Jody Marie (Spencer) McClendon, age 47 of Karnes City, TX passed away October 4, 2024 in San Antonio, TX.  Jody was born to the late Ernest James Spencer Sr. and Evelyn Ray (Perkins) Spencer.  She is married to Corey McClendon. Jody was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who believed in Jesus Christ. She is preceded in death by her father Ernest James Spencer Sr., her mother Evelyn Ray (Perkins) Spencer, sister Edith Spencer and her nephews Devan Leroy Haynes and Rudy James Spencer Jr. She is survived by her son Dontrell Lyons of Karnes City, TX, daughter Ebony Lyons husband Marcus Price of Corpus Christi, TX, son Aaron Smith of Victoria, TX, son John Ernest Kinney of Karnes City, TX, grandchildren Tashon Lyons, Alvin Lyons, and Amari Price. Sisters Jackie Spencer and husband Collins of Atkins, TX, Yukiko Spencer of Monroe LA, Evelyn Spencer of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Terry Spencer Haynes of Karnes City, TX, Ernestine Spencer of San Antonio, TX, brother Ernest Spencer Jr. and wife Jessica of Karnes City, TX, sister Annie Glenn of Karnes City, TX, brother Rudy Spencer of Karnes City. TX, A host of nieces and nephews, and cousins. God saw she was getting tired and a cure was not to be, so he put his arms around her and whispered come and live with me. With tear filled eyes we watched her suffering and slowly fading away although we loved her dearly, we could not make her stay. A golden heart stopped beating; hardworking hands are laid to rest.  God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best.

Celebration of Life Services will be Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 2PM in the Eckols Chapel with the Rev. Daniel B. Garza officiating.  Interment will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers: Collins Haynes, David Glenn, Brandon Spencer, Allen Brown, Clifton Spencer, Lester Kinney, Kenneth Glenn and Ernest Spencer, Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers are: Jackie Spencer, Ernestine Spencer, Yukiko Spencer, Ernest Spencer, Jr., Evelyn Spencer, Annie Glenn, Terry Haynes Spencer and Rudy Spencer.

Jay E. Baker, 96, of Kenedy, Texas, passed away on September 26, 2024. He was born in Choate, Texas, on April 22, 1928, to Collie and Ada Hunt Baker.  He attended Choate and Kenedy schools, graduating in 1946. He met Lois Rice at Baker’s store in the Choate community, and they started dating after she graduated from high school.  Jay E. married Lois on Veterans Day, November 11,1950, just before he joined the U.S. Army and deployed to Korea during the Korean War. When he returned, they settled in Choate, working in Baker’s Store and on their farm. Later, they moved to Farmington, New Mexico, where they started a family and then returned home to Texas. They had two sons, Jay Collie, and Joe E., during their 73-year marriage.  He was employed by Jefferson Chemical Company (later Texaco Chemical Company) for over 20 years, starting as a plant operator and retiring as a lab technician.  Jay E. and Lois operated a cattle ranch in Dripping Springs for many years. After retirement, they moved back to Kenedy and operated a cattle ranch in Choate for over 30 years. They shared their love of the ranch with their family and grandchildren.  Granddaddy, as he was known to his grandchildren, was an amazing farmer, rancher and gardener.  He was known for his strong work ethic and ability to fix anything. But he always had time to spend with his family and friends in outdoor pursuits of hunting, fishing and camping on the family land in Choate. He was a strong supporter of the Choate Cemetery, spending countless days helping with maintenance and improvements to the Cemetery. He dearly loved his family and watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren grow.  Jay E. is preceded in death by his wife, Lois Norene Baker, his parents, Collie and Ada Baker, his sisters, Delsie (Wiley) Jimerson, Elsie Mae (Walter) Barber, Blanche (Wilson) Walker, Nancy (Ben) Dziadowicz, Ada Bea (Bradley) Schroeder and brother, Thomas (Natalie) Baker.  Jay E. is survived by his sons Jay Collie (Denise) Baker and Joe E. (Pamela) Baker, grandchildren Jason (Eleanor) Baker, Jennifer (Marlon) Fowler, William (Hayleigh) Baker, Molly Baker, Andrew Baker and Ada Baker, and great grandchildren Helen Baker, Kaleb Fowler, Collie Baker and Kori Fowler.

Visitation is Friday, October 18, 6-8 pm, at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services are Saturday, October 19, 10 am, at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, with interment following at Choate Cemetery in Choate, Texas.

Pastor Bruce Irving will officiate. Pallbearers will be Jason Baker, William Baker, Marlon Fowler, Thomas Jimerson, David Morgan and Gary Morgan.

Donations can be made to Choate Baptist Cemetery Trust, PO Box 56, Kenedy, TX 78119.

Juanita Sanchez,82, of Kenedy, passed away on Monday September 30^th 2024.   Juanita was born on Aug. 21^st, 1942, to Anita and Senon Martinez in Nell, Tx.  She spent her whole life as a farmers daughter then a farmers wife times 2.  She was around cows her entire life so it was always weird for us to realize she was afraid of them.  Juanita had known Ernesto almost her entire life when sparks flew; they went on to get married in 1966 and have 4 children, Sylvia, Joe, Sandra and Amanda.  Ernesto passed in Aug 1986 due to a heart attack.  After Ernesto passed; she ended up in a relationship with Gabriel Lino.  They have been together over 35 years and they have lived mostly in the same place the entire time.  Juanita was a stay-at-home mom most of her life with a few exceptions thrown in to help a friend.  She enjoyed watching Price Is Right, Lets Make a Deal, Walker Texas Ranger and any other western that is on TV.  She LOVED to dance; there wasn’t any cumbia she wouldn’t dance and there was no beat that she wouldn’t tap her fingers or feet to even a little Shoop by Salt N Pepa.  She also loved washing dishes- this is a habit we would have like to have but sadly we did not inherit.  She was a beloved mother, spouse, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, cousin, mother-in-law and friend.  Juanita was predeceased by husband Ernesto Sanchez, Parents, Anita & Senon Martinez, Brother, Atilano Martinez, and stepchildren, Ernesto Jr. and Mary Luera.  She is survived by Gabriel (spouse), children, Sylvia (Luis), Joe (Sandra), Sandra (Royce), Amanda (Anthony), Stepchildren, John Lino (Amy), Robert, Sel, and Israel Sanchez, Lala Dykes and Alice Ramos, Sister, Marty (Bob) Kimbrell.  She also leaves behind a lot of grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, in laws, and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 5PM to 7PM with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, October 4, 2024 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: Jose Munos, Felis Munos, Brandon Garza, Andy Garza, Ernesto Jeffrey, and Juan Gutierrez.

Mary Alvear Villanueva, Age 89 of Kenedy, TX passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at home surrounded by her loving family.  Mary was born on September 1, 1935 in Kenedy to the late Miguel and Maria Herrera Alvear.  She was loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.  Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Miguel and Maria Herrera Alvear; husband, Jesus P. Villanueva; daughter, Virginia Hinojosa; brothers, Miguel Alvear and Zoilo Alvear.  Mary is survived by her children, Lupe(Ambrosio) Colchado of Kenedy, Rosie Cortez of Kenedy, Janie(Alex) Rodriguez of Kenedy, Dina(Dean) Tollefson of Victoria, Leticia Prieto of Kenedy, Jesus(Sheley) Villanueva of Kenedy, Frank Villanueva of Kenedy, Eugene(Ruby) Villanueva of Kenedy, Martin(Melanie) Villanueva of Kenedy; sister, Olga Segura of Houston and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, September 27, 2024 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: Josh Villanueva, Gino Villanueva, Timothy Perez, Jr., Freddy Cortez, Alex Rodriguez, Nathen Kinchloe, Dean Tollefson and Eli Villanueva.

Honorary Pallbearers: Marc Cruz, Adrian Villanueva and Brandon Villanueva.

Aurora Carreon Gonzales, Age 87 of Pawnee, TX passed away on September 21, 2024 in Karnes City, TX.  Aurora was born on September 24, 1936 in Pawnee to the late Lorenzo, Sr. and Benita Carreon Gonzales. She was a loving aunt, sister, and a devout Catholic who will be dearly missed.

Aurora is preceded in death by her parents, Lorenzo, Sr. and Benita Carreon Gonzales, sisters, Anita C. Gonzales, Brijida C. Saenz, Eustacia C. Alejandro, Olivia C. Garcia; brothers, Lorenzo C. Gonzales, Jr. and Isabel Gonzales.

Aurora is survived by many dear nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who loved her dearly and will forever cherish her.

A Holy Rosary will be recited Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 10AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Robert Ploch officiating.  Interment will follow in the Nell Cemetery in Nell, TX.

Serving as pallbearers will be: Leo Gonzales, Luis Gonzales, Rafael Alejandro, Lorenzo Gonzales, III, David Garcia and Ramiro Tapia.

Honorary Pallbearers are: Raul Duenez, Pete Duenes, Jr., and Ignacio Rodriguez, Jr

Rev. Tommy Joe Remmers, 82 of Gillett, Texas was born in Runge, Texas on June 19th, 1942 to the late Walter and Iva Mae Remmers. Tommy was one of eight children, five brothers and two sisters. Tommy spent his youth and teenage years learning and perfecting the lead guitar playing in his first band called the Texas Rebels at the of 16, and later professionally for Al Dean & The All Stars, the band that made the Cotton Eyed Joe famous.  During those years, he also worked as a meat butcher for John Smolik Meat Market in Kenedy. On August 7^th, 1964 Tommy married the love of his life Barbara Jean Marbach, at the Choate Baptist Church. A few years later, in August of 1967 they welcomed their first child, Troy William Remmers. That same year Tommy and Barbara made the most significant life changing decision when they rededicated their lives to the Lord, and answered the call into the ministry.  Only a few months later they packed up a u-haul and moved from Kenedy to Dallas where Tommy began his ministry serving as youth pastor at the First Assembly of God in Richardson.  In August of 1970 they welcomed their daughter, Krista Faith Remmers completing their family.  Over the next decade Tommy would be ordained by the Assemblies of God and serve on the North Dallas Section of the Assemblies of God Youth Board.  He served as youth pastor at Casa View Assembly of God in Dallas, as senior pastor at Flatwood Assembly of God in Edom, as senior pastor at Glad Tidings Assembly of God in Dallas, and as youth pastor and bus ministry pastor under his beloved mentor Ps. Hulon Hood at the Mesquite Assembly of God.  In 1982 the family moved back to South, Texas where Tommy continued as a bi-vocational minister.  During the early 80’s he pastored the Nixon Assembly of God Church and worked as a butcher for various grocery stores.  In the late 80’s Tommy became a bus driver for the Karnes City Independent School District and retired after 20 years of service.  On August 12^th 1990, Tommy and Barbara drove through downtown Yorktown and noticed a church on the corner and decided to stop for service.  This impromptu visit resulted in them pastoring Faith Christian Fellowship Assembly of God Church for over 30 years.   At the age of 53, while pastoring at Faith Christian Fellowship, he earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in Ministry from Southwestern Assembly of God University, in Waxahachie.  Tommy answered the call of God on his life and never looked back, and because he answered the call many lives were changed.  He shared the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the message of salvation and forgiveness that can be found in Him.  He remained faithful to his Lord and Savior, his family, friends, and members of the church.  He was a loving helpmate of 60 years to his wife Barbara fulfilling his vow to love, honor, and cherish her.  He was a Godly example to his children and grandchildren.  He was a loyal friend, and a living example of the fruits of the spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Tommy was a blessing to all who knew him.  Tommy loved the Lord with all his heart, and loved reading the word of God.  He was also a man of prayer and spent hours praying and studying the word.  The bible says in Mark 12:30   to love the Lord your God with all your whole heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength, and Tommy did.  His over 50 year legacy of faithfulness and service to the Lord led to the great honor of pastoring hundreds of people, and discipling many of them in their walk with the Lord.  He had the honor of marrying his children, many nieces, and other family and friends.  He had the honor of dedicating many children, including his own grandchildren and baptizing them into the  Kingdom of God.  Tommy was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Iva Mae Remmers, his brothers, Elvin Raymond”Buddy”, Walter Junior, Frank, Bobby, and Kenneth.   He is survived by his wife of 60 years Rev. Barbara Remmers, of Gillett and their children, Troy Remmers and wife Micaela of El Paso, Krista Remmers-Morgan and husband Everett of La Vernia, and seven grandchildren, Asher, Emilee, Jude, Gifton, Netanel, Asael, and Ezri.  He is also survived by his two sisters Norma Atkinson of Kenedy, and Alma Pullen, of Jourdanton, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.  Tommy entered his eternal rest and reward on September 15th, 2024 and is now in the presence of his savior Jesus Christ and the fellowship of family and friends that have gone on before him.

The Pallbearers will be Everett Morgan, Scott Atkinson, Kody Kanak, Patrick Janysek, Chris Chaffin, and Marlin Marbach.

Honorary Pallbearer will be Clarence Yanta.

Visitation will be held from 6 -8 pm, Friday, September 20^th, and the funeral service will be at 10 am on Saturday, September 21^st at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas. Burial will follow in the Kenedy Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Donald R Hines, 85, of Pawnee, Texas entered into heaven on September 4, 2024.  Donald was born on October 24, 1938 in Pawnee, Texas to the late Willie Ray and Lottie Hines of Pawnee, Texas.

On March 27 1959 he married Carmen Bayer in Castroville, Texas.  He worked at City Public Service Board in San Antonio, Texas for 36 and one-half years. After he retired he and Carmen returned to Pawnee, Texas where they built a home and a life of ranching.  He was an accomplished farmer/rancher for his entire life.  Donald was a lifetime charter member of the Mesquite Trail Drivers Association where he served as the Trail Boss for many years.  They became active members of the First Baptist Church of Pawnee where he later served as a deacon in the church where he accepted the Lord as a young man.  He and Carmen were actively involved in the church and the building of their new fellowship hall.

He was preceded in death by his wife Carmen of 58 years, parents, siblings George L Hines, Leroy F Hines and Ruth E Brice and a granddaughter Amelia Mayfield.

He is survived by his daughters Donna J (Hilmar) Bartels of McQueeney, Tx., and the father of her children Donald Rylant, and Cynthia A (Paul) Mayfield of LaVernia, Tx.; sons William R (Lisalyn) Hines of Pawnee, Tx, and mother of his sons Jennifer Hines; and James L (Marla) Hines of Cashion, OK. 11 grandchildren: Dawna L McCombs and (JJ), Dana R Austin, Katie L (Luke) Ryan, Matthew D Mayfield and Elizabeth, Beau Hines, Cody (Lexee) Hines, Craig (Rebecca) Drury, Cheyenne A (Benjamin) Mock, Channa R Hines, Chalee E Hines, Chelsey D (John) Milledge; 15 great grandchildren Cierra (Jared), Hayden, Jayden, Charles, Levi, Laythe, Braxton, Estella, Josephine, Coleson, Bellamy, Asher, Magnolia and Ryder and 1 great, great grandchild Everly.  Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the nurse of Elite Home Health for her care and devotion to his needs; also to Exclusive Home Health and Hospice for their guidance and direction for his care and the family’s needs at home.

Visitation: Sunday, September 8, 2024 from 5pm to 7pm at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel in Kenedy, Tx.

Services:  Monday, September 9, 2024 at 11:00 am at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel in Kenedy, Tx.

Serving as Pallbearers wil be his Grandsons: Beau Hines, Cody Hines, Craig Drury, Matthew Mayfield, Benjamin Mock, Luke Ryan

Charles “Carlos” Soto, a loving husband, father, and devoted Popo, passed away on September 2, 2024, at the age of 70, in his home in Kenedy, Texas. After bravely battling cancer for several years, Carlos finally found peace and joined his loving wife, Martha Soto, in their eternal resting place.

Born on September 11, 1953, in Runge, Texas to the late Juan and Pauline Soto, Carlos was a faithful man of the Christian Faith. He married Martha Soto on November 23, 1972, in Kenedy, TX, and together they shared a love that lasted a lifetime. Carlos worked in the oil field industry until his retirement, when he devoted his time to his passions: fishing and his beloved roosters.

Carlos is preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Pauline Soto; his loving wife, Martha Soto; and nephews Felix Vasquez Jr. and Elijio “Lee” Garza Jr.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Sonya Soto (Tony Moron); loving son, Philip and Erica Soto; grandchildren, Kristine Cano (Kyle Hayter), Kiara Soto, Oscar Hinojosa (Lauryn Brynelsen), Braden Kirk, Evan Soto, John David Soto, Kaleb Soto, Valerie, Tiffany, Erica, Roy Moron, and Emma Sistos; great-grandson Kyler and Katelynn Hayter; sisters, Georgia (Felipe) Leal, Susan (Hector) Rangel, Rosie (Elijio) Garza, Sandy Bondch, Mary Alvarez, Grace (Joe) Salais, Clara Cantu, Eva Diaz, and Mary Rodriguez; brothers, Juan and Benny Soto; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his loving sister-in-laws, Melinda Padron, Magdalena (Don) Cornelius, Minerva (Lloyd) Crawford, Marina Padron Sifuentes, and Christina Padron; and brother-in-laws, Felix (Mary) Padron, Fabian (Sylvia) Padron, and Frank (Becky) Padron.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 5 PM to 7 PM and Prayer Service at 7:00 PM at  Eckols Funeral Home officiated by Hermana Natalia Mejia and Kristy Mejia from El Aposento Alto Church.  Funeral Service Friday, September 6, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Eckols Funeral Home., Officiated by Hermana Natalia Mejia and Kristi Mejia from El Aposento Alto Church.  Interment will follow at the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers: Richard E. Jalufka, Joe Valdez, Ruben “Gibby” Solis, Ruben Munoz Jr., Tony Moron. Honorary Pallbearers: Oscar Hinojosa, John David Soto, Braden Kirk, Evan Soto, Kaleb Soto, and Kyler Hayter.

May Carlos’ legacy of love, faith, and strength inspire his family and friends as they celebrate his life and mourn his passing.

Helen Rita Lundquist Borroum a resident of Kenedy, was born on August 1, 1953, in Bee County, Texas to C.H. Roland Lundquist and Josephine Rodriguez Lundquist.  She peacefully passed away on June 30, 2024.  Helen met her beloved husband, Ray “Rebel” Borroum, at  Word Fellowship Church, and they were united in marriage on June 27, 1987.  They recently celebrated their thirty-seventh anniversary.  Throughout her career, Helen worked as a Teacher’s Aide in Pawnee, Kenedy, Karnes City, and Falls City where she also taught ESL. Her love for her family, life, children, and pets was evident to all who knew her.  Helen was not only artistic but also known for her work ethic and her natural ability to have meaningful conversations with anyone she met.  Helen dedicated her time to various church activities including nursery care, greeting, assisting with special events, and funeral ministry.  She was an avid savvy shopper and was always the best dressed for the best price.  She enjoyed sewing and counted cross-stitching for friends and family.  She was renowned for her delicious carrot cake, a favorite among many.  Helen was preceded in death by her parents, C.H. Roland Lundquist (1977) and Josephine Rodriguez Lundquist (2020), and her brother, Carl “Herman” Lundquist (1960).  She is survived by her loving husband Ray, sons Caleb and Ethan Borroum, sisters Blanche (Jim) Alaniz of Pawnee, TX, Annie (Adolfo) DeLeon of Pawnee, TX, Lorene (Don) Taylor of El Campo, TX, Patricia (George) Garza of Kenedy, TX, Christine (Andres) Munos of Louise, TX, and brother Carl (Sandra) Roland Lundquist of Kenedy, TX.  Helen also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Visitation was held Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at Eckols Chapel.  Interment followed at the Pawnee Cemetery, Pawnee, TX, with pallbearers, Matthew Aguirre, Travis Garza, Jason Munos, Timothy Munos, Don Taylor and Nathan Taylor.