to all who knew her.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 11AM to 1PM; Services will be at 1PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Matthew Harvey officiating.  Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Walter Kent Morris, Age 82 of Kenedy, TX passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025 in San Antonio, TX.  Kent was born on January 31, 1943 to Marie Chessher Morris in Nixon, Texas.  He attended Gillett elementary school from 1st grade through 8th grade. Kent then attended Karnes City High School and graduated in 1961. Kent enjoyed ranch work, visiting friends, history, antiques, arrowhead hunting and deer hunting. He was preceded in death by his mother Marie Chessher Morris and numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 17, 2025 from 5PM to 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Services will be Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 11AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Randy Witte officiating.  Interment will follow in the Gillett Cemetery in Gillett, TX.

Serving as pallbearers will be Robert Busselman, Edwin Gawlik, John Barnes, Lupe Valdez, William Cline and Charlie Brzozowsky.

Serving as honorary pallbearers: Stanley Salge, Catarino “Cat” Hernandez and Darrell Starry.

Willie Mae Banks Tyrone, Age 96, of Kenedy, TX went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 6, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.   She was born on November 15, 1928 in Rosharon, TX to the late Henry Banks and Effie Tyler.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, a custodian for many businesses in the community that included Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital and Red Ewald before her retirement and was of the Christian Faith.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Rhode Tyrone Sr., parents, Effie Tyler (Mother), Henry Banks (Biological Father), Joe Hill Sr.* (Step Father #1), Johnny Bass Sr. (Step Father #2), siblings, Virginia Banks, Luvertia Gibbs, Joe Hill Jr., Effie Hill, Maggie Hill, Johnny Bass Jr., George Bass, , O’Daniel Bass,  Samuel Bass,   Alexander Carl “AC” Bass, Charles Bass, Mildred Mathews, Gloria Jean Shelton and Baby Boy Bass (Died at Birth).

She is survived by her children, Rhode Tyrone Jr. of Kenedy, Linda Tyrone-Williams of Kenedy, Lawrence Tyrone (Gabi) of Skidmore; siblings, Gregory Bass (Ann) of Houston, Mary Bass of Houston TX, Lee Bass (Linda) of Rosharon TX, Frank Bass (Emmie) of South Carolina, Viola Bass-Calvin of Houston TX. Also survived by a host of relatives: 7 Grandchildren, 8 Great Grandchildren  5 Great-Great Grandchildren  and uncountable Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and beloved friends. My heartfelt thanks to all who showed love for my mom and especially throughout the years that her children were not here; so many; even if it was no more than sitting on the porch and chatting for a few minutes, stopping to admire her garden/flowers, sitting and exchanging daily news/neighborhood updates, helping her trim trees in her yard, or just a simple hello. It all meant a lot to her and she remembered you all. God Bless you all!  A Special Gratitude to Magdalena Padron, Margret Munoz, a Special Acknowledgement to: More than Nieces… Diann Woodson and Toni Laverne “Kuni” Woodson.   Her Love for family was undeniable and unconditional.

A Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 9AM to 11AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with a funeral procession departing at 11AM from the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel for Committal Services in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kenedy, TX with Pastor Kristy Mejia officiating.

Len Elwood Custer Jr., age 78 of Choate, TX passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2025, in Victoria, TX. Len, also called Junior, was born on January 14, 1947, in Karnes City, TX to the late Len Elwood Custer Sr. and Josephine Atkinson Custer. He married Sharon Donnell Custer on July 23, 1965, in Karnes City, TX.   He is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Donnell Custer and parents Len Elwood Custer Sr. and Josephine Atkinson Custer, and Stepmother Eula Bernice Custer.   He is survived by his daughter Sherri Custer Garcia and husband Andres of Kingsville, TX; son, Len Elwood Custer, III and wife Sheila of Kenedy, TX; 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; brother Dickie Custer of Chesterfield, Virginia and sisters Linda Custer Pommier of Eagan, Minnesota and Annette Kotara of Karnes City, TX. Junior started his oil field career working for Ford Miller Oil Service and retired with Key Energy after 45 years at the age of 67. Junior had many hobbies that he loved which were working and fixing up motorcycles, cars and anything that had an engine. Countless times when there were family functions, all the men had their car hoods open, and enjoyed comparing their different size engines. Of course, they loved to rev up the engines to see who had the loudest and fastest car. He loved his GTO. To pass time from work, he and Sharon would take off on their motorcycles and travel the backroads of Choate. He enjoyed having family vacations, which were packing up the travel trailer and heading to Choke Canyon to set out lines and catch fish. Junior raised his children to be hard-workers, great parents, and to have faith in God. He will be missed dearly by the family, but at the end of the day, the faith he taught his family will continue on.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with the Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas followed by a graveside service at the Choate Cemetery both services will be officiated by Brother Bracken Bean, from Choate Baptist Church.

Dad (Papa, Junior), you will be truly missed, however, we all know that when you closed your eyes on Earth you opened them into a place that all Christians strive to be, which is in the presence of God.  And just on a side note, we know that Mom (Nana, Sharon) greeted you with open arms. God Speed and we will see each other again. Love you ALWAYS AND FOREVER.

Serving as Pallbearers: Gregory Lewallen, Amber Garcia, Kassandra Garcia, Matthew Garcia, Ashley Snyder and Austin Custer

Honorary Pallbearers:  Christian Garcia and Dash Snyder

In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be made to the Karnes County Humane Organization.

Kelli Rene Uvalle, Age 56 of Kenedy, TX went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 25, 2025.  Kelli was born on June 23, 1969 in Karnes City, TX to Mary Lou Gonzales.  She was a CNA, loving daughter, sister, the best aunt a niece or nephew could have and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.  She is survived by her mother, Mary Lou Gonzales of Kenedy; sisters, Jessica Kaye (Jerome) Barrientez of Kenedy, Karen (Jay) Schultz of Aransas Pass, Norma Jean Leal of Kenedy; nieces and nephews, Destiny Barrientez, Mary Jane Barrientez, Emily Schultz, Jacob Barrientez, Henry Schultz, Joseph Schultz, Ruben Leal, Liza Leal, Noah Leal; great-niece, Xyla Jane Barrientez and many cousins and dear friends who will keenly miss Kelli.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, August 29, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Allen Menino Tavares officiating.  Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers will be: Jonathan Gonzales, J.R. Alvarez, Jaime Gonzalez, Eddie Martinez, Timmy Martinez and Jacob Barrientez.