Dolly Kowalik Street, 85, of Kenedy, passed away on July 7, 2019. She was born at the family home in Hobson, TX on July 11, 1934, to the late Lucy Bordovsky Kowalik and the late E.V. Kowalik. She was the eldest of their seven children. On July 13, 1934, she was baptized at St. Boniface Church in Hobson, and christened Agnes Lucy. A cousin called her “Dolly”, and that was her preferred name throughout her life.  A 1955 graduate of Incarnate Word College, she was an educator for 46 years. She began her career at Northeast High School in San Antonio in January 1955. She also taught in Kenedy and Refugio, TX; South Miami, Naranja, and Homestead, FL; and Grand Forks, ND. Her last 32 years as an educator were spent as a teacher of special needs students at Kenedy Elementary School.  She and George Street were married on February 18, 1961 in Kenedy. He passed away October 25, 2005. She was also preceded in death by brothers Robert and Tommy. She is survived by her daughters Sheri (Jamie) Rhodes and Teri McLucas of Austin; grandchildren Dusty and Susan Rhodes, and Christian McLucas of Austin; sisters Sarah Buehring of Hobson, Rosemary (Clyde) Burkett of Hobson, and Julia (Ralph) Donaho of Riviera; brother George (Betty) Kowalik of Panna Maria; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her canine companion Peaches.  Memorial Services will be held Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 10AM at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Karnes County Humane Organization.

Manuella (Mamie) Beltran Garza, age 70, of Kenedy,TX passed away on July 4, 2019, in San Antonio,Texas. Mamie is preceded in death by her husband: Raul C. Garza, her Mother and Father: Guadalupe Pena Beltran and Manuel Beltran, brothers: Mike Pena and Richard Rodriguez, brother-in-law :Cruz Perales and sister-in-law: Dominga Pena. She is survived by her siblings: Trine Perales, Emma Cruz, Rudolfo Beltran (Julia), Esperanza Garcia, Gloria Ortiz, Mary Ann Cruz-Solis (Danny), Cynthia Rodriguez and Jessie Beltran(Angie). Mamie is also survived by Sara Mueller Figg,  who is a very dear and special young lady that was like a daughter to Mamie.  Viewing will begin at 3:00p.m. on Sunday, July 7, with a Rosary service at 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Mass will take place at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church on Monday, July 8,2019  at 10:00a.m. Pallbearers will be her nephews. Burial services will be at a later date. Mamie was a retired healthcare provider where she met many friends. She  was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Guadalupana Ministry serving her community and her parish. She loved to entertain her many nieces and nephews. Mamie loved everyone she met. She will be greatly missed by all. Memorial donations may be made to: https://team.kidney.org/campaign/In-Loving-Memory-of-Mamie-B-Garza.

Joseph Cleveland Foster II (Fritz) was born on October 5, 1925 in Pawnee, Texas to Joseph Cleveland Foster, Sr. and Rutilla Franklin Foster. His mother died in 1929 and the family soon moved to Kenedy.  Fritz graduated from Kenedy High School in 1947 after serving in the Merchant Marines during WWII.  In addition to farming and ranching, he was a well known merchant operating Foster Feed & Seed Co.  Fritz was a member of the First Baptist Church in Kenedy and also a member of the Masonic Lodge.  Fritz is preceded in death by his first wife, Jackie Timm Foster and his second wife Jamie Falvella Foster Smith; sisters Viola Fuqua and Mary Wheeler and a brother AT Foster. He is survived by daughter Kathleen Foster, and sons; Joseph C. Foster, III (Kay), Jeff Foster, and James Foster (Janet); and grandchildren, Jackie Foster, Preslie Foster, and Gunnar Janak; and great grandchild Finley Janak; sisters Manda B Reid and Arleene Ponton (Cliff).  A special thanks to Kim Davis of Spring, Texas for her love and support. A viewing will be held July 2 from 5:00 to 7:00 at Eckols. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at First Baptist Church in Kenedy, Texas with Richard Robinson officiating. Interment will follow at the Kenedy Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Andrew Reid, Scott Ponton, Joel Ponton, Mike Newberry, Shelby Dupnik and Kody Kanak.

Gregorio P. Cortez, of Kenedy, TX born on July 30, 1949 in Kenedy, TX to the late Victor Cortez Sr. and Juaquina Penilla Cortez passed away on June 25, 2019 at the age of 69. Gregorio is preceded in death by his siblings: Juan Cortez, Benny Cortez, Linda Rosales and Irma Chesser.  He is survived by his former spouse, Rosie Venecia, of Kenedy, TX; daughter, Nina( Joe)Escandon, of Kenedy, TX; son, Aaron(Bonnie) Cortez; grandchildren: Joe (Briana) Escandon III, of Kenedy, TX; Amanda (Charlie) Lobner, of Kenedy, TX, Maddie Cortez, Brandon Cortez, Vincent Cortez; great grandchildren: Isla Escandon and Scout and Blake  Lobner; sisters:  Sandra (Jimmy) Loya, of Karnes City, TX , Argentina Villarreal; brothers: Florentino (Gay) Cortez, of Pawnee, TX and Victor (Sarah) Cortez, Jr. of Karnes City, TX; special niece: Michelle Cortez ; nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 27, 2019 from 9:00a.m. to 9:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel with a Prayer Service to be recited at 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Services to conclude in chapel.

Larry Ray Barnes, Sr. of Kenedy,TX born on July 22, 1945 in Rio Grande City, TX to the late Thomas Alfred Barnes and Ruby Lee Vaughn Barnes Schultz passed away on June 23, 2019 at the age of 73. Mr. Barnes is preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Henry J. Schultz; his brothers: James Thomas Barnes Sr., Eddie Barnes Sr., Lloyd Barnes, Rodney Gill and baby sister, Katherine Schultz. Survivors include: daughters, Deborah (Clayton) Kay Broadway, of Seguin,TX, Christine Fay Sponable, of New Braunfels,TX; sons, Larry Ray Barnes Jr., of Seguin,TX;11 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; sisters: Cheryl Lynn Schultz, of Kenedy,TX and Lisa Marie (John) Fisher, of San Antonio,TX; brothers: Charles Alynn Shultz, of Berclaire, TX and Johnny (Saundra) Schultz, of Kenedy,TX; nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 28, 2019 from 4:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral Services Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 10:00a.m. at Eckols Chapel with interment following in Kenedy Cemetery. Pallbearers: James “BooBoo” Barnes, Michael “Mike” Barnes, Edward “Lil Eddie”Barnes Jr., John Thomas Barnes, Tony O’Brien,  Kevin Gustafson, Thomas Barnes, Bradley Johnson, Willie Desmond.  Honorary Pallbearers: Jay Schultz and Thomas Barnes.

Richard Allen Lucas, of Runge, TX born on December 6, 1954 in Ardmore, Ok to Raymond Martin Lucas and Anna Faye Griffith Lucas passed away on June 24, 2019 at the age of 64. Mr. Lucas was retired after 30 years of service with Conoco Phillips as a Production Supervisor. Mr. Lucas is preceded in death by his father: Raymond Martin Lucas and brothers: David and Eddie Lucas. He is survived by his wife of 43 years: Deborah “Elaine” Barnes Lucas; his mother, Faye Lucas, of Ardmore, OK; his daughter, Lori (Gabriel) Mendoza of Sutherland Springs,TX; sons, Randy (Stacey) Lucas, of Austin, TX; grandchildren: Kique Mendoza, Victoria Mendoza, Molly Matthew, Callie, and  Owen; brothers: Bob (Vera) Lucas, Fox, OK, Marty Lucas, Ardmore, OK, Jeff Lucas, Ardmore, OK; several numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Visitation Wednesday, June 26, 2019 from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Graveside service Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 11:00a.m. at Sutherland Springs Cemetery, Sutherland Springs,TX. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

Joyce Thigpen Smolik, of Kenedy, Texas passed away on June 21, 2019 at the age of 90 years and 7 months. Joyce was born on November 1, 1928 in Kenedy,Texas to the late parents, Leo K. Thigpen and Ivy Boultinghouse Thigpen. Joyce graduated from Kenedy High School in 1946 and subsequently attended the The University of Texas at Austin. She married Erwin John Smolik Sr. on September 30, 1948 at St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Karnes City,Texas.  Joyce and John resided in Karnes City for the next 46 years, where they raised their 6 children, moving to Kenedy, Texas in 1994 and remained active members of St. Cornelius Catholic Church. Joyce and John owned and operated Smolik’s City Market and Smolik’s Processing Plant in Kenedy for over 50 years. Joyce’s first 25 years of marriage were devoted to raising her six children then later worked along side her husband at both businesses until they retired. Joyce enjoyed gardening and always took pride in caring for her yard. She loved cooking and conversation, readily sharing her meals and opinions with family and friends. There was always room at her table for last minute guests… It would be difficult to count the “extra plates” set over the past 60 years or assess the impact of those engaging conversations that ensued… “Mom’s quick wit and not so subtle sarcasm will be truly be missed by all who knew and loved her”. Joyce is preceded in death by her husband of 62 1/2 years, Erwin John Smolik Sr., May 21, 2011 and her brother Jack Thigpen. Survivors include her daughters: Jan Smolik Millington and husband Nicholas of Karnes City,TX, Jamie Smolik McPhail and husband Jory of Dallas,TX: sons: Dr. John Smolik, Jr. of Austin, TX, Jerry Smolik and wife Pat of Rockport, TX, Jim Smolik and wife Debbie of Austin, TX and Jeff Smolik of Kenedy. Grandchildren: John Ross Smolik and wife Michelle, Dr. Kristen Smolik Denten and husband Sam, Kara Smolik Murrell and husband Mark, Dr. Jeremy Smolik and wife Analese, Jake Smolik and wife Allison, Chelsea Smolik Herr and husband Mitch, Kelly Smolik Contreras and husband Mark, Erica Smolik Wilson and husband Andrew, Brittany Smolik Brettschnieder and husband Josh, Tiffany Smolik Greene and husband Brandon, Dr. Ryan Millington and wife Riana, Patrick Millington and wife Bethany, Caitlyn Millington Kirk and husband Matthew, Taylor Millington, Joshua Smolik and wife Cassie, Lindsey Smolik, Corey Smolik, Lauren McPhail, Alyssa McPhail; 28 great grandchildren and more on the way. Special thanks to Joyce’s caregivers who provided her with generous compassion and care: Susie Adame, Janie Altamirano, Janie Perez, Gloria Puente, and Irma Reyes. A Rosary will be recited Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 11:00a.m. at St. Cornelius Catholic Church with Funeral Mass following at 11:30a.m. at St. Cornelius Catholic Church, Karnes City,TX. Interment to follow in Kenedy Cemetery, Kenedy,TX. Serving as pallbearers will be her grandsons: John Ross Smolik, Dr. Jeremy Smolik, Jake Smolik, Dr. Ryan Millington, Patrick Millington, Taylor Millington, Joshua Smolik, Corey Smolik. Memorial contributions may be made of the donor’s choice.

Gregorio “Goyo” Rodriguez, of Kenedy, Texas born February 9, 1937 in Karnes City, TX passed away on June 17, 2019 at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife: Carmelita Guevara of Kenedy,TX; daughters: Miranda (Jose) Rodriguez Solano, of Conroe, TX and Maria Rodriguez Burrow, of Katy,TX; sons, Nick Casarez, of Three Rivers, TX, Gregory Rodriguez, Junction City, KIS, Billy Joe (Hope) Guevara, of Beeville,TX; 17 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; sisters: Sara Zuniga, of Houston,TX and Angie Gonzalez, of Frostproof, FL; brothers: Paul (Rosa) Rodriguez and Ray Rodriguez of Kenedy,TX; Manuel Rodriguez, of Austin,TX and Melicio (Connie) Rodriguez, of Seguin,TX; nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Visitation Friday, June 21, 2019 from 1:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. with a Song Service at 6:30p.m. and a Prayer Service at 7:00p.m. at Eckols Chapel. Funeral Service Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 11:00a.m.at Eckols Chapel with interment in Loma Alta Cemetery. Pallbearers: Billy Joe Guevara, Nick Casarez Mike Burtchell, Paul Rodriguez, Michael Casarez, Robert Rodriguez, Paul Anthony Rodriguez and Aaron Casarez.

Vicente Rico, of Kenedy, TX passed away at his residence on Sunday, June 9, 2019 surrounded by family. Vicente was born on April 5, 1953 in Runge, TX to the late Epimenio and Catarina Serrata Rico. He married Lupe Garza on September 11, 1977 who precedes him in death. Vicente was retired from Kenedy Independent School District, a devout member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, a loving husband, brother, uncle and friend to many. Vicente is preceded in death by his wife Lupe Garza Rico; parents, Epimenio and Catarina Serrata Rico and a brother Juan Rico. Vicente is survived by his sisters: Frances (Jesus) Rico of Charco, Maria Rico of Runge, Rosa (Felix) Navarro of La Pryor; brother, Ricardo ( Hazel) Rico of Greeley, CO and numerous nieces and nephews. A Rosary will be recited Thursday, June 13, 2019 at 7:00p.m. in Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, June 14, 2019 at 10:00a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Norbert Hermann officiating. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers are Andrew Rico, Jesse Rios, Jr., Gilbert  Ventura, Steven Martinez Sr., Steven G. Martinez, Jr., Robert C. Llanas and Honorary Pallbearer: Andrew Rico Jr.

Beryl Ann Chace Keister was born on January 7, 1946 and died on June 3, 2019 at the age of 73. She was adopted as an infant by Wesley and Jessie Chace of Kenedy. She was a 1964 graduate of Kenedy High School and later worked as an LVN at the Kenedy Hospital operated by Dr. Quillan and Dr. Mills. in 1969, she met and married Dale Keister a chemical engineer, who was transferred by General Mills from Kankakee, Illinois to the Kenedy Plant. They had a son, Ross. Beryl retired from nursing to be a helpmate to her husband and to raise her son. She was a long-time member of the Order of the Eastern Satr and is a Past Worthy Matron of the Kenedy Chapter. She enjoyed reading, the beach, and collecting cook books and any clothing or furnishing with Coca Cola, Chicago Clubs, or San Antonio Spurs logos. Since Dale retired from Hercules Inc. in 1994, the family has enjoyed being winter Texans, spending winters in Kenedy and summers at Keister family cabin in the Town of Round Lake, Sawyer County Wisconsin. Beryl was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Bonita Neugent. She is survived by her husband Dale; son Ross, a nephew: Dr. Scott Harford of Alma Arkansas, and a niece, Roxy Harford of Barling, Arkansas.