Mrs. Eleanora (Ellen) Genevieve Szalwinski Tam, age 92, of Kenedy, TX passed away peacefully at her youngest son and daughter-in-law’s home on Saturday, September 17th, 2022.

She was born in Falls City, TX on Christmas Day, 12/25/1929 and was the oldest daughter of the

late John and Eleanora “Nora” Szalwinski. She’s preceded in death by her husband of 53 years,

Daniel Leo Tam; brothers John, Justin and Gervase Szalwinski; sisters Anna Louise Gawlik and

Angie Boehm; son Larry Wayne Tam, and great granddaughter Diana Faith Brysch. She is

survived by sons Terry (Lisa) Tam of Kenedy, Patrick (Joy) Tam of Kenedy and daughter Mary

(Jerome) Liska of Falls City; 10 grandchildren Cheryl (Derek) Villanueva of Corpus Christi,

Michelle Gustafson of Houston, Jason (Amanda) Tam of San Antonio, Amanda Sue Brysch (Eli)

of Kenedy, Samantha and Kassandra Liska of Falls City, Patrick Tam Jr. of San Antonio, Crystal

and Paige Tam of College Station, and Kevin Tam of Kenedy; and great grandchildren Darren

and Madison Villanueva of Corpus Christi, Lincoln and Kayden Gustafson of Houston, Jason

Elliot Tam of San Antonio, Gabriel Leo Liska of Kenedy and soon to be Genevieva Annaleigh

Brysch. She is also survived by sister Julia Szalwinski and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ellen was a faithful parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy for

70 years. Through the years she always had a very strong faith and prayer life, praying the

rosary daily. She can be quoted saying, “Never underestimate the power of prayer.” She was a

very humble, loving, and kindhearted woman who always put the needs of others before

herself. She loved cooking and gardening and often prepared Sunday meals for the entire

family. She never asked for anything and worked hard her whole life, helping her husband on

the farm and taking care of her family. To the end, she was very thankful for everything anyone

did for her, and she never once complained. She is greatly loved by her family and friends. She

will be missed immensely.

Visitation will be Sunday, September 25^th at 5p.m. to 6p.m. with Rosary at 6p.m. Funeral mass will be Monday, September 26th at 10am. Both services will be at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy, TX. Officiating will be Father Norbert Hermann. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at the Kenedy Cemetery.

Pallbearers serving are Jason Tam, Patrick Tam Jr., Kevin Tam, Eli Brysch, Derek Villanueva, and

Ray Szalwinski. Honorary Pallbearers are granddaughters Cheryl Villanueva, Michelle

Gustafson, Crystal Tam, Paige Tam, Amanda Brysch, Samantha Liska, Kassandra Liska, and

Amanda Tam.

In leiu of flowers memorials may be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church “Altar Society”; mailing address – Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church P.O. Box 89, Kenedy, TX 78119.

Eva Alaniz Gonzales, age 86, of Kenedy, TX, passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, in Karnes City, TX.  She was born on March 8, 1936 to Trinidad Perez and Enemencia Alaniz in Kenedy, TX.  She is preceded in death by her parents and son, Pedro Gonzales, Jr. and sisters and brothers.  She is survived by her children Eva Hinojosa, Tommy (Terri) Gonzales, Elias (Maria) Rosales, Merced (Yvonne) Rosales, Rene (Corina Santos) Rosales, MaryAnn (BeBe) Sanchez, Richard (Helen Hernandez) Rosales; a sister Maggie (Pepe) Torres; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 20, 2022 from 10am to 11am with services beginning at 11am in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Natalia Mejia officiating.

Serving as Pallbearers:  Merced Rosales, Sr., Richard Rosales, Joey Hinojosa, Tommy Gonzales, Jr., Daniel Flores, and Eddie Ramos.

Jordan Lafayette Tucker-Foley, age 36, of Karnes City, TX, passed away Sunday, September 11, 2022.  He was born to Anna Foley and James Roy Tucker on September 3, 1986.

Jordan attended Karnes City High School.  He was a graduate of Karnes City High School where he excelled in basketball.  After high school, he attended Coastal Bend College.  Jordan was a member of the Prospect Missionary Baptist Church.

Jordan is preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents and many special family members.

Jordan is survived by his spouse of 5 years, Kat Salas; daughters Kobie, Amorette and Alivia; mother Anna Foley of Karnes City and father, James Roy Tucker; brother Jason Foley, Sr. (Maria); his nieces and nephews Rhianna, Jason (Baby J), JaRhian, Sydney, Brittney and Gage; brothers Vincent Cross, James Franklin, James Henry, James Campbell and Terrance; sisters Tamara, Brooke, Natalie, Oshyra, Jacara, Icyss and Tameria; and numerous nieces and nephews, maternal cousins and his special little friend, Graham and four legged brother Crixus.

When Jordan entered the room be brightened it with that big. beautiful smile, personality and big voice.  He was very protective of everyone and everything he loved.  His favorite past times were his group chat with the boys, his Denver Broncos, LA Lakers (Kobe), spending time with his family, cooking and playing Fortnite.  Jordan will be greatly missed by many.  He has touched so many hearts.

Visitation will be Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 11am to 2pm in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Homegoing Services to begin at 2pm in the Eckols Funeral Home with Pastor Black officiating.  Inurnment will take place at a later date.

David Lee Diaz, Sr., Age 60 of Kenedy, TX passed away Saturday, august 27, 2022 in Kenedy, TX.  He was born to Thomas and Gregoria Diaz on October 23, 1961 in Kenedy,TX. He is survived by his former wife Sonia Zapata of Karnes City, TX; his children, Lillie Diaz of Runge and David (Marti) Diaz, Jr. of Runge, TX; 5 grandchildren, Jeremiah Diaz, Javeah Diaz, Joseph Cruz, Jr., Devany Diaz, David Diaz, III; nephew, Tommy Diaz, III; 2 great nieces and 1 great-nephew.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Gregoria Diaz; sister, Aurora Diaz; brothers, Thomas Diaz, Jr., Albert Diaz and grandson, Davian Frank Diaz.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Inurnment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

October 16, 1922 –  September 11, 2022

The youngest of 16 children, Edna was born on October 16, 1922 to John and Johanna Brand and went to her heavenly home on September 11, 2022 at the age of 99 just thirty-five days shy of her 100^th birthday.

Edna is preceded in death by her husband, Daniel “Son” Gorbet, son, Randy Gorbet, Sr., and grandson, Randy Gorbet, Jr

She married the late Daniel “Son” Gorbet and lived in Robstown, TX for 24 years before moving to Kenedy in 1973 after Son’s retirement. . Edna is survived by her children, Danny (Mary Francis) Gorbet of Greenwood, FL, Nancy (Larry) Schlottman of Montgomery, TX, Dena (Charles) Jetter of Centerville, TX, and Freddie (Sherry) Gorbet of Bishop, TX; 8 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Anyone who knew Edna knew she was a Godly woman who loved her Savior and God’s word.  Enda was a long-time member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  She could always be found at church to take care of what needed to be done and provide the desserts for every occasion.  She was a loving and caring woman always giving her time to her children, grandchildren, extended family, and others. She always looked forward to family gatherings and made sure everyone was taken care of before she would sit down to eat.  She was so proud of her family.  Edna will be missed immensely.

Funeral service will be at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Kenedy, TX on Friday, September 16, 2022, at 11:00 am. A visitation will be held before the service will begin at 9:30 am.  Interment will follow in Orange Grove, TX. Those who wish, may make contributions to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Kenedy, TX or to the charity of your choice. 

Roy Lyndon Gates went home September 11, 2022. Roy Lyndon Gates was born in the fall of 1928 on a farm in rural Louisiana. He was educated at Louisiana State University. He served in the Army and worked as a certified public accountant, corporate financial officer, and financial consultant until he retired as a rancher. He was survived by his two children, Bill Gates and Susan Gates Bankston. Roy is remembered by the many lives he has touched.

Memorial service will be held September 19^th, 2022 at 10 AM at Eckol’s Funeral Home in Kenedy, TX. Reception to follow at the home.

In Lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association, P.O. Box 26460 Austin, TX 78755-0460.

Arturo L. Garza, Age 67 of Kenedy, TX passed away on September 11, 2022 at home surrounded by his family.  Arturo was born on July 13, 1955 in Kenedy to the late Librado and Viola Lopez Garza.  He married Judy Gonzales on January 5, 1982 in Taft, Tx; retired from Saulsbury as a pipeliner; was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and of the Catholic Faith.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Librado G. and Viola Lopez Garza; and a brother, Alberto Garza.

He is survived by his loving wife Judy Gonzales Garza, of Kenedy; daughters, Kristee N. Samaniego, of San Antonio, Amy Garza of San Antonio; sons, Ali Garza of San Antonio, Alejandro Gonzales of Kenedy; sisters, Elisa Salais of Kenedy, Elsie Lopez of Beeville, Estella Garza of Kenedy, Ellia Garza of Kenedy, Sharon Beard of Tennessee, Annalisa Garza of Kenedy; brothers, Lee A. Garza of Kenedy, Christopher S. Garza of Kenedy, David E. Garza of Kenedy; numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Wed., Sept. 14, 2022 at 7:00 PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thurs. Sept. 15, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Norbert Hermann Officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers: Alex Gonzales, Jerry Rivera, Matthew Samaneigo, Jason Garcia, Jaime Salais, and Mikey Garcez.

Petra “Mami” Rios Garza, Age 96 of Kenedy, TX passed away on Thursday September 1, 2022 surrounded by her loving family.  Petra was born on April 18, 1926 in Runge, TX to the late Pedro, Sr. and Catarina Rodriguez Rios.  She married Crispiliano T. Garza on May 1, 1984. Mami was a humble woman who raised her children with much love and discipline.  She will be dearly missed by all.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Crispiliano T. Garza; parents, Pedro, Sr. and Catarina Rodriguez Rios; son Alex Caballero; sister, Andrea Rios; brother, Pedro Rios, Jr. and infant brother, Jose Rios. 

She is survived by her children, Barbara Garcia and (the late husband George), Josie Caballero, Mary Gomez and husband Wally, Rosie Venecia, Johnny Caballero and wife Linda, Irma Padron, Marty Espinoza and husband Roland; siblings, Tina Puente, Martin Rios, Sr.; sister-in-law’s, Soila Flores and husband Reginio, Susana Lara and husband Adolfo, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and dear friend and roommate Oralia Gonzales.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 6, 2022 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Services beginning at 12:00 P.M. with Johnny Caballero officiating.  Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers: Wally Gomez, Eugene Venecia, Greg Rivas, Aaron Cortez, George J. Garcia and Freddie Rios.

Honorary Pallbearer: Pedro Rios, III

We would like to express our gratitude to John Paul II Nursing Home Staff for all the wonderful care given to our precious mother.

Masks Are Mandatory to Enter the building.

A greatly giving life is undoubtedly the hardest to measure: those who exist outside it can not know its full extent; the one who lives inside it sees the generosity in others, not herself. Kathy lived that kind of life in full. Her generosity of spirit was the twin of her willingness to act in service of that generosity and that spirit in support of the lives of others. She offered help to others with scant regard for recognition or reward.

Her insistence on seeing the best in people most often had the effect we hope for when that attitude prevails–people give their very best in response. When they did not, it disappointed her but made her work harder to compensate for the loss. But she worked hard regardless of what others did. As anyone who knew her will tell you, she just wanted to get it right.

If you knew her well enough, she would tell you that it took time for her to develop the easy confidence that marked most of the years of her life. One of her favorite writers was once asked why she wrote, and she answered, “Because I’m good at it.” Kathy learned that her hard work was rewarding not only to her but to others she respected. They helped her know she was good at it.

The same was true with her friendships. She was always good at them, but she spread her net wider as she developed an ever-increasing group of people she was close to and trusted.

Kathy loved books and reading passionately, a gift she attributed to the influence of her Grandmother Schroeder. The joy of music was something, though learned early, expanded right through the last years of her life. She loved attending opera and art exhibits, delving into the minds and hearts of authors, composers, and artists.

Katherine Lee Schroeder Chapman left the world we know through our senses for the one she had begun preparing for since her early years at Choate Baptist Church. Her Christian beliefs were strong, but she humbly made room for the religious plurality of faiths in those she loved and those she did not know. She was born on October 2, 1949 in Beeville, Texas, the first child of Ada Bea and Bradley Schroeder; they settled at Choate, Texas. At seven, Kathy became a big sister to Steve, a man she treasured and respected from childhood.

Kathy graduated from Kenedy High School in 1967 destined for the big city. She attended the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in History & Government, and graduated in 1970. There she adopted the Presbyterian Student Union as a faith home. She always said that never in her life had she imagined a place where people could wake up each day and be whoever they wanted to be, but that in Austin, they could. Kathy obtained an M.A. in Education from the University of Texas at San Antonio—in their first graduating class—and was the only graduate to write a thesis, which she wrote on Texas Education law and diversity.

Kathy was fourth in her graduating class from St. Mary’s School of Law, also in San Antonio, and finished in their 27-month program. She loved the practice of law from her first days as an attorney to the last days of her life, reading law books for fun, and taking Continuing Legal Education in areas unfamiliar to her the week she died.

She began her career at the Texas Attorney General’s office as an Assistant Attorney General, representing the state of Texas in estate and trust litigation, always referring fondly to her boss John Hill. Kathy then worked for the University of Texas System in Austin, representing all the component institutions to protect their intellectual property in licensing to businesses. She was quietly proud of collaborating on the licensing of the Longhorn logo. She continued to gain expertise in IP law at Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio as Associate General Counsel where she met lifelong friend JoBeth T. McLeod. She then served for sixteen years at UT Southwestern Medical School as Vice President for Legal Affairs, sitting on the President’s Executive Staff. Her boss there, John Sprague, was a beloved mentor in Kathy’s career. She managed all legal matters pertaining to the facility’s education, clinical care and supported medical research. She was honored to work with Lasker and Nobel laureates Brown and Goldstein (while very pregnant) on their pioneering statin drug development. A teacher at heart, she became an adjunct professor and Assistant Dean of Career Services at Texas Wesleyan School of Law (now Texas A&M), shepherding many students through the challenges of starting new careers in law midlife with the typical self-doubt and fears of all law students. Following an accident, Kathy relocated to her home town of Kenedy, Texas in 2005 and set up a general law practice on Main Street, where she learned at least ten new areas of law. She loved helping families negotiate what they most wanted out of real estate transactions, oil leases, custody disagreements, estate planning, and for the last almost ten years, serving as a Wilson County Assistant County Attorney doing their civil law. She was a second generation member of the Kenedy Ladies Progressive Club (“Study Club”), gave love and guidance to the Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter, and, like her forebears, worked at the Kenedy and Choate cemeteries assuring the cleanliness and beauty of the physical spaces of loved ones passed.

Although she died unexpectedly in a car accident, the family is deeply grateful for and takes enormous comfort in the actions and love of the first responders who were with her as she fought to live. She was surrounded by friends just doing their jobs in service to the counties and its people. For those individuals who may not be known, the family owes a debt of utmost thankfulness.

Kathy was preceded in death by her grandparents Walter and Ernestine Schroeder, Ada and Collie Baker, by her mother Ada Bea Schroeder, and by her sister Cynthia Schroeder and brother David Schroeder, both of whom died in infancy. She is survived by her daughter Katherine Jean “Kate” Chapman, her father Bradley Schroeder, her brother Steven Schroeder, her nephew Lucas Schroeder, her nieces Elyssa and Amanda Schroeder, and many cousins. She is also survived by her former husband and friend David K. Chapman and many close friends.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 3, 2022 from 10 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. with Servives at 2:00 P.M. at The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with the Rev. Wally Schievelbein and Rev. Dr. Jobeth McLeod officiating. Interment will follow in the Choate Cemetery in Choate, TX.

At the age of 95 years, Joyce Elaine Young Lyons was called to heaven by her Lord and Savior.

She was born in Kenedy, Texas in 1926 but had made her home in Austin since 1976.  It was there that she died on August 24, 2022.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, O.C. Young and Ruby Youngblood Young, both lifelong residents of Kenedy.  She was widowed by her first husband of 18 years, Fred N Stedman and later widowed by her second husband of 39 years, Bill G Lyons. I would be remiss if I did not also mention her grandmother Ella Youngblood; her Aunt Leta Atkinson and her cousin Dorothy Atkinson Kolinek who she loved so much and with whom she spent so much of her youth. 

Joyce is survived by her only child, Christy Stedman Morris and son-in-law, William Y Morris; her grandson, Justin N Morris, his wife Elizabeth and two daughters, Kenedy and Natalie; as well as her granddaughter, Rebecca Sharp-Leal, her husband Christopher and her daughter, Ruby Sharp, all of the Austin area. 

Joyce graduated from Kenedy High School in 1943 and went on to earn a BBA from Baylor University in 1947. She taught school right after her graduation and then again after the death of her first husband.  She had the patience of Job which came in handy as she dealt with class after class of little first graders in the San Antonio ISD.  She hoped that her Christian life had in some way marked some of those formidable little minds.   

She was a devout Christian her whole life, having first made a profession of faith in the Kenedy Baptist Church around the age of 10.  At the time of her death, she had been a member of Park Hills Baptist Church in Austin for 30 years.    

Graveside Visitation will be held Monday, August 29, 2022 from 10:15 to 10:30 A.M., with Graveside Services beginning at 10:30 A.M. in the Kenedy Cemetery with Weston Reece officiating.