John Henry Fransen, Age 85 of Kenedy, Texas, passed away in his home on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.  He was born in Kenedy, Texas to Henry and Lillie Fransen on May 9, 1936 and attended school in Kenedy while helping on the family farm.  John married Joyce Elaine Haner on June 20, 1959 at St. Matthews Lutheran church in Kenedy and they were married for 61 years before her passing in May 2021. John and Joyce spent time in Washington and California while he was in the Army.  After the service they returned to Texas to continue farming, ranching, and raising a family.  He said that he preferred driving a tractor to the cattle business.  He didn’t have hobbies but at one time read four daily newspapers and followed the stock market.  He channel surfed TV but stopped for Western movies, Gunsmoke reruns & the Discovery Channel documentaries.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Lillie Fransen, sisters, Ruth J. Jones, Freda Grisham, brother, Eric Fransen, Sr. two baby brothers, Paul and Robert, sister-in-law, Ann Fransen and Uncle Carl Fransen.

He is survived by his daughter, Sharon (Gary) Wegner of Kenedy, sons, Kevin Fransen of Kenedy, Keith (Lee Ann) Fransen of Karnes City, Grandson, Jonathan (Becky) Fransen of Kenedy and sister Linda Fransen of Sweden and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The Family would like to thank all the medical staff that cared for our father: Texas Home Health Hospice Staff, Dr. Dan Dugi, Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital & Kaiser Home Health and a heartfelt thank you to our father’s caregivers, Grace Hope, Mary & Sandy for their support and love.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 9, 2022 from 5:00pm to 7:00 pm at the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel in Kenedy.  Private Family Graveside Services will be Monday, January 10, 2022 at 11:00 am at the New Bremen Cemetery, Lenz, TX with Pastor Kelly Tankersley officiating.

Pallbearers: Kevin Fransen, Keith Fransen, Jonathan Fransen, Eric Fransen, Jr., Henry Jansen & Gary Wegner.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to organization of their choice.

Christopher Alaniz Benavides, Jr. (Mr. B)

A teacher to hundreds, a mentor to many, and a friend to all, Chris Benavides was called home on December 30, 2021 with his loving wife by his side.  He was 76 years old.

He was born August 27, 1945 in Corpus Christi, Texas to the late Christopher A. Benavides, Sr and Olivia Alaniz Benavides.  He was a long-time resident of Kenedy, Texas where he was an educator, coach, loved the outdoors and spending time with his family and his wife, Irma Benavides, who he married on August 19, 1967.  They were blessed with 54 years of marriage.  He is remembered for his sense of humor, fast cars, antique trucks and great story telling abilities.  Chris was a devoted Dallas Cowboys and University of Texas Longhorns fan.  He was a loyal Kenedy Lion, Spanish teacher and tennis coach.

Educated at W.B. Ray High school in Corpus Christi, Texas, he received his bachelor’s degree at Southwest Texas State University (Texas State University) and his master’s degree from Texas A & I University in Kingsville (Texas A&M Kingsville).  Chris was an educator and tennis coach at Kenedy High School for 35 years.  He taught college courses at Bee County College (Coastal Bend College) and worked for the JTPA program.

Chris was a devout member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy, Texas where he served as a communion minister and lector.

His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his wife and family.  Daughters – Melissa Ann Benavides (D. Diaz) of Richmond, Texas, Karissa Lynn Benavides (Bobby Quintanilla) of Karnes City, Texas and Kristie Marie Benavides (Ray Reyna) of San Antonio, Texas.  Grandchildren – Gage Reyna and Leylah Reyna of San Antonio, Texas.

Public visitation will be held on Friday, January 7, 2022 at Our Lady Queen of Peace at 10am followed by the Holy Rosary and Holy Mass at 11am.  Masks will be required at the services.

Richard Alan Beicker of Falls City, Texas was born on April 27, 1934 in Falls City, Texas to Theo Beicker and Carrie Pope Beicker went to be with the Lord on December 27, 2021 at the age of 87. Mr. Beicker retired from Conoco in May of 1985 as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic. He loved ranching and will be dearly missed. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife: Nancy Blaise Beicker who he married on July 5, 1954 in Kenedy, Texas and passed on May 31,2013 and was also preceded in death by his sister and brother-in -law: Lera Jean and Leland Culpepper; his brother-in-law: Louis Retzloff and sister-in-law: Ernestine Beicker. He is survived by his daughters: Barbara J. Beicker of Falls City, TX and Sharon A. (Bill) Lynn of Kerrville, TX; grandchildren: Candice (Clifford) Barnes of Manor, TX and Christopher (Amy) Poth of Fort Bragg, Clifford Barnes IV, and Nancy Jean Barnes; sisters: Doris Retzloff of Karnes City, TX; brothers: Fred Beicker of Refugio, TX and Ted Beicker of Penrose, CO; nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and other relatives. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 3, 2022 from 3:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral services to be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Eckols Chapel with Rev. Jonathan Mollenkapf of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Nordheim officiating. Interment to follow in Kenedy Cemetery. Pallbearers: Christopher Poth, Clifford Barnes III, Michael Retzloff, Bruce Culpepper, Bruce Culpepper II, Daymian Culpepper.       Memorials may be made to St. Judes or the Karnes County Food Bank.

 Angel Prieto, Age 74 of Kenedy, TX passed away Friday, December 24, 2021 in San Antonio, TX.  Angel was born on August 2, 1947 to the late Juaquin Prieto and Estefana Briseno Prieto.  He married Francisca Rodriguez on January 25, 1970 in Kenedy, was a retired welder, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend to many and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Juaquin and Estefana Briseno Prieto; sisters, Alejandra Aguilar, Adela Juare, Petra Saenz; brothers, Andres Prieto, Jose Prieto, Jaime Prieto, Pascual Prieto and Juaquin Prieto.  He is survived by his loving wife, Francisca Rodriguez Prieto of Kenedy; children, Michael Ray Prieto of Kenedy, Dianna Garcia and husband Jerry of Kenedy, Cynthia Prieto of Kenedy, Patricia Ann Prieto of Kenedy; brothers, Esteban Prieto and wife Minerva of Kenedy, Juan Prieto and wife Martha of Jourdanton, 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.  A Holy Rosary will be recited Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 7:00 P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers: Joaquin Prieto, Jr., Juan Prieto, Jr., Paul Rodriguez, Omar Juare, Roland Juare and Erasmo Ramos.

Honorary Pallbearers: Andrew Byrd, Michael Ray Prieto, Jr., Daniel Reyna, Jordan Jimenez and Chris Cortez.

Francisco Asevedo, Age 91 of Karnes City, TX passed away on December 21, 2021 at home surrounded by his loving family.  Francisco was born on October 10, 1930 in Kenedy to the late Martin and Florencia Reccio Asevedo.  He married Hortencia Saenz on November 30, 1950 in Lubbuck, TX who preceded him in death on August 25, 2007.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, a retired farmer and of the Christian Faith.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Hortencia Saenz Asevedo; parents, Martin and Florencia Reccio Asevedo; sons, Danny Acebedo and Adam Acebedo; sister, Maria Asevedo and brother, Juan Asevedo.  He is survived by his daughters, Eva Escobar of Karnes City, Teresa Moreno and husband Johnny of San Antonio; sons, Fernando Acebedo of Lubbuck, Alfonso Acebedo and wife Diane of Lubbuck, Freddie Acebedo and wife Patricia of Lubbuck, David Acebedo and wife Rita of Fort Worth, Jessie Acebedo of Karnes City; 14 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends.  A Prayer Service will be held Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 6P.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Erasmo Chapa officiating.  Services will be Thursday, December 30, 2021 at 10A.M. in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Erasmo Chapa officiating.  Interment will follow in the Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery in Pawnee, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Mark Acebedo, Gary Acebedo, Jonathan Acebedo, P.J. Sanchez, Christopher Acebedo, and Anthony Acebedo.

Larry James Williams, born on January 18, 1953 in Sandia, TX to Lonnie Noble Williams and Ruie Wright Williams passed away on December 21, 2021 at the age of 68 at his residence in Runge, TX. Mr. Williams was a U.S. Marine veteran  is survived by his son: Larry Christoper (JoAnn) Williams of Kenedy, TX, Amanda Williams of San Antonio, TX and Crystal Rose Williams of Runge, TX; 12 grandchildren; two brothers and other relatives. Mr. Williams was laid to rest on Wednesday, December 29,2021 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with U.S. Marine Honors. Flowers and Funeral Donations welcome.

Rachel Ann Carrillo Vera of Pettus, Texas was born on October 13, 1963 in San Antonio, Texas to Domingo Carrillo and Esperanza De Los Santos Moreno passed away on December 17, 2021 in Beeville, TX at the age of 58. Rachel is preceded in death by her beloved mother, Esperanza De Los Santos Moreno, stepdad Paul Moreno and an infant son, Luis 30-06 “Bullet” Vera.  She is survived by her loving husband of 29 years who she married on Feb. 14, 1992: Luis Carlos Vera. She is also survived by her beautiful daughters: Jordan Hope Vera of Austin, TX, Sabrina Doe Vera of Pettus, TX, Ruby Red Vera of Pettus, TX, Erika Marie Vera of Alice, TX and Crystal Castillo of Alice, Texas; grandchildren: Elizabeth Grace Vera, Ariana Martinez, Pedro Martinez Jr. , Araceli Martinez, Gabriella Castillo, Daniella Castillo, and Raul Castillo Jr.; sisters: Abigail (Davis) Brown of Pawnee, TX and Deborah (Woodie) Carrillo Spivey of Boerne, TX; brothers: Joe Lee (Betty Jo) Carrillo of Tuleta, TX, J.D. (Annie) Carrillo of Pettus, TX, Steven Govea of Corpus Christi, TX, Marco (Jenny) Govea of McAllen, Joel (Analee) Govea of Kingsville, TX; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 from 4:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel with a Prayer Service beginning at 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel with Pastor Robert Charles officiating. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at 10:00a.m. at Heavenly Gates Family Worship Center, 722 W. Refugio St, Runge, TX with Pastor Robert Charles officiating. Interment to follow in Runge Cemetery. Pallbearers: Matthew Carrillo, Austin Carrillo, Clay Brown, John Jacob Carrillo, Ethan Govea, Mikel “T” Spivey, Jarran Carrillo and Pedro Martinez Jr. Flowers and Funeral Donations welcome.

PER FAMILY REQUEST- PLEASE WEAR YOUR FACE MASK INTO CHAPEL FOR WEDNESDAY VISITATION AND WEDNESDAY PRAYER SERVICE!

James R. Choate of Kenedy, Texas was born on October 5, 1946 in San Antonio, Texas to Brady Earl Choate and Doris Mae Jones Choate passed away at his residence on December 17, 2021 at the age of 75. Jimmy is survived by his wife of 54 years: Ellen Choate of Kenedy, TX; his daughters: Dorothy (David) Wood, Thomaston, TX and Donna (Robert) Mae Busselman of Kenedy, TX; five grandchildren: D.J. , Ashley, Cristi, Mariah, Madison aka Duck; five great grandchildren: Cole, Lily, Macie, Raelynn and Avery; like a brother: Robert (Thelma) James Marichalar; and other relatives and friends.  A Memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 19,2021 at 1:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel with daughter: Donna M. Busselman to lead in his celebration of life. (Services to conclude in chapel). Reception following at daughter’s residence. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Jesus J. Rios Age, 79 of Charco, TX passed away on December 6, 2021 in Victoria, TX surrounded by his loving family.  Jesus was born on June 18, 1942 in Runge, TX to the late Fernando and Vicenta De Los Santos Rios.  He married Francisca Rico on September 19, 1960 in Runge, TX, retired as an Oilfield Foreman, was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend to many and of the Catholic Faith.  He is preceded in death by his parents Fernando and Vicenta De Los Santos Rios; sister, Veronica Skelton; brothers, Roberto Rios, Salvador Rios and Eduardo Rios. He is survived by his loving wife Francisca Rico Rios of Charco; daughters, Maria Salazar and husband John of Goliad, Priscilla Rios of Victoria; sons, Jesse Rios and wife Carolyn of Runge, Daniel Rios of Houston; sisters, Delfina Vasquez of Natalia, Elena Rios of San Antonio, Leticia LaSoya of San Antonio; brothers, Fernando Rios of Runge, Heriberto Rios of Amarillo, 5 grandchildren, 3 Great-Grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

A Holy Rosary will be recited by the Rev. Norbert Hermann Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 9:30 AM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Runge, TX.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Runge, TX with the Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating.  Interment will follow in the Runge Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers: John Salazar, Chase Cisneros, Jesse Rios, Eric Gaona, Ben Garcia, and Mario Garza.

Honorary Pallbearers: Beaux Veridine, Easton Gaona and Bobby Hernandez.

Leonel “Leo” Valerio, Age 71 of Kenedy, TX passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, December 2, 2021.  Leo was born on August 30, 1950 in Robstown, TX to the late Jesus and Anita Verdin Valerio.  He married Enedelia Garcia on March 24, 1973 in Dallas, TX, retired from Central Power and Light and his later years in life worked at Kenedy Regional Airport and was of the Christian Faith.  Leo is preceded in death by his parents Jesus and Anita Verdin Valerio.  Leo is survived by his loving wife Enedelia Garcia Valerio of Kenedy; daughters, Pauline Olivia Valerio-Torres and husband Jose of Kenedy, Linda Valerio Means and husband Chris of Lewisville; grandchildren, Brenna Escamilla, Hannah Escamilla, Jaren Escamilla, Leonel Escamilla, Caitriona Means, Scotaidh Means; sister, Maria Nunez and husband Ruben of San Diego; brothers, Alfredo Valerio of La Rosita Ranch, Arturo Valerio and wife Anna of San Diego; beloved friends Isaiah Barreintez, Nicole Shortsleeve and a host of family and friends.  Family Visitation will be held Friday, December 10, 2021 from 5PM to 7PM with a Prayer Service starting at 7PM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Services will be Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 11AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Pastor Alejandro Serna officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Kenedy, TX.  Serving as Pallbearers will be Jose Torres, Chris Means, Isaiah Barrientez, Johnny Escamilla, Enrique Garcia, Alberto Martinez, Roel Nunez, Ruben Nunez.

Donations may be made to Eckols Funeral Home, Inc. or the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Organization.