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.

A Loving Tribute to Robert L. Edwards

With hearts full of love and sorrow, we, the family of Robert L. Edwards, share the news of his passing on August 17, 2025, at the age of 97, in Kenedy, Texas.  Sometimes known as R.L., he was a tireless provider, a masterful craftsman, and a person who loved to travel. He filled our lives with lessons, stories, and unbreakable bonds. He was a man of unwavering dedication, working 37 years for Chevron Oil Company, where his strong hands and steadfast spirit built a foundation for our family. But it was in his workshop and on the open road where his heart truly shone. A gifted craftsman, he breathed new life into Model A Fords and Volvos, his fingers coaxing rusted frames into gleaming treasures. As a proud member of the Model A Club in Victoria, he’d spend hours in his shop, surrounded by the hum of tools and the laughter of grandchildren, teaching his family the  value of patience and precision. We’ll never forget the sparkle in his eye when he fired up a restored Model A, grinning as he said, “She’s ready to roll,” or the way he’d let a grandchild “help” polish a fender, their tiny hands guided by his steady ones.

Every summer, he and his wife, Tommie Lou, hitched up their Airstream for adventures with their children, weaving across the US creating memories that became our family’s heartbeat. We can still see him at the campsite, teaching us to build a fire, his voice steady as he shared tales of where we were going next. “The world’s bigger than you think,” he’d say, and with him, we believed it.

His farm and shop were his haven, where he worked on his old cars, or just sat with his thoughts in the beginnings of what he had built for a cabin. Grandchildren remember the afternoons when he’d gather them around an old tractor, recounting an adventure, real or imagined, with a twinkle in his eye, or the quiet lessons he taught to them sitting by an old potbellied stove. He taught us to work hard, to fix what’s broken, and to hold tight to family. Those moments—his calloused hand on ours, his laughter echoing through the barn—are etched in our souls.

Robert is preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Rhonda Nyquist, and beloved granddaughter, Meleese Class, and we find comfort knowing he’s reunited with them, perhaps tinkering on a heavenly Model A. He leaves behind his devoted wife of many years, Tommie Lou, whose love was his anchor; his children, Karen Reynolds (Jim), Robert Edwards (Jessica), Tracy Edwards (Moon), and Loretta Thiele (Dale); his nine treasured grandchildren; and twelve adored great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry his spirit in every adventure, and every quiet moment under the stars.

We extend our deepest gratitude to his caregivers—Eloisa Valdez, Ruby Villanueva, Cynthia Seals, Eva Morin, Jennifer Snyder, Veronica Serrano, Michaela Rodriguez, and Taelynn Sellers—whose compassion and care surrounded him with love in his final days.

We invite all who knew Robert to join us in celebrating his extraordinary life at a visitation from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas, followed by graveside services at Pawnee Cemetery.

Dad, Grandpa, you were our compass, our storyteller, our home. We see you in every gleaming chrome bumper, every open road, every campfire’s glow. You taught us to work hard, to love fiercely, and to live with a heart wide open. We love you always, and we’ll carry you with us until we meet again, cruising in an Airstream across the heavens.

Forever yours,

Your Loving Children and Grandchildren

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 Dewlen Sr.), Anna Estelle Bell Everett (Albert Everett), Eula Fay Bell VanDevender (George VanDevender), Luda Mae Bell; brother, John Taylor Bell; he is survived by his brother,  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 Frank 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.

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

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.

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.

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.