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Clarence Eugene Bell

Posted on August 14, 2025 by dstewart

Clarence Eugene Bell went to be with his lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on August 13, 2025 after a brief illness. He was born on August 27, 1933, a few weeks short of his 92^nd birthday. Clarence was an avid researcher of geneology information on his family he could trace his roots to England and Scotland 400 years back. He was a longtime member of the San Antonio Geneological Society. Clarence was a generous man who contributed to many non-profit organizations. He was a U.S. Army Veteran and retired from Kelly Air Force base as a sheet metal fabricator on B-52 bombers and C-5A cargo planes. His hobby was photography and he photographed many sites around the San Antonio area. Clarence is preceded in death by his parents; Thomas Clifford and Latta Aldine Manlove Bell; sisters, Tera De Alva Bell Hill (Ben Hill), Jimmie Lucille Bell, Eddy Dewlen (Irving Eddy, Sr and Robert Dewelen Sr.), Anna Estelle Bell Everett (Albert Everett), Eula Fay Bell VanDevender (George VanDevender), Luda Mae Bell; brothers, John Taylor Bell, Richard Dale Bell (Susan Bell); sister, Dorothy Merle Bell Chamberlain (Klostermann (Dan Klostermann) and many nieces and nephews, all whom he loved dearly. Clarence had a great sense of humor and could tell a story like no else. He was a loving and caring person who never met a stranger. The family wishes to thank the staff of Fran M. Tejeda Texas Veteran Home for their kind and compassionate care of Uncle Clarence throughout his stay there.

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 12:00PM to 12:30PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Services starting at 12:30PM Saturday, August 16, 2025 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jeremy Pritchett officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

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Angela Munoz

Posted on August 9, 2025 by dstewart

Angela Munoz, age 54 of Kenedy, TX passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025 at home surrounded by her loving family. Angela was born on October 7, 1970 in Karnes City, TX to the late Rudolfo, Jr. “Rudy” and Mary Ann Zaiontz Munoz. She was a loving sister, daughter, aunt and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Angela is preceded in death by her parents, Rudolfo, Jr. “Rudy” and Mary Ann Zaiontz Munoz. Angela is survived by beloved fur baby “Pepe”, sisters, Valeria Price of Kenedy, Christina Padron of Kenedy, Denise Cortez of Kenedy, Ruby Munoz of Kenedy, Margaret Munoz of Kenedy, Rudi Munoz of Houston; brother, Joseph Henry Munoz of Beeville and many dear nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Monday, August 11, 2025 from 10AM to 12:30 PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. A Holy Rosary will recited Monday, August 11, 2025 at 1PM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the celebration of Funeral Mass at 1:30PM with the Rev. Allen Menino Tavares officiating. Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers will be: Armando Cortez, Jr., Zacharias Cortez, Robert Semlinger, Maragret Munoz, Michael Munoz and Jospeh Munoz.

Honorary Pallbearers are Christian Padron and Jeremy Paul Garcia

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Wendel Ernest “Russell” Black

Posted on August 1, 2025 by dstewart

Wendel Ernest “Russell” Black, Age 60 of Kenedy, TX went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Russell was born on July 6, 1965 in Valdosta, GA to the late Russell Lamar and Dorothy Black. Russell was the owner operator of TK’s restaurant, a loving husband, father, a member of The Word Fellowship and will be greatly missed. He is preceded in death by his parents, Russell Lamar and Dorothy Black. He is survived by his loving wife, Tammie King Black; sons, Dustin Wendel Black, Hunter Lamar Black all of Kenedy, 3 sisters, 1 brother and the many dear friends Russell has made in the Karnes County Community.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 11AM to 2PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Services Starting at 2PM with the Rev. Walter Hill, III officiating. Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

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Hortencia “Tencha” Zepeda Guerra

Posted on July 29, 2025 by dstewart

Hortencia “Tencha” Zepeda Guerra, age 98, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, in Kenedy, Texas, surrounded by her loved ones. She departed this life just as she lived it—with quiet strength, grace, and dignity.

Born on March 14, 1927, Tencha carried nearly a century of rich stories and history. She was the last surviving sibling of the twelve Zepeda children. She married Federico “Fred” Vela Guerra on May 18, 1945, and together they raised a large, loving family.

Tencha was preceded in death by her husband Fred and their children: Sylvia Guerra Gonzales, Lisa Guerra Morin, Harold Guerra, Efrain Guerra, Olivia Guerra Arenal, and Concepcion “Chuche” Guerra Garza, along with several beloved grandchildren.

She is survived by her devoted children: Linda Guerra Gonzales (and husband Jorge Gonzales), Martha Aranda (and husband Fidencio Aranda), Fred Guerra (and wife Judy Guerra), Mary Guerra (and partner Johnny Puente), Augustina Moya (and husband Edward Moya), Rosa Guerra, and Cruz Cuellar.

She also leaves behind a vast and cherished legacy of nearly 200 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Tencha was raised on a small ranchito in Campbellton, Texas. Her Zepeda and Leal ancestry traces back to the early Canary Islander settlers and Spanish presidio soldiers who helped establish San Antonio in the 1700s. She later moved to Kenedy, following her brothers who worked on the pipeline, and began working at the Azteca Café. There, she met Fred Guerra, the café owner and a widower with six children. Together, they had 7 more children and built a life and a family, raising 13 children in total.

In 1979, Tencha and Fred opened Guerra’s Café, which quickly became known for its extra-large tortillas, hearty tacos, and authentic Tex-Mex flavors. Tencha never cooked from a recipe—she cooked from the heart—and she nourished not only her customers but also her family with her food, warmth, and love.

After retiring from the café, Tencha bravely battled and survived breast cancer. She later devoted herself to caring for her husband during his fight with colon cancer. Despite experiencing profound loss, including the passing of her husband and multiple children, she never lost her deep faith in God. She was a devoted prayer warrior for her family and left behind a legacy rooted in faith, love, and resilience.

Her grandchildren remember her best for her welcoming embrace, delicious food, thoughtful treats, and unshakable love. Her strength, compassion, and devotion to family will be remembered for generations.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of John Paul II Nursing Home for their care, kindness, and compassion during Tencha’s final days.

She was our matriarch, our heart, and our guiding light. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church starting with a public viewing from 10am to 10:30am, followed by a holy rosary to be recited at 10:30am and the funeral mass to be held at 11am. Followed by interment at Loma Alta Cemetery and then back to the church for fellowship.

Pallbearers will include: Raul Santos, BeBe (Ubaldo) Sanchez, Alfie Gonzales, Joseph Hernandez, Alex Guerra, and Danny Aranda with honorary pallbearers: Mark Guerra, Frederick Guerra, and Roland G. Santos.

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Marceline Bagwell Reed

Posted on July 23, 2025 by dstewart

Marceline Bagwell Reed

Most of you know Marceline’s family pretty well. Marceline’s parents, Oscar and Eula Bagwell were residents of Kenedy and the family was longstanding members of the Kenedy church of Christ until their respective deaths.

Phillas Marceline Bagwell Reed was born April 19, 1927, in Warren Oklahoma to Oscar Lee and Eula Lee Smith Bagwell. Even though Marceline was not born in Kenedy, she grew up here and graduated from Kenedy High School on May 29, 1944. After graduating from high school, she attended Texas State University in San Marcos.

She started dating Elmo Reed after he got out of the army. He was also a graduate of Kenedy High School. They were married on December 8, 1945. They celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary on December 8, 1995.

Marceline and Elmo lived in Beaumont for a few years and later moved to Kingsville. She was the church secretary for the Kingsville Church of Christ for over 16 years, outlasting at least four preachers that Tom can remember. She retired in 1984 when she and Elmo built their home on B3R ranch outside of Kenedy.

When Tom was young, their house was the one the kids always wanted to go to. Marceline always had drinks, snacks and activities for them. Marceline loved to play bridge, knit, fish, travel and visit with friends and family. She loved her family and cherished the time spent with them. Every summer she would plan a two or three week trip traveling cross country in their travel trailer. After the trip, Marceline and Tom would stay in the trailer at the Fulton Mansion Trailer Park in Rockport. They would spend the rest of the summer fishing and enjoying beach life. Elmo would come and spend weekends with them.

As time went on, and the grandsons came along, she enjoyed spending time with them, and attending various school functions. Lee, Koby and Niall will always remember all of the special holidays that were spent with her.

Marceline lived a long and faithful life. One of the last conversations she had was asking about how the sermon was that morning. She passed away peacefully in her sleep and is now at home with Elmo and the other relatives and friends that have gone before her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her loving family including her son, Tom Reed and daughter-in-law Valerie; grandson Lee Reed, his wife Melinda of Colorado Springs, and their two daughters, Kylie and Lauryn; Grandson Koby Reed of Colorado Springs; grandson Niall Reed and his wife, Cassie of Corpus Christi, and their daughter, Laurel and son, Beckett.

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Maria DelCarmen Sotelo

Posted on July 23, 2025 by dstewart

Maria DelCarmen Sotelo, Beloved Matriarch, Passes Away at 84

Kenedy, TX – Maria DelCarmen Sotelo, affectionately known to all as Carmen, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, July 19, 2025, after a long illness. She was 84 years old. Born on April 28, 1941, in Muzquiz, Coahuila, Mexico, Carmen brought a vibrant spirit and unwavering love into the world, qualities she carried with her throughout her remarkable life.

Carmen was the devoted wife of Policarpio M. Sotelo, Jr., known fondly as Paul. Their enduring love story was the foundation of their beautiful family, which blossomed to include seven cherished children: Paul Sotelo, III, of San Antonio, TX (and his late wife, Gisele); Jacqueline Kathleen Sotelo of San Antonio, TX; David Sotelo (spouse—Demetrio Garcia-Sotelo) of Kenedy, TX; Michael Sotelo (spouse—Jamie Sotelo) of Castroville, TX; Ruben J. Sotelo (spouse—Daniel Vega) of San Antonio, TX; Janet Sotelo-Warnasch of Stockdale, TX; and Ronnie Sotelo (spouse—Kena Sotelo) of Salisbury, MO. Her legacy continues through her 14 loving grandchildren and 8 adored great-grandchildren, all of whom affectionately knew her as Momo, bringing immense joy to her life.

A faithful parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church and a long-time member of the Guadalupanas, Carmen’s life was a testament to her generous and loving nature. She possessed an amazing spirit and a heart of gold, always ready to lend a hand and never turning away anyone in need. Her home was a hub of warmth and hospitality, often filled with the delicious aromas of her cooking, a beloved passion she shared freely with her family. Beyond the kitchen, Carmen found joy and tranquility tending to her plants and pouring her love into every stitch of the quilts she meticulously sewed, each a warm embrace for those she held dear.

Carmen was preceded in death by her parents, Evaristo and Lily Resendiz Munoz. She was also the last surviving member of her beloved siblings, joining in eternal rest her sisters Maclovia Munoz, Juanita Munoz, Guadalupe (Lupe) Munoz, and Maria del Pilar (Pila) Munoz Moreno; and brothers Antonio (Toño) Munoz, Juan Jose Munoz, Jesse Munoz, Ricardo (Guero) Munoz, and Dolores (Lolo) Munoz.

Public Visitation is set for Friday, July 25, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, TX. A Rosary will be recited on Friday, July 25, at 7:00 p.m., also at Eckols Funeral Home.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy, TX. Burial will follow at Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Carmen’s amazing spirit, boundless kindness, and never-ending love left a beautiful mark on everyone she met. She’ll be deeply missed, but her memory will absolutely keep shining bright for all of us.

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Cletus Genova Grady Jr.

Posted on July 23, 2025 by dstewart

Cletus Genova Grady Jr. ,74, of Choate, peacefully passed to His Home in Heaven on July 20, 2025. Cletus was surrounded by Margie, his wife, and his sister-in-law Patricia as well as the loving staff at BlueBonnet Nursing Home.

Cletus , born to Cletus Genova Grady Sr and Oletha Geraldine George Grady on July 30, 1950 in Pecos, Texas, grew up in Silverton, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Gary Gene Grady . He is survived by his wife of almost 54 years Marjorie Ann Arnold Grady of Choate, his brother Mikel Grady (Annette) of McGregor , his nephews Nolan Grady of Waco and Ryan Grady (Shelley) of Snyder, and his sister-in-law Patricia Arnold of Choate.

Cletus graduated from Silverton High School in 1969. where he excelled in sports, setting records in track. He was also an Eagle Scourt in his father’s Boy Scout troupe.

He attended Ranger Junior College on a sports scholarship transferring to Stephen F Austin in Nacogdoches where he graduated with an Agricultural degree in 1974.

Cletus was a worker, sacking groceries in high school, working at a Poultry Farm and then at a Dairy Farm and later in a lumber yard in college.

Cletus married his high school sweetheart , the love of his life Marjorie Arnold on August 14, 1971 at the Silverton Baptist Church.

After graduation the couple moved to Holly, Colorado where Cletus taught Agriculture and Margie taught Math. Next, Cletus’ work with Farmland brought them to Kenedy a in 1977 and then to Choate , Texas where they would put down their roots .

Cletus spent about 35 years working for Farmland where he made lifelong friends with co-workers and the farmers he met and served along the way . Cletus also supported Margie in her work at the school and her work with her beloved Rottweilers.

Cletus loved adventure and the outdoors. He loved to hike, bicycle, fish, canoe, kayak, snorkel and garden. He and Margie loved to cruise, going to Alaska multiple times ; they cruised in the Gulf so many times they could have called it a second home. They loved traveling with friends . Part of his adventuring was a yearly canoe trip on the Llano River with friends. Raising a garden was Cletus’ delight, always generously sharing his crop with friends.

Cletus and Margie were active in the Choate Baptist Church .

Cletus’ smile and easy going manner will be missed, but the mark he made on our lives will live on.

Friends and Family are invited to a Memorial Service at the Choate Baptist Church on Thursday July 24^th . Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with a service at 11. Lunch will be served following the service across the street at the church fellowship hall. The family suggests memorials sent to the Choate Baptist Church or the Karnes County Humane Society .

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Adelina D. “Lina” Martinez

Posted on July 13, 2025 by dstewart

Adelina D. “Lina” Martinez, age 87, of Karnes City, TX, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in Kenedy, TX. Born in Monteola, TX, to the late Pablo and Sofia Garza De La Paz, Lina was a beacon of love and devotion throughout her life. She was married to Alfredo M. Martinez, who preceded her in death. As a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she exemplified faith and resilience as a devoted member of St. Cornelius Catholic Church and the St. Cornelius Catholic Church Guadalupanas. Lina is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Alfredo, her daughter Diane Zimmerman, her son Rudy Martinez, and her sisters Paula Garcia, Terry Martinez, Delfina “Petra” Carrion, and Ramona Diaz. She is survived by her son Augustine (Rose) Martinez, daughters Hope (Josh) Anaya and Hilda Martinez of San Antonio, sister Eva (Roy) Salais of Kenedy, and cousin Jorge (Gloria) Garza of Austin. Lina is also survived by her grandchildren Rudy Martinez, Jr., Russell Martinez, Sébastien Martinez, Sabrina Martinez, Alexander Anaya, Isabella Anaya, Jason Sullivan, great-grandsons Nicholas Martinez and Alexzander Martinez, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 9 AM to 9:30 AM, with a Holy Rosary recited at 9:30 AM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM at St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Karnes City, TX. Interment will follow in the Karnes City Cemetery.

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Larry James Ables

Posted on July 12, 2025 by dstewart

Larry James Ables, Age 76 passed away on May 24, 2025. He was born in Gonzales, TX to the Late Leonard C. Ables, Jr. and Ruth Appling Ables on April 27, 1949. He grew up working the family diary until he graduated from Karnes City High School in 1967 and also graduated from Bee County College in 1970. Larry was employed at Karnes Land and Title for 20 plus years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and sitting on the front porch watching the wildlife at the feeder. He was a member of the South Texas Trail Ride, Trail Riders of Bandera, Hill Country and other small groups with he and Pat Dotty starting the Cloverlear Ride. Larry is survived by numerous family members and friends.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Services will be held Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 1PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Randy Witte officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date.

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Selestino Granado

Posted on July 12, 2025 by dstewart

Selestino Granado, Age 79 of Runge, TX passed away on July 5, 2025. Selestino was the beloved son of the late Guillermo and Bertha Granado. He is preceded in death by his sisters and brothers; Domingo Granado, Eulogio Granado, Dionicio Granado, Francisco Olveda, Jovita Rodriguez and Dolores Sifuentes. He is survived by several nieces and nephews, as well as many dear friends.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 2PM to 9PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 6PM by Rev. Allen M. Tavares. Inurnment will take place at a later date.

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Clarence Eugene Bell

Angela Munoz

Wendel Ernest “Russell” Black

Hortencia “Tencha” Zepeda Guerra

Marceline Bagwell Reed

Maria DelCarmen Sotelo

Cletus Genova Grady Jr.

Adelina D. “Lina” Martinez

Larry James Ables

Selestino Granado

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