Henry “Buddy” Malcolm Smith of Kenedy, Texas was born on October 21, 1944 in Beaumont Texas to Henry Mathis Smith and Florence Noel  Huckman Smith passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at his residence. Buddy is preceded in death by his former spouse Connie Merle in 2019. He is survived by his daughter Kim (Chad) Grigg of Robstown, TX; his son Lorne Keith Smith of Houston, TX; 3 grandchildren: Kevin Ray Smith, Kaitlyn Rose Grigg, Kelsi Loren Smith; sister: Jo Lynn Swint of Kenedy, TX; nephews: Mitch Odom and Mark Odom; his companion: Linda K. Yanta of Kenedy, TX and his dog Bullet. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 10:00a.m. (one hour prior) to Graveside services beginning at 11:00a.m. at Kenedy Cemetery. Interment in the Kenedy Cemetery, Kenedy, Texas.

Saturday, January 23, 2021, Jocie Marie McClane of La Vernia, Texas, entered Heaven peacefully.  Marie was the fourth child of Sykes and Eugenia McClane.  Her life in Karnes City began on August 2, 1941 with an older brother, James, and two older sisters, Margaret (Dyreson) and Dorothy (Pogue).  Marie started taking piano lessons from the local teacher, Miss Cope, and soon learned this was her passion.  Marie graduated Karnes City High School in 1959 and entered Trinity University in San Antonio.  Upon college graduation, she moved to California for further training influenced by the Juilliard School of Music.  Her passion for performing bloomed into the desire to teach others and her journey carried her to Arizona then later back to Texas where she taught in several communities.  She then settled in San Antonio where she taught piano to children and adults that were visually impaired.  Towards the end of her career, she moved back to Karnes County and continued with private lessons.  To those that had the privilege of watching her play, it was always a moving experience.Marie also loved animals, especially cats and they were with her through her journey.  Marie is survived by her sister, Dorothy McClane Pogue, sister-in-law, Mrs. James (Peggy) McClane, and numerous Dyreson, Ellis, McClane, Pogue, Vaughn, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, students and friends.  Memorials may be sent to Karnes County Humane Society, Kenedy, Texas 78119.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, January 29, 2021 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jim Pogue officiating.

Cynthia “Cindy” Ann Harris Johnson, born on Sept. 5, 1958, in the Waller County Hospital in Hempstead, Texas passed away January 26, 2021. She is survived by the love of her life, husband, Larry Gaylord Johnson, daughter, Sharon Caye Doring (Nathan) – (Emma, Braden, Brooklyn and Katie), sons, Richard Paul Meier and Roger John Meier, Bobby Johnson (Jennifer) – (Vivian and Olivia) Troy Johnson, – (Carson), sister, Juli Hinze (Gary) – (Joshua), brothers, David Harris and Royger Harris (Megan) –(Ransom, Kolton, Weston, and Rayelynn).  She is proceeded in death by her parents, Ray and Nancy Harris, and her nieces, Jennifer Lynn Hinze and Maddison Lewellen Harris. Cindy loved life and was very outgoing, energetic, and loving. Her family and friends were most important to her without a doubt. Seeing her grandchildren was the highlight of her life. Anytime you would see Cindy she would always greet you with a smile and huge hug. This is what made her happy! Her goal was to see everyone in her life happy. What a meeting in Heaven must be going on with all the hugs she is receiving from her Lord Jesus Christ and all her loved ones, this is far beyond measure.  We will see you again!  WE LOVE YOU. WE “MEAN IT”! Graveside services will be held On Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021 at Elim Lutheran Church Cemetery located off County Road 181 west of Kenedy, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 32 Kenedy, TX 78119.

Isabel Estrada, Age 98 of Kenedy, TX passed away on January 26, 2021 in Karnes City, TX.  Isabel was born on December 2, 1922 in Goliad, TX to the late Santiago and Maria Segura Estrada.  Isabel was a retired house keeper, loving sister, aunt who loved to spoil her nieces and nephews, friend to many and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church.   She is preceded in death by her parents Santiago and Maria Estrada, sisters, Louisa Granado, Dominga Ruiz, Simona Estrada; brothers, Elberto Estrada, Juan S. Estrada, Sr. and a niece Gloria May.  She is survived by her sister, Dora Estrada of Kenedy, TX and numerous nieces and nephews.  A Holy Rosary will be recited Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 7P.M. in the Eckols Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, January 29, 2021 at 1PM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with the Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating.  Interment will follow in the Loma Alta Cemetery.

Amelia “Emily” D. Contreras, of Kenedy, Texas was born on August 2, 1930 in Kenedy, Texas to Zacharias Diaz and Celestina Vela Diaz passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at the age of 90. Emily was a Food Service Supervisor for Otto Kaiser Hospital.  She is survived by her children: Elva R. Gonzales of Runge, TX, Hector (Lisa) Ramirez Jr. of Chino, CA, Frank (Irene) Contreras of Runge, TX, Cynthia (Andres) Rodriquez of Pettus, TX, David Contreras of Pettus, TX; sisters-in-law: Olivia Diaz and Anita Diaz; 12 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and her pet Chloe. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 1, 2021 from 5:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral services to be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 10:00a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating. Interment in Loma Alta Cemetery. Pallbearers: Hector Ramirez III, Robert Micah Ramirez, Tyler Kelly, David Ray Espinoza, Ryan Mottu, Isiah Mottu, and Chris Pereza.

Wilma “Sis” G. Regmund, of Kenedy, Texas born on January 19, 1932 in Kenedy, Texas to John Robert Green and Christine Gully Green passed away on January 28, 2021 at the age of 89. Being the oldest of 5 she soon earned her nickname of Sis which until she died was what most people knew her by. She learned how to work hard early having to milk cows with her sisters before school everyday. When she graduated from Kenedy High School in 1949, she went straight to work at the local International dealership. She did bookkeeping and worked in the parts department. She soon became the parts department manager and all the local farmers soon depended on her to get the parts they needed. She married Raymond Regmund on Dec. 9,1966. They spent time between farming in Corpus and ranching in Kenedy until they settled on the ranch in Kenedy. They had two daughters, Rayanne and Raellen. In the 80’s, she went to work for the Karnes -Goliad Soil and Water Conservation District as a secretary bookkeeper plus 3 watershed districts. She worked there until the age of 79 when she decided it was time to retire. Sis loved gardening, birds, antiquing, and genealogy. She traced her family back to the American Revolution. She had been a member of the Karnes City Garden Club, and was still a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. She drug the girls to many nurseries, antique stores, fabric stores, and cemeteries but they now appreciate all she taught them. She was an expert seamstress, and could do any type of needle work from crochet to embroidery to knitting. She was definitely a well rounded Texas woman. She taught her granddaughter Elizabeth to knit, and helped her grandson Chance trap and kill all types of varmints in her yard. The library was a frequent stop for her because she read and learned constantly. She loved mysteries and westerns but also read non-fiction such as gardening and anything else she wanted to learn about. She was definitely a people person and would strike up a conversation with anyone she met whether it be in the grocery store or waiting for her oil to be changed. She was greatly loved and will definitely be missed. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Raymond in October of 2004, her sisters Hattie Mae “Dutch” Ables and Bessie Lee “Bebe” Kriegel, and brother  John Robert “Bud” Green Jr.. She is survived by her daughters: Rayanne Chesser and fiancé Jason Nerada of Kenedy,TX, Raellen (Edmond) Mattingly of Dilley,TX; favorite granddaughter: Elizabeth Mattingly of Dilley,TX, favorite grandson: Chance Chesser; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2021 from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 1, 2021 at 10:00a.m. at Eckols Chapel. Interment to follow in Karnes County Memorial Park. Pallbearers to be her nephews.  Memorials may be made to any Veterans Organization or the Salvation Army.

Charles went to be with the Lord January 13, 2021 at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, TX after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Pineville, LA to Tima and Emeric Norman he was the youngest child in his family. Both parents died when he was still relatively young and he was placed in an orphanage. Charles’ older brother, who was in the military at the time of his parents death, moved back to Pineville as soon as his service was ended and took Charles into his home and cared for him. When of age, Charles joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country for 30 years. Stationed in Beeville, Charles met the love off his life and married Doreen Copeland on August 24, 1968. They were married for 40 years. During Charles tour of duty they made stops in Germany and Japan before retiring in Kenedy, TX.

An active member of he local V.F. W. and Masonic Lodge 744 A.F.&A.M. Charles enjoyed volunteering and made many friendships along the way.

Charles will be remembered as a kind, strong, man of character that loved his neighbor and his Lord. he is survived by granddaughters Aleine (John) Theis and their three children Casey Griffin, Kelly Griffin, Joe Theis and seven grandchildren, Kathy Mullinax and her two daughters Jennifer Fuini, Stephanie Mullinax and four grandchildren. Niece Donna Baum, and nephew Rich Dupree and family who reside in Pineville, LA.

Charles loved being a Catholic and never missed a chance to attend church. We were always humbled by his donations in our names for prayer concerns. We know that Charles is happy and believe him to be in  heaven surrounded by those who went before him.

He will be greatly missed by his great friend Maynette Anderson, his family and his many Kenedy friends.

Graveside services were held at the Kenedy Cemetery on Monday, January 18, 2021 at 1:oop.m. with Rev. Norbert Hermann of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church where he was laid to rest beside his beloved Doreen.

Special thanks to Gary Deskin of the Kenedy V.F.W., Joe Avalos of the Kenedy Mason Lodge and the Karnes County Honor Guard.

Sandra Ann Braun of San Marcos, Texas  was born on November 25, 1943 in Houma, Louisiana to George Ward and Josephine Harmon Ward. Sandra  passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at the age of 77.

Sandra grew up in Beeville, TX and attended Southwest Texas University. She met her husband Jim, they married and had two sons. Jim and Sandra owned the Dobie Funeral Home in Mathis, Texas and in later years worked as a secretary at Southwest University (Texas State University).

Sandra was a wonderful mother and homemaker. She welcomed everyone and always took care of others. She enjoyed church, family, friends and football very much. She was a great cook, always making us something for all of the kids to eat, her fried chicken was amazing! She loved playing card games, shopping, manicures and pedicures. She always dressed to perfection. She was loved by family and friends and will be dearly missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, James “Jim” Allen Braun, her sister, Carolyn Viola and her niece: Amy Viola Enters.

She is survived by her sons: Richard Braun and wife Mary of San Marcos,TX and Jason Braun also of San Marcos, TX; her three grandchildren: Hunter Braun and wife Brook ,Casey Aguilar and husband husband Bryan, and Kennedy Braun; six great grandchildren: Lainey, Hudson, Olivia, Amber, Abel, and Norah; brother-in-law: J.R. Viola; nieces: Polly Viola Wilkins and Kari Viola Stadler; nephew: Michael Viola  and many  other relatives.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 from 10:00a.m. to 12:30p.m. at Eckols Chapel  with Graveside services beginning at 1:00p.m. at Kenedy Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Cibo Braun, Hunter Braun, Cib Braun, Bucky Braun, Brady Braun and Blake Braun.

The Braun family would like to thank the Sundance Inn Health Center staff of New Braunfels, TX, Resolute Health Hospital Staff of New Braunfels, TX and Hope Hospice for all they did for Sandra.

Paula Marie Martinez, 45, unexpectedly passed away on December 29, 2020 in Victoria, Texas. She was born on June 12, 1975 in Kingsville, Texas. Those who knew Paula lost a shining light in their lives. The hole left by her absence is impossible to fill. She was a selfless, caring and loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her husband Alfred and children were her world. Everything she did, she did for them. Family came first and was above all else to Paula, a value she instilled in all those around her. Paula was in the banking industry for over 15 years and met so many incredible people who’s lives she touched. Making friends came so easily to her that she never met a stranger. Her laughter and smile will forever be engraved in our hearts. She is preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents and aunt: Elvia Vasquez. Survivors include her husband of 10 years: Alfred Martinez of Kenedy,TX; her mother: Gloria Reyes Cavazos; father: Pedro Cavazos; daughters: Samantha Martinez of Huntsville, TX, Kailee Martinez of Kenedy, TX, Amy Martinez, of Houston, TX, and Alyssa Martinez of Kenedy, TX; sons: Ryker Martinez of Kenedy, TX, Alfred Lee Martinez of Corpus Christi, TX, John Eric Martinez of Houston,TX, and Eugene Martinez of Kenedy,TX; sister: Clarissa Cavazos of Corpus Christi, TX; brother: Orlando Reyes of Lubbock, TX; niece: Haley Reyes and other relatives. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 16th, 2021 from 1:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. A Rosary will be recited Saturday, January 16th, 2021 at 2:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel with Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating.  Services to conclude at Eckols Chapel. Paula will be taken to her hometown for a Rosary/ Funeral Services on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 10:30a.m./11:00a.m. at the St. Gertrude Parish, 1120 S. 8th St. Kingsville, TX 78363 with interment to follow in the Chamberlain Cemetery in Kingsville, Texas.

Maria Trinidad (Trini) Collins, age 82 of Kenedy, Texas, passed away on Friday, January 8, 2021, in San Antonio, Texas. Maria was born on July 19, 1938, in Kenedy, Texas to the late Celso Alvear and Eloisa Acosta Alvear. Maria was the oldest of 18 children. Her father passed away at an early age, which caused Maria to step in and assist her mother in raising her siblings. She learned to hunt, farm, sew, cook, and be a caretaker from a young age. She was resilient and had plenty of stories and wisdom to share. On July 23, 1974, Maria married the love of her life, Lewis Gyles Collins, in Kenedy, Texas. She was a faithful and devout member of First Baptist Church, Kenedy for many years. Maria loved Jesus and lived that love out loud. She volunteered as Sunday School teacher, Mission Friends teacher, youth group helper, and made many meals for Wednesday night fellowships. She would start her day sharing a cup of coffee and devotional time with her husband. She was a hard-working, smart, active, funny, and loving wife, mother, and friend. Maria cherished her children and her grandchildren, and received great joy from feeding people. If you ever visited the Collins’ household you knew there would always be room for you at their table and there was always plenty to go around. She and her husband were both amazing cooks, grew their own vegetables, and enjoyed traveling together. Maria valued the talents she learned at an early age and appreciated hard work. She never allowed her children to go without, even if it meant working multiple jobs and doing things by hand. She taught her children and grandchildren how to make homemade Playdough, arts & crafts, and would occasionally bring out her sewing machine to make a shirt for her daughters, or blankets for a grandchild, or any other project she was in the mood to accomplish. Maria loved reading novels, Readers Digest and National Geographic magazines. She also enjoyed tending to her cats, her plants, and taking care of others.

Maria is preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Gyles Collins; parents, Celso and Eloisa Acosta Alvear; sisters, Diana and Maria Elena; brothers, Lorenzo, Celso, Miguel, George, Alberto, and David; and grandsons, Guadalupe Rodriguez III and Thomas Ray (Tray) Vickery III.

Maria is survived by her daughters, Sally Dovalina of Gonzales, Rosemary Vickery and husband Tommy of Kenedy, Sarah Booker and husband Michael of Floresville; sons, Roger Dovalina and wife Belinda of Helotes, John Dovalina and wife Rachel of Austin; sisters, Mrs. Romeo Garcia (Eloisa) of San Antonio, Mrs. Edward Salazar (MaryAnn) of Victoria, Mrs. Randy Horn (Elvira) of Cushing, Alicia Palacios of San Antonio, Mrs. Santiago Cruz (Lydia) of Alvin, Susie Alvear of Oklahoma, and Maria Luisa Garza of Michigan; brothers, Soilo Alvear of League City, and Luis Alvear of Highlands; grandchildren, Victoria (Tory) Reyna, Erica Miranda, Mrs. Lillian (Lillie) Smith, Alyssa Miranda, Edward (Eddie) Dovalina, Laurel Vickery, Travis Vickery, Mia Dovalina, Nicholas Dovalina, Collin Booker, Deacon Booker, Elijah Booker; and great-grandchildren Giovanni Reyna, Vicente Reyna, Aribella Reyna, Manolo (Manny) Reyna, Katarina (Lola) Reyna, and Sophia Rodriguez.

Family Visitation will be Thursday, January 14, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 15, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Kenedy, with Pastor Matt Singleton officiating. Interment will follow at the Kenedy Cemetery, Kenedy, TX.

Serving as Pallbearers will be, Edward Dovalina, Travis Vickery, Nicholas Dovalina, Collin Booker, Hosea Smith, and Tony Cruz.

Honorary Pallbearers are Roger Dovalina, John Dovalina, Thomas Vickery II, Michael Booker, Giovanni Reyna, Vicente Reyna, Deacon Booker, Elijah Booker, and Raymond Martinez.

Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church Kenedy or the Alzheimer’s Association.